In recent months, the cement industry in the Americas has witnessed key decisions that mark a turning point in the expansion and consolidation strategy of two important players in the sector: Cemex, one of the world’s largest cement companies headquartered in Mexico, and Cementos Progreso, the regional leader from Guatemala.
Cemex is reconfiguring its focus: more investment in the US, less presence in the Caribbean. In January 2025, Cemex announced an ambitious $6 billion investment in the United States, aimed at strengthening its infrastructure through the maintenance and acquisition of cement, concrete, and aggregates plants. This decision reaffirms the company’s interest in consolidating its presence in one of its most profitable and stable markets, especially in the context of high demand for infrastructure and housing materials.
At the same time, Cemex decided to sell its operations in the Dominican Republic for $950 million to Cementos Progreso. The transaction, announced in August 2024, included a cement plant with two production lines, concrete and aggregates assets, maritime terminals, and the export business to Haiti.
These moves respond to a clear strategy: Cemex is optimizing its portfolio and concentrating efforts on strategic markets where its profitability can scale more efficiently.
Cementos Progreso is accelerating its expansion in the Caribbean. This acquisition represents much more than a purchase: it is a statement of intent. The Guatemalan company has been expanding its footprint in Latin America, and with the operation in the Dominican Republic, it consolidates its presence in the Caribbean, positioning itself as a significant player in the region.
Founded more than a century ago, Cementos Progreso has sustained progressive growth, guided by a business philosophy that combines innovation, sustainability, and community development. With the acquisition of Cemex’s assets, it not only gains infrastructure but also access to key markets like Haiti, at a time when reconstruction and urban development can open new opportunities.
These decisions should not be seen as isolated events, but rather as clear signs of the geostrategic realignment of the cement market in Latin America and the Caribbean. While Cemex is committed to strengthening its leadership in North America, Cementos Progreso is expanding its presence and operational capacity in emerging markets in the Caribbean. Both strategies respond to different but complementary dynamics: one seeks efficiency and consolidation; the other, expansion and regional integration.
Although the news dates back a few months, the impact of these strategic decisions is just beginning to be felt. In a sector where investments are long-term and regional development requires stability and vision, Cemex and Cementos Progreso are charting different but equally ambitious paths.
For analysts, investors, and industry players, this is a key moment to observe how these commitments evolve and what new opportunities or challenges will arise as cement, along with urban development, continues to shape the future of the Americas.
Source: cemex.com lexlatin.com
