Source: CemNet – 24 June 2025
The American Cement Association (ACA) has forecast a 1.6% decline in U.S. cement consumption for 2025, reflecting the continued pressure of high interest rates and trade uncertainties. While a formal recession is not anticipated, ACA’s Spring Forecast highlights a cautious construction sector navigating tighter financial conditions and shifting global dynamics.
According to ACA Market Intelligence analyst Trevor Storck, renewed trade negotiations—particularly recent momentum in U.S.–China talks—may help boost investor confidence and unlock postponed construction projects. However, the burden of sustained high borrowing costs continues to drag on new development.
The industry also closed 2024 with a 5.2% annual decline in cement consumption. The fourth quarter alone saw a 4.0% year-on-year drop. Segment-specific data reveals a mixed picture: while the ready-mix and precast sectors contracted sharply by 7.8% and 34.8%, respectively, the streets and highways segment bucked the trend with an 11.3% increase, likely supported by federal infrastructure funding.
Despite the short-term downturn, the long-term outlook remains bullish. The ACA projects that the U.S. will need approximately 1 million tonnes of cement by 2028 to support the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Inflation-adjusted investment in data center infrastructure has surged 850% over the past decade, underscoring cement’s critical role in digital expansion.
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