National Cement Committee encourages Saudi firms to export to Syria

Badr Johar, Chairman of the Cement Companies National Committee

Badr Johar, Chairman of the Cement Companies National Committee, said Syria’s cement sector is facing a severe production shortage due to the shutdown and destruction of several factories.

This created a significant gap between supply and demand, which Saudi companies can fill, contributing to the growth of the Saudi cement sector, Johar told Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper, following Al Jouf Cement's one-year agreement to export cement and clinker to Syria for SAR 38 million.

Johar highlighted that Saudi and international efforts to rebuild Syria present an opportunity for Saudi cement companies to increase their production and exports to the Syrian market.

The committee is working to encourage companies like Al Jouf Cement and others to leverage from the great export opportunities in Syria, including clear plans to boost Saudi cement exports to Syria in coordination with governmental and private entities in both countries.

Regarding the Saudi cement sector's performance, Johar said Saudi Arabia ranks first in the Arab world and 10th globally in cement production, with 20 factories.

In 2023, local cement demand reached nearly 47.3 million tons, while Saudi exports of cement and clinker exceeded 8.48 million tons.

He emphasized that mega projects such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea are driving local demand for cement.

As for production expansion, Johar said it is not only about surplus production but also about strong demand in both local and neighboring markets.

This demand will push Saudi cement factories to adopt swift plans to expand and increase production lines to seize available opportunities, meet growing local needs, and venture into promising external markets.

The newspaper reported that companies and experts confirm a significant surplus in stock, with exports to Syria having no impact on meeting domestic demand, given the current production capacity of 80 million tons annually.