According to reports, Iran produced more than 23.8 million tonnes of cement in the period 21 March – 22 July, i.e. the first four months of the year according to the Iranian calendar. More than 25.46 million t of clinker were produced in the same period.

The Tehran Times reports that the country s annual cement production is around 80 million t, of which 50 million t is sold in the domestic market. Last year, exports totalled 18 million t, being distributed to 24 countries including neighbouring Afghanistan and, further afield, China.

Iran has further plans for expansion, reportedly targeting 85 million t of cement production capacity by the end of the current calendar year. This would move it firmly into the number three spot, behind China and India, though with the US cement industry back on the move, it may be an ongoing battle for third place. The USGS Mineral Industry Surveys report shows total cement shipments of 82 million t in 2013; clinker production for the year was 69.9 million t.