ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL CEMENT TRADE: OPPORTUNITIES FOR UKRAINIAN PRODUCERS

Abstract

Based on the analysis of statistical data, the main trends in the development of the world cement market and international cement trade are established. In particular, the growth of the world cement market is substantiated due to the increase in population and increased urbanization, which leads to the intensification of construction activities. Under the influence of the growth of the cement market, the volumes of international trade of this building material are increasing. The article presents tree-diagrams of world cement exports and imports by continents and countries. Turkey is the largest exporter of cement, and the USA is the largest importer. The countries with the largest deficit in the trade balance of cement are identified, in particular, Great Britain, the Netherlands, France. The foreign economic activity of Ukrainian cement producers is analyzed. The significant growth of Ukrainian cement exports over the past 3 years is emphasized. The significant export potential of Ukraine is substantiated, since the growth rate of Ukrainian exports significantly exceeded the growth rate of international cement trade. The conclusion is made about the unused export potential to countries such as Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, etc., since the volumes of Ukrainian cement exports were significantly smaller than the volumes of the cement trade balance in these European countries. A comparative analysis of international trade and Ukrainian exports by types of cement made it possible to conclude that Ukrainian cement producers need to diversify their production. The article summarizes the main factors in substantiating the export strategy for Ukrainian cement producers: import and anti-dumping duties, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, additional requirements for importers, as well as transportation costs. Using the example of European countries with the largest deficit in the cement trade balance, the volumes of these factors are estimated and the priority of increasing exports for Ukrainian cement producers to Montenegro, Austria, and Finland is identified.