In the aftermath of the Turkey earthquakes, several leading Russian cement producers signaled a push to reintroduce state oversight over the quality standards of products on the market, aiming to restore the level of control that existed before the pandemic. A letter circulating among members of the Committee on Industrial Policy and Technical Legislation within the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) is cited as outlining this collective stance. The move signals a broader concern about product reliability and market integrity in a sector that has faced growing questions about verification and compliance.
Authorities and industry groups, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, indicate a plan to petition the government to restore comprehensive state supervision not only over the manufacturing process but also over the circulation of used products within the construction sector and related industries. Soyuzcement has publicly endorsed a renewed emphasis on robust state oversight of cement production, arguing that such measures would better align industry practices with public safety and market confidence (attribution: RSPP, CCI, Soyuzcement).
Market observers warn that the issue goes beyond mere product quality. Russia currently lacks up-to-date seismic hazard maps, a gap that complicates risk assessment for critical infrastructure. The East Anatolian Fault, acknowledged as a major seismic source, serves as a reference point for the kind of risk exposure that could affect building materials and construction standards. Industry players emphasize that the push for state control is partially driven by a rising tide of counterfeit cement products, a trend that erodes consumer trust and undermines demand for legitimate brands (attribution: industry analysts).
Analysts estimate that counterfeit cement could account for as much as a quarter of the market at present. If unchecked, this counterfeit presence could trigger meaningful reductions in demand for quality products, with potential declines reaching around 20 percent as buyers think twice about durability and performance. The consensus among experts is clear: strict quality verification at the point of sale and rigorous oversight throughout the supply chain are essential to prevent risks to construction projects and public safety. A steady, transparent quality framework would help distinguish authentic products from fakes and restore confidence among builders, developers, and consumers (attribution: market analysts).
In related corporate news, Holcim, one of the world’s largest cement producers, announced in mid-December the decision to divest its Russian operations to local authorities. The company indicated that the Russian entity would be renamed and would operate independently going forward, with no direct contact with the global headquarters. This shift underscores a broader reorganization of ownership and governance in the cement sector as the market adapts to geopolitical and regulatory changes while preserving supply capabilities for essential construction needs (attribution: Holcim press release).