Minister Sets Cement Price at $96 per Ton and Allows Imports with Permit

Minister of Industry Joe Issa Al-Khoury issued two directives: Decision No. 52/1, which sets the maximum selling price for a ton of black cement at the factory gate at ninety-six US dollars, excluding value-added tax, and Circular No. 53/1, which permits the import of black and white cement with a prior license from the Ministry of Industry.

Decision No. 52/1 states: "The Minister of Industry, based on Decree No. 53 dated 8/2/2025, amended by Decree No. 278 dated 7/5/2025 (government formation), the Law No. 642 dated 2/6/1997 (establishment of the Ministry of Industry) and its amendments, Decree No. 13173 dated 8/10/1998 (organization of the Ministry of Industry and determination of its staff and special appointment conditions for some positions) and its amendments, Cabinet Decision No. 18 dated 14/7/2020 and its amendments, after the changes in the exchange rate, and considering the financial and economic developments since the issuance of Cabinet Decision No. 18, and due to the rise in cement and raw material prices globally, especially in neighboring countries, and based on the proposal of the Director General of the Ministry of Industry, decides the following:

Article One: The maximum price for selling a ton of black cement (at the factory gate) is set at ninety-six US dollars (excluding value-added tax).

Article Two: This decision shall be communicated to those concerned and implemented as of its date.

Circular No. 53/1 opened the door for importing black and white cement under a prior import license from the Ministry of Industry. The circular reads: "To ensure the proper functioning of the construction sector and to stimulate the economy, and given the increased demand for cement in preparation for the reconstruction phase, the Ministry of Industry invites those wishing to import black and white cement to submit their applications to obtain a prior import license from the Ministry of Industry according to the approved form, accompanied by documents proving the goods to be imported, their ownership, type, specifications, quantities, and price."