Brazil's cement sales rise 3.7% in 2025 amid housing, infrastructure push

Brazil's cement industry closed 2025 with 67 million metric tons sold, a 3.7% increase over the previous year, according to the National Cement Industry Union, or SNIC.

SNIC attributed the increase to a favorable labor market, record employment, and rising wages, which supported cement demand throughout the year. However, the union highlights that economic challenges persisted, including slowing gross domestic product growth, high interest rates, and an increase in household debt and delinquency. These factors constrained credit and put pressure on family budgets, according to SNIC.

Housing construction was a major driver, with SNIC noting the strong performance of the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program launches grew 7.9% and sales rose 15.5% through September. Infrastructure investments, particularly in sanitation and road construction, also boosted cement consumption, with concrete pavement gaining ground as a durable and sustainable solution.

"The performance of Brazil's cement industry in 2025 was in line with SNIC's projections, supported by the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program and progress in infrastructure, which strengthened concrete pavement as a strategic and sustainable solution," said Paulo Camillo Penna, President of SNIC. "We also celebrate the success of our environmental agenda, with record co-processing and the launch of the Roadmap Net Zero during COP 30. We closed the year consolidating the recovery, but remain attentive to the economic scenario, especially the Selic rate and the impact of household debt on family income."

Looking ahead, SNIC forecasts moderate growth for 2026 amid ongoing economic uncertainties. The union highlights housing, transportation infrastructure, and sanitation as key drivers that can sustain demand, provided government programs are effectively implemented.