As featured in World Cement, Mongolia's national cement producers have co-organised the country's first Cement Expo on May 2, 2025 led by Moncement building materials LLC, owned by EBRD and Monpolymet, marking a significant milestone in the push to develop and diversify the nation's economy.
The event brought together more than 500 participants, including international and local industry experts, suppliers, and end users. Attendees exchanged experiences, introduced cutting-edge technologies, and explored the integration of artificial intelligence in cement production — a fast-growing trend in the global cement sector.
Mongolia, whose economy remains heavily reliant on mining exports, particularly coal, has faced recent headwinds due to a decline in coal prices. In response, private sector advising the Government of Mongolia to put efforts to diversify the economy by promoting domestic manufacturing industries — with cement production at the forefront.
Until 2015, Mongolia imported up to 80% of its cement needs. That landscape has drastically changed with the commissioning of several high-tech cement plants. Today, seven cement production facilities and grinding stations operate nationwide, collectively exceeding domestic demand in a market of just 2 million tpy.
Despite this growth, producers are expressing concern over inconsistent government policies. Key among them is the decision of last year to reduce or exempt import duties on foreign cement — a move local manufacturers say undermines their competitiveness and threatens the viability of domestic production.
“We are ready to meet the country’s cement demand and even export,” one industry representative said. “But policy shifts that favor imports hurt our market share and discourage further investment.”
As Mongolia positions itself to attract foreign investors, industry leaders stress the need for stable and supportive industrial policy. Without it, they warn, the country's efforts to diversify its economy and reduce import dependence may falter.
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