The World Cement Association (WCA) convened its Annual Conference from 19–22 April 2026 at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, bringing together global industry leaders under the theme “Shaping a Sustainable Future through Digitization, Innovation and Performance.”
Marking the Association’s 10th anniversary, in his keynote address, WCA President, Mr. Wei Rushan highlighted the mounting challenges facing the industry, including geopolitical instability, climate disruption, and intensifying technological competition.
Referencing the latest IMF outlook, he noted that global growth is expected to slow while inflationary pressures persist, underscoring the fragile macroeconomic environment in which the industry operates.
Shifting Industry Landscape
Mr. Wei emphasised that the global cement industry is undergoing a significant structural shift. While total production declined slightly in 2025 to 3.8 billion tons, international trade expanded, reflecting increasing globalization of supply chains. He pointed out that Asia, particularly China and India, continues to dominate the sector, with the centre of gravity firmly anchored in the Asia-Pacific region.
At the same time, persistent overcapacity remains a critical issue, with global capacity reaching 6.8 billion tons Mr. Wei urged industry players to remain disciplined and rational in the face of market volatility.
Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Addressing geopolitical developments, Mr. Wei noted that ongoing conflicts and subsequent reconstruction efforts, specifically in the Middle East, are expected to drive significant short-term demand for cement. However, he cautioned that such demand spikes are not reflective of long-term market fundamentals.
Industry Innovation
Reflecting the conference theme, a central focus of the address was the critical role of innovation, digitalization, and performance in shaping the future of the cement industry. Mr. Wei outlined six key pillars driving transformation:
- Development of low-carbon cement products
- Implications of carbon regulations
- Wider use of alternative fuels
- Deeper integration into the circular economy
- Adoption of digital and intelligent technologies
- Lightweighting of cement equipment
A Call for Collaboration and Long-Term Vision
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Wei called for greater global collaboration, openness, and resource integration to address shared challenges. He stressed the importance of aligning technological advancement with sustainability goals while fostering inclusive and cooperative growth across the industry.
“Tough times breed strength; strength creates stability; stability nurtures complacency; complacency returns to hard times…Our only choice is to face challenges head-on…march forward with resolved, passion, and the courage to innovate – to strive and thrive amid adversity,” he said.
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Below is the full list of Industry Link events in 2026:
Sustainability & ESG International Summit 2026
10–11 June, São Paulo, Brazil
Premier regional platform for Net Zero construction, circular economy, climate resilience, and ESG leadership.
Industry 5.0 Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
10–11 June, São Paulo, Brazil
Hosted at the same venue and dates as the Sustainability Summit — two events for one price, one ticket, full access.
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – Europe
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
A leading EMEA gathering on cementitious materials, market trends, regulatory updates, and regional opportunities.
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
Including Cementitious Europe – Congress
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
Global platform for Net Zero strategies, alternative fuels, raw materials, carbon capture, and emerging technologies.
Women in Cement and Construction International Congress 2026 – EMEA
30 October, Brussels, Belgium
A dedicated forum advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the cement and construction sectors.
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – MEA
8–9 December, Morocco
The premier MEA event for cementitious materials, innovation, and regional trade opportunities.
