UK: The Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority (GCRA) has found that ‘significantly’ higher-than-UK concrete prices do not constitute anti-competitive behaviour by sole local producer Ronez. Local press has reported that the producer’s prices were found to ‘reflect the structural realities and costs of operating in a small island market.’

GCRA CEO Michael Byrne said "There is no single quick fix, but this highlights clear ways that the Channel Islands can help improve how the market works, addressing long-standing barriers to supply, strengthening competition over time, and delivering better outcomes for consumers and taxpayers."

US: ABC Ready Mix plans to open a ready-mix concrete plant in Howell County, Missouri, by the end of September 2026. Local press has reported that the plant will occupy a 5.53 hectare site opposite a heavy goods vehicle park in Willow Springs. The California-based producer currently operates 41 trucks and employs 50 people, and plans to employ a further 10 – 11 people at the Howell County plant.

Germany: Switzerland-based cement producer Holcim has completed its €1.85bn acquisition of Xella, expanding its building solutions portfolio. Xella is present in 22 European markets and expects to generate net sales of €1bn in 2026. The transaction should result in synergies of €60m realised in its third year, according to Holcim.

Via the deal, Holcim now obtains brands for both the new-build and the energy-efficient repair and refurbishment market, including Ytong and Hebel prefabricated autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) modular systems and Silka calcium silicate elements.

South Korea: The National Ready-Mix Concrete Transport Workers' Union (Jeonunryeon) has ended a strike in the Seoul Metropolitan Area after members approved a new agreement on transport fees for ready-mix concrete producers. The Seoul Economic Daily newspaper has reported that 4714 (66%) of Jeonunryeon members voted to approve the agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, transport fees will rise by 5% to US$52/trip from 1 July 2026. Strikers reportedly rejected the same fee rise, by a 68% majority, on 10 June 2026. The revised deal has reduced the period of its effect from 12 to eight months, bringing forward the date for renegotiation to 28 February 2027.