Breedon Group has renewed calls for government action to support domestic cement production through its Back British Cement campaign, warning that UK output has fallen to its lowest level since 1950
The company said imported cement now accounts for more than a third of UK sales, while domestic producers face comparatively high industrial electricity costs and carbon costs.
Breedon is calling for greater clarity on the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) ahead of its introduction in January 2027, continued alignment between UK and EU carbon pricing and the inclusion of cement in industrial electricity compensation schemes. It also wants cement and concrete recognised as strategic materials in government procurement and greater support for carbon capture and other decarbonisation technologies.
“Domestic cement producers should be allowed to compete fairly with overseas manufacturers, who do not face the same high energy prices and carbon taxes,” said Breedon CEO Rob Wood.
Breedon supplies around 2Mt of cement annually from its UK and Irish operations.
