INTERCEM Istanbul 2026 Brings Together More Than 600 Industry Representatives in Istanbul

INTERCEM, one of the leading international meeting platforms for the global cement industry, continues to bring together industry representatives from around the world. Providing a key forum for cement producers, exporters, suppliers and industry professionals to discuss developments in global markets and build new business partnerships, INTERCEM has once again made Istanbul an important meeting point for the industry this year.

INTERCEM Istanbul 2026, with Turkish Cement as its main operation partner, opened on 9 September 2026, welcoming more than 600 delegates from around the world. Over the course of the two-day conference, participants will discuss the outlook for global cement trade, market developments, logistics and freight conditions, sustainability and the industry’s ongoing transformation.

The opening remarks were delivered by Ender Şahin, Chairman of the Cement, Glass, Ceramics and Soil Products Exporters’ Association (ÇCSİB). In his speech, Şahin emphasized that the Turkish cement industry’s strength in international markets is built on quality, service and reliability. He also highlighted Türkiye’s modern and geographically diversified production base, together with its access to ports and terminals across the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara and Black Sea, as key competitive advantages. “Reliability shows its true value in challenging market conditions” Addressing the disruptions affecting global trade and maritime transportation in 2026, Şahin drew attention to their impact on energy markets, vessel positioning, insurance costs, transit times and freight rates.

Şahin noted that Türkiye’s strategic location enables producers to serve markets across Europe, the Mediterranean, West Africa and the Americas without relying on a single trade corridor. He added that the industry’s strong production capacity allows Turkish suppliers to respond rapidly when supply shortages emerge in global markets.

He also underlined that Turkish cement exporters have continued to honour their contractual commitments and agreed loading programmes even under challenging market conditions, further strengthening the industry’s position as a reliable supplier and long-term business partner.

Industry transformation remains high on the agenda Şahin also emphasized that the transition towards sustainability and lower-carbon production is no longer solely an environmental or technical issue, but increasingly a commercial one. He noted that the Turkish cement industry continues to advance its efforts in lower-clinker cements, alternative fuels and raw materials, waste-heat recovery, renewable electricity, and more efficient production and logistics.

Stressing that the industry’s transition must be measurable, technically sound and fair, Şahin added that the process must also preserve the sector’s ability to invest, compete and supply the materials required for housing, infrastructure and reconstruction.

Throughout its two-day programme, INTERCEM Istanbul 2026 will bring leading representatives of the international cement industry together in Istanbul through conference sessions and bilateral meetings, providing a platform to assess current developments in global markets and foster new business partnerships.