Last week, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport met with leading cement manufacturers to discuss recent production trends, price fluctuations, and strategies to expand capacity and restart idle production lines, according to a ministry statement.
The meeting formed part of the Ministry’s broader plan to strengthen Egypt’s cement sector, improve efficiency, and ensure stable supply to the local market.
Officials reviewed detailed data on production volumes, price movements, and the operational status of suspended plants, focusing on reactivation plans and solutions to existing challenges. Cement producers also continue to submit monthly reports to the General Authority for Industrial Development (IDA), outlining licensed capacities, actual output, and export levels.
The review revealed that several companies possess both the technical and operational ability to produce quantities beyond their currently licensed capacities. The IDA will therefore examine applications from these firms to expand their authorized limits, a step expected to maximize resource utilization, increase supply, and stabilize market prices.
As part of the October national celebrations, the Minister announced a temporary incentive — a discount on processing fees for companies adjusting their production capacity licenses, provided they commit to increasing output for the domestic market during October. He explained that this measure aligns with the government’s broader plan to regulate the market, stimulate industrial expansion, and enhance availability to help curb prices.
The Minister also reviewed the progress of idle plants, noting that some shutdowns were caused by shortages of spare parts, while others were undergoing renovation or efficiency upgrades. He emphasized that the Ministry is closely coordinating with factories to remove technical and administrative barriers and ensure a swift return to full operational capacity.
A key topic of the meeting was the adoption of alternative energy sources to cut production costs and support environmental sustainability. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the use of alternative fuels derived from agricultural and household waste, describing it as a sustainable solution that boosts competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Cement producers expressed strong interest in investing in this field, recognizing its potential to lower costs and improve the sector’s environmental footprint. The Minister directed that technical discussions be held among the relevant bodies — including the Egyptian Organization for Standards and Quality (EOS), the IDA, and energy experts — to assess suitable technologies and coordinate efforts to facilitate this transition.
A detailed report on existing waste recycling plants and alternative fuel production lines was also presented, alongside an assessment of each cement company’s specific needs to adopt these sustainable practices.
The Minister concluded by affirming that the government remains committed to supporting the cement industry’s modernization, ensuring price stability, and achieving a sustainable balance between supply and demand in Egypt’s growing construction sector.
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Photo source: https://enterprise.news/egypt/en
