The Mineral Products Association intensifies pressure on the UK government to support the cement sector amidst rising energy costs, calling for stronger policies on carbon border adjustments and decarbonisation to prevent industry decline.
The Mineral Products Association has stepped up pressure on the UK government to tackle the structural costs weighing on the cement industry, arguing that fresh support for other energy-intensive sectors has left British producers at a further disadvantage.
The intervention comes as ministers prepare wider industrial policy measures and follows recent backing for the ceramics and chemicals industries. Cement, despite being among the most energy-hungry forms of manufacturing, is still outside the Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme, a gap the MPA says leaves domestic plants exposed to electricity prices that remain well above those faced by many overseas rivals.
The association says the problem is no longer simply one of short-term relief. It wants ministers to address what it sees as the core competitiveness gap through lower network charges, a robust UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and a policy framework that gives companies confidence to invest in decarbonisation. Chris Leese, the MPA’s executive chair, said the government needed to confront the deeper reasons heavy industry is under strain, warning that weak policy support and high costs were pushing UK manufacturing towards decline.
The industry body has made similar arguments repeatedly over the past two years. In December 2023 it backed the government’s plan for a CBAM, due in 2027, but insisted the scheme had to be watertight if it was to prevent cheaper, higher-carbon imports from undercutting domestic cement. It also said support for carbon capture, use and storage would be essential if the sector was to decarbonise while maintaining a homegrown supply base.
Those concerns sharpened in 2024 and 2025, when the MPA urged an earlier CBAM launch, pressed for clarity on the UK emissions trading framework and warned that unrealistic assumptions about resource efficiency could weaken investment. In February 2026, the association questioned whether the proposed border levy was ready for implementation, pointing to unresolved issues around testing and emissions reporting.
The latest call reflects a broader fear across heavy industry that the UK is falling behind the EU on carbon policy and industrial support. For cement producers, the stakes are high: without a policy package that addresses power costs, carbon leakage and import competition, the sector says it will struggle to finance the low-carbon transition while preserving jobs and domestic supply.
- https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/22052026/mpa-calls-for-urgent-action-on-cement/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://mineralproducts.org/News/2023/release36.aspx – In December 2023, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) welcomed the UK government’s plans to introduce a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by 2027. The MPA emphasized the need for a watertight CBAM to level the carbon cost playing field between domestic cement production and imports, ensuring the competitiveness of UK manufacturers. They also highlighted the importance of supporting carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) to decarbonize the sector and maintain a reliable domestic supply of low-carbon cement. The MPA expressed concerns about the EU’s CBAM, urging the UK to implement its own mechanism to prevent potential market shifts. ([mineralproducts.org](https://mineralproducts.org/News/2023/release36.aspx?utm_source=openai))
- https://mineralproducts.org/News/2025/release05.aspx – In February 2025, the MPA responded to the UK’s 7th carbon budget, emphasizing the necessity of carbon capture for decarbonizing the cement and lime sectors. They advocated for a watertight CBAM to equalize carbon costs between domestic producers and imports, preventing deindustrialization. The MPA also called for clarity on the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and support for carbon capture beyond initial projects. They expressed concerns about unrealistic assumptions regarding resource efficiency in cement and concrete, urging the government to implement policies that attract investment to ensure a secure supply of low-carbon cement. ([mineralproducts.org](https://mineralproducts.org/News/2025/release05.aspx?utm_source=openai))
- https://mineralproducts.org/News/2025/release18.aspx – In May 2025, the MPA cautiously welcomed the UK government’s proposal to link the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS). While acknowledging the potential benefits of a unified carbon market, the MPA reiterated the need for the government to address high electricity costs that undermine the competitiveness of UK cement producers. They emphasized the importance of a watertight CBAM to level the carbon costs with imports from outside the EU and prevent deindustrialization. The MPA called for comprehensive policy measures to support the sector and ensure its long-term viability. ([mineralproducts.org](https://www.mineralproducts.org/News/2025/release18.aspx?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.globalcement.com/news/20422-mpa-comments-on-uk-s-proposed-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism – In February 2026, the MPA raised concerns over the UK’s proposed CBAM, questioning the preparedness for its rollout and its potential efficacy. They highlighted unresolved issues, including the testing schedule and clarity on emissions reporting defaults. The MPA stressed the importance of addressing these concerns to ensure the mechanism genuinely protects domestic producers and ensures fair competition. They called for prompt action to resolve these issues, emphasizing the need for a robust and effective CBAM to support the UK’s cement industry. ([globalcement.com](https://www.globalcement.com/news/20422-mpa-comments-on-uk-s-proposed-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism?utm_source=openai))
- https://mineralproducts.org/News/2024/release11.aspx – In June 2024, the MPA welcomed the UK’s proposal for a CBAM but urged for its earlier implementation than the proposed 2027 timeline. They emphasized the need for a well-designed CBAM to maintain a level playing field and ensure the competitiveness of domestic cement production. The MPA also called for support for energy-intensive industrial sites through enabling government policies and business models for carbon capture, use, and storage. They highlighted the urgency of aligning the UK’s CBAM with the EU’s to prevent potential market disruptions. ([mineralproducts.org](https://mineralproducts.org/News/2024/release11.aspx?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.globalcement.com/news/item/16722-mineral-products-association-welcomes-uk-cement-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism-plan – In December 2023, the MPA welcomed the UK government’s commitment to implementing a CBAM by 2027, aiming to level the carbon cost playing field between domestic cement production and imports. They emphasized the importance of a watertight CBAM to protect domestic producers and attract investment for decarbonization. The MPA also highlighted the need for supporting policies and business models for carbon capture, use, and storage to ensure a reliable domestic supply of low-carbon cement. They expressed concerns about the EU’s CBAM and urged the UK to implement its own mechanism to prevent market shifts. ([globalcement.com](https://www.globalcement.com/news/item/16722-mineral-products-association-welcomes-uk-cement-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism-plan?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article was published on 22 May 2026, making it current and not recycled from previous news.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The direct quote from Chris Leese, Executive Chair of the MPA, is unique to this article. However, similar statements have been made by the MPA in the past, such as in their 5 November 2025 release ([mineralproducts.org](https://www.mineralproducts.org/News/2025/release36.aspx?utm_source=openai)). This suggests a pattern of repeated messaging, which may affect the perceived originality of the content.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
World Cement is a niche publication focusing on the cement industry. While it provides industry-specific news, its reach and influence are limited compared to major news organisations. This raises concerns about the independence and potential bias of the source.
Plausibility check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the MPA’s calls for government action on cement industry competitiveness align with previous statements from the association, such as their 5 November 2025 release ([mineralproducts.org](https://www.mineralproducts.org/News/2025/release36.aspx?utm_source=openai)). However, the lack of independent verification from other reputable outlets makes it difficult to fully assess the accuracy of these claims.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article presents current information but relies heavily on statements from the MPA without independent verification from other reputable sources. The source’s limited reach and potential bias further undermine the credibility of the content. Given these concerns, the article does not meet the necessary standards for publication under our editorial indemnity.
