In response to the Trump administration’s imposition of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Mike Ireland, president and CEO of the Portland Cement Association (PCA), released the following statement:
“The U.S. cement industry would like to work with the administration to address federal laws and regulations that prevent American cement companies from increasing production, making it necessary for the U.S. to import some 20% of its total cement consumption annually – including from Canada and Mexico.
“U.S. cement manufacturers, who provide the materials for America’s vast infrastructure and will have an essential role in helping to manifest the President’s vision of improved border and energy security, believe the right tax, regulatory and permitting environment will lead to more investments in US cement production.”
The association noted that Canada and Mexico account for 27% of U.S. cement imports and nearly 7% of U.S. cement consumption. In fact, the U.S. imported 5 million metric tons (MT) of cement from Canada and 2 MT from Mexico in 2023.
Texas and Arizona each represents roughly 30% of Mexican imports’ port of entry followed by California and Florida (20% each), reflecting 5% of cement consumption in these states.
Canadian imports enter through New York (28%), Washington (14%) and New England (11%) with the remaining 20% spread across Montana, North Dakota, and other Great Lakes states. Canadian imports may account for up to 36% of cement consumption in these combined states.
