Cement production in Cambodia reached nearly 7 million tonnes in the first 10 months of 2024, reflecting a slight increase from the same period in 2023, alongside a modest decline in prices.

According to the Cambodia Cement Manufacturing Association (CCMA), the country produced 6.84 million tonnes of cement between January and October, representing an approximate 2% increase compared to the same period last year.

CCMA secretary-general Puth Chandarith shared with The Post on December 3 that the country currently operates five cement factories, with a sixth under construction in Kampong Speu province.

He noted that production has seen a slight uptick this year and added that output could grow significantly in 2025 if the construction sector experiences a resurgence.

Chandarith highlighted that domestically produced cement now dominates construction sites nationwide, a stark contrast to a decade ago when imports met most of the demand. 

“Currently, locally produced cement accounts for 80 to 90% of the annual domestic requirement. Production is expected to increase further next year,” he stated.

Tith Sambath, the owner of a residential construction site in Phnom Penh, noted that nearly 100% of the cement used in construction today is locally produced.

He added that in 2024, prices ranged from $90 to $100 per tonne, reflecting a $3-$5 decrease compared to 2023.

“Quality and pricing factors have led to increased demand for locally produced cement,” he explained.

He also pointed out that the country previously relied heavily on imports, with millions of tonnes of cement brought in annually from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and China.

Four of the country’s operational cement factories are located in Kampot province: Kampot Cement Co Ltd, with a production capacity of two million tonnes per year; Cambodia Cement Chakrey Ting Co Ltd, which produces 1.3 million tonnes; Chip Mong Insee Cement Corporation, with a capacity of two million tonnes; and Thai Bun Rong Cement, capable of producing one million tonnes annually. 

Additionally, Battambang Conch Cement, located in Battambang province, has a production capacity of nearly 2.1 million tonnes.

In late August, leadership from the Chinese company Jiangxi Provincial Building Material Group expressed interest in investing in a cement factory in Cambodia. This was conveyed by Chen Wensheng, the company's chairman, during a meeting with Chea Vuthy, secretary-general of the Council for the Development of Cambodia’s (CDC) Cambodia Investment Board (CIB). 

The meeting aimed to secure guidance and obtain essential information to aid the company in evaluating and making investment decisions.

Chen explained that the delegation’s visit was intended to help them better understand the investment climate and assess the feasibility of establishing a cement factory in the country.

Vuthy welcomed the proposed investment, highlighting its potential to support the country’s industrial and construction sector development. He also recommended that the company adopt advanced technologies and clean energy solutions to minimise environmental impact. 

Additionally, Vuthy assured the company of the CIB’s readiness to facilitate and support their direct investment in Cambodia.