Increased supply of cement now available, says CCCL

JAMAICANS should now be seeing an increase in the supply of cement in the market following weeks of shortage of the critical construction material.

Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL) on Wednesday announced that the supply of its product has improved by more than 20 per cent in recent weeks after heavy rainfall in April caused operational challenges.

Jamaicans were faced with an acute shortage of cement in April and May, with some hardware stores restricting customers to between two and five bags in any single purchase up to last week.

But, in a media release, Managing Director of CCCL Jorge Martinez said, “We are maintaining a steady supply and implementing measures to improve reliability and meet strong market demand.”

According to Martinez, “Between April and May 2026, CCCL increased production by more than 50 per cent and customer dispatches by over 23 per cent, driving record sales of about 110,757 metric tonnes and surpassing the previous high of 108,500 metric tonnes set in March 2021 during COVID-19.

“To support local demand, we also leveraged our Cemex network to import up to 23,852 metric tonnes of cement at the end of May, with additional shipments to reinforce supply and maintain market stability.”

He said the company has launched other strategic initiatives to strengthen operations and improve service, including increasing warehouse capacity across Jamaica, prioritising reliability of finished product, and adding equipment to boost production.

“CCCL will also work with the Incorporated Master Builders’ Association to create a database for certain construction projects to support planning and supply management. It is also improving closer customer communications to provide timelier updates and support.

“Caribbean Cement remains committed to Jamaica and to providing a reliable, sustainable cement supply to support the country’s development and growth,” added Martinez.

Amid concerns over the shortage of cement, Opposition spokesman on investment, trade, and global logistics Anthony Hylton had called for urgent parliamentary attention be given to the the situation.

In a media release in April, Hylton warned that the cement shortage could undermine Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa and its broader economic growth.

He said he engaged key industry stakeholders, including contractors, manufacturers, hardware operators, and investors, many of whom raised concerns that the shortage is already disrupting construction timelines, undermining investor confidence, threatening jobs, and driving up costs across the sector.