2025, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake occurred in Mandalay, Myanmar, which not only caused huge casualties and property losses, but also brought a heavy blow to the cement industry in Myanmar. The quake damaged five of the country's nine cement plants, including four in Mandalay and one in Naypyidaw. The damaged cement plants are critical to Myanmar's construction industry and economic recovery. The impact
of the
earthquake on the cement industry After the earthquake, the price of cement has risen sharply, from more than 20,000 kyats per bag before the earthquake to 37,000 to 40,000 kyats (139 yuan per bag) now. At the same time, there is a shortage of cement supply in the market, and some brands are even out of stock. Nine cement plants in Myanmar before the earthquake reportedly produced more than 6.3 million tons of cement in February 2024, but production capacity dropped significantly after the earthquake.
Government's response The Ministry of Industry is supporting the recruitment of foreign experts and the importation of necessary equipment to repair damaged cement plants,
Myanmar's Minister of Industry, Dr Charlie Dan, said at a cement manufacturers' association coordination meeting on April 10. He stressed that as the earthquake had caused extensive damage to buildings in Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Sagaing districts, a large amount of cement was needed for reconstruction, so it was urgent to resume the operation of the cement plant.
In addition, in order to meet domestic demand and strengthen domestic production, the Myanmar government has allowed the import of cement. Ships carrying cement have continued to arrive in Yangon from the Kawthaung border trade port recently. For example, on the evening of 7 April, a ship carrying 1,500 tons of cement arrived at the Shwe Pyi Thar Shwe port of Mae in Yangon, and distribution began on 8 April.
Market reaction and future outlook
At present, Myanmar's annual cement demand is more than 10 million tons, while domestic production can only meet the demand of 8 million tons. Cement shortages and rising prices after the earthquake have already had an impact on the construction industry and ordinary consumers. Building materials stores in the market said that despite the high price, some cement brands are still out of stock.
In order to cope with this situation, the Myanmar government and related industries are actively seeking solutions. In addition to repairing damaged cement plants and importing cement, the government is considering further policy support to promote the rapid recovery and sustainable development of the cement industry.
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