Business · Trade · 2 hrs ago
EU carbon rules raise concerns for Spain’s independent cement mills
Spain’s independent cement mills say two EU climate rules put them at a disadvantage compared with larger cement producers.
The rules are the EU Emissions Trading System and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which charges for carbon emissions linked to certain imports.
The new border charge applies to imported clinker, the key ingredient in cement that produces most of the sector’s carbon emissions.
Independent mills import clinker, while larger integrated plants make it themselves and have received free emissions permits since 2005.
Those permits can be saved or sold, but the import charge must be paid from the start.
The mills say the rules do not give both types of producer an equal starting point, despite a planned gradual balance between them by 2034.
The first CBAM payment is due in September 2027 and will apply retroactively.
Independent producers warn the rules could strengthen the market power of larger rivals, after independent mills helped open Spain’s market and lower prices.
Spain’s independent cement mills say two European Union carbon rules could put them at a disadvantage against larger integrated producers.
The EU emissions trading system gives integrated producers free emissions permits, while the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will charge for imported clinker, a key cement ingredient.
Independent mills say they may have to pay the charge or buy clinker from the large producers they compete with.
The first CBAM payment is due in September 2027 and will apply retroactively.
The European Commission estimated that the rules would reach a balance in 2034, but independent producers say the transition may not be equal or timely.
- Who
- Spain’s independent cement mills, represented by ASEINCE, say they face a disadvantage compared with large integrated producers.
- What
- The mills warn that EU carbon rules may increase their costs and strengthen the position of their larger competitors.
- When
- The concern was reported in October 2026. The first CBAM payment is due in September 2027.
- Where
- Spain and the European Union.
- Why
- Integrated producers have received free emissions permits, while independent mills import clinker and will face CBAM charges on those imports.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Pujol family decided to set up its own cement grinding operation.
Spanish cement companies received nearly 31 million more emissions permits than they needed, according to Carbon Market Watch.
The first CBAM payment is due, with retroactive effect.
The European Commission estimated that the EU emissions rules and CBAM would reach a point of balance.
- Prefabricats Pujol output
- 400,000 tonnes a year
- ASEINCE membership
- Seven companies
- ASEINCE market share
- Around 15%
- Emissions permits surplus
- Nearly 31 million since 2013
- Estimated value of surplus
- About €2.4 billion
- CBAM first payment
- September 2027
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