The UK Government launched its second consultation on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on February 10, the policy that will see importers pay an emissions tax for high-carbon goods from 1 January 2027.
The Mineral Products Association (MPA), the cement and concrete trade body, says it has “significant concerns“ – both about the working being done to get the policy ready and the efficacy of it when implemented.
If the UK CBAM doesn’t do the job it’s intended to and level the playing field for domestic manufacturers, the MPA says it poses significant risk to UK cement – an industry that needs to be built on and one that provides good, well-paid jobs and creates social and economic value in all four nations of the UK.
The industry adds that there are just a few months to avoid locking in a policy that doesn’t work, yet further vital information is currently not set to be provided by government until Q4.
Diana Casey, executive director for energy and climate change, cement and lime at the MPA, comments: “The government’s second UK CBAM consultation opened yesterday, giving us a welcome opportunity to help shape the policy that will be critical for the future of the cement industry. With less than a year to get this right, it’s essential we iron out any issues now, so the mechanism genuinely protects domestic producers and ensures fair competition.
“But with the CBAM rate not scheduled to be tested until Q4 2026, we are still a long way from knowing whether the system will work in practice. That timing is simply too late. Not only for domestic producers, but for importers too, who will have no time to prepare for the change. Delayed testing risks locking in a system that isn’t fit for purpose and removes the chance to course correct.
“We also still don’t have clarity on the default values importers will use for emissions reporting in the event that actual verified emissions can’t be provided. Without robust, transparent defaults, there’s a real risk of under reported emissions and an uneven playing field for UK manufacturers.
“Our industry has been clear throughout: we need a watertight, workable CBAM. The sooner we have clarity and certainty, the better placed we are to safeguard jobs, maintain materials security and support the UK’s wider net‑zero ambitions.”
