Builders Warn Cement Shortage Is Pressuring Jamaica’s Construction Sector

Richard Mullings, president of the Incorporated Master Builders Association of Jamaica, is calling on the Government to respond to a cement shortage that he says is weighing on construction activity across the country. Mullings said the sector employs more than 100,000 people and accounts for about 10 per cent of the Jamaican economy.

According to Mullings, the association has written to the finance and industry ministries seeking clarity on the supply problem, but has not received a response. He said imported cement could ease the pressure in the short term, while arguing that stronger backing should go to Caribbean Cement Company Limited. He warned that heavier dependence on imports could drain foreign exchange and slow economic expansion.

The report also said Woodcats International recorded weaker first-quarter performance as demand remained affected by Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath and seasonal conditions. For the quarter ended March 31, revenue fell 5.3 per cent to $241.9 million, with the company citing reduced orders from manufacturers and other major customers.

In market activity for May 18, 2026, the report listed Woodcats International Limited as the most active security with 5,50,519 units, or 19.01 per cent of market sales activity. Kintire Holdings Jamaica Limited followed with 3,496,276 units, representing 1316 per cent, while Trans Jamaica Highway Limited traded 3,222,545 units, or 12.13 per cent. The update said investors remained focused on distribution and transportation-linked stocks.

Bank of Jamaica foreign-exchange data for the same day showed heavy trading across major currencies. The report gave the US dollar at $15729 for selling and $158.56 for buying. It listed the Canadian dollar at $115.84 for selling and $11,529 for buying, while the British pound was quoted at $213.34 for selling and $29.81 for buying.

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