Oil prices are expected to decline this year and next which will impact inflation, consumer spending, some regional economic performances, drilling activity, and oil-well cement consumption in the United States. Each of these factors impact the near-term outlook for the economy and cement consumption.

According to The Sullivan Report, of the total 5.3% drop in 2024 total cement and concrete consumption, retail construction accounted for nearly 1/4 of the decline. Tracking retail construction is critical to assessing the economic impact of the downturn in 2025 cement and concrete construction - and tracking the potential timing and recovery that may materialize in 2026.

With the passing of OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allocated $46.5 billion for “physical barriers” along the Mexican border including walls, fencing, pedestrian and vehicle barriers, security access roads, and surveillance equipment. As The Sullivan Report notes, one aspect of OBBBA is how the building of The Wall will have a positive impact on the 2025 - 2030 economic forecast for cement and concrete consumption.

Regardless of political preference or tariffs, shifting immigration policies stand to have a strong impact on the labor market conditions facing the construction industry as well as hospitality and agriculture. This can increase the shortage of construction workers, projects initiated, pricing, and market economics overall.

Regardless of political preference or tariffs, shifting immigration policies stand to have a strong impact on the labor market conditions facing the construction industry as well as hospitality and agriculture. This can increase the shortage of construction workers, projects initiated, pricing, and market economics overall.

The Administration rolled out very aggressive “reciprocal” tariffs levied on 90 countries. If implemented, those tariffs would have raised the cost of cement imports entering the U.S. market by 19%. While the new tariff regime is a reduction from the initial concept, make no mistake, they will cause U.S. economic distress and adversely impact construction activity and cement consumption.