Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran has made remarkable achievements in the field of cement production, becoming one of the major cement producers in Asia and the Middle East. As the basic industry of modern economy, cement plays a central role in infrastructure construction, urban development and housing construction. Iran's cement industry is not only the cornerstone of the country's industrial development, but also an important driving force for economic growth.
Currently, Iran has more than 70 active cement plants with a nominal annual production capacity of about 90 million tons, although the actual production may be slightly lower due to practical operational challenges such as energy constraints. Iran's cement industry has not only increased its production capacity, but also significantly improved its export capacity. Each year, Iran exports about 12 million to 15 million tons of cement, with major markets including Iraq, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Oman and Qatar. This export market highlights Iran's ability to produce high-quality cement and its scale advantage to meet the needs of the international market, as well as promoting economic interaction between Iran and its neighbors.
Cement was historically introduced to Iran through foreign projects, including the construction of churches, embassies and port facilities. However, in the early 20th century, with the rapid expansion of infrastructure, especially the construction of the national railway network, the domestic demand for cement increased dramatically. The Iranian government responded to this demand by building the first cement plants, including the "Sement Rey" Plant "in Tehran in the early 1930s. This initial investment laid the foundation for the development of the domestic cement industry to meet the country's expanding construction needs.
Iran is geographically well suited for cement production. The country is surrounded by limestone-rich mountains, which provide abundant raw materials for cement production. Recognizing this advantage, the government conducted a careful study to identify a suitable site for the plant and assess available reserves. Over time, these investments have created a solid industrial base and the necessary technical expertise to enable efficient production. By the middle of the 20th century, Iran had developed multiple cement plants, each adding to the country's annual production capacity. The industry expanded steadily despite disruptions from global events such as World War II, and by the years following the revolution, Iran had built a network of factories capable of serving domestic and regional markets.
The industry has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. From its early days as a net importer of cement, Iran has transformed into one of the top 10 cement producers in the world. By 2016, Iran had become the third largest cement producer in Asia and the main producer in West Asia. This remarkable transformation highlights Iran's ability to scale up production, develop technology, and effectively manage the supply chain. Since the establishment of the industry, about 92% of the total cement produced in Iran was produced after the revolution, reflecting the rapid development of industrialization and domestic capacity building in Iran. Cement production in
Iran supports a wide range of economic activities. It is essential for building roads, bridges, tunnels, housing and public infrastructure. The availability of domestic cement reduces dependence on imports, lowers construction costs and supports the development of ancillary industries such as concrete, steel and construction equipment. The industry also generates jobs, not only directly within factories, but also indirectly through construction projects, logistics and export activities. Cement plants in
Iran demonstrate technical capabilities and operational sophistication. The industry absorbed advanced machinery from international partners in its early years, while gradually building up domestic expertise in plant management, quality control and production optimization. The evolution of plant capacity from the initial small plants producing tens of thousands of tons of cement per year to modern facilities capable of producing millions of tons of cement reflects Iran's strong institutional knowledge and industrial capabilities.
Iran's geographical advantages, combined with its industrial knowledge, allow it to implement a production strategy that is both efficient and sustainable. Limestone and other raw materials are abundant and well distributed, allowing the plant to minimize transportation costs and energy consumption. This natural advantage, combined with human capital and experience, has enabled Iran to expand its domestic market share and strengthen its role in regional cement exports.
The industry has also demonstrated its flexibility to market changes. Despite near-term challenges, such as reduced domestic demand, currency fluctuations, and the temporary loss of Iraq as a major export destination, the industry has maintained its infrastructure and productive capacity and has been able to adapt quickly. Overall, Iran's cement industry is a strong Testament to the country's industrial potential. It combines abundant natural resources, technological expertise and a long history of industrial development to produce key commodities that underpin economic growth. Its continued ability to support large-scale infrastructure projects, domestic construction and regional trade underscores the industry's enduring economic significance and strategic value to national development. This combination of resources, technical expertise and strategic positioning has enabled Iran not only to produce cement efficiently, but also to use the industry as a basis for broader economic development and regional industrial leadership.
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