South Korean cement demand is forecast to remain below 40 million tons annually from this year through 2028, with a recovery above that threshold in 2029. The latest update also says the 2030 forecast will remain below actual 2024 shipments, underscoring the cement industry’s prolonged weakness. An earlier outlook projected demand at 38.71 million tons this year, 39.65 million tons next year, 39.68 million tons in 2028, 40.99 million tons in 2029 and about 41.9 million tons in 2030. It also cited 2024 shipments of 38.25 million tons, creating a discrepancy with the latest statement that 2030 demand will trail 2024 shipments. Weak sales and profitability could make it harder for producers to fund greenhouse-gas reductions, carbon-neutral equipment, recycled resources and compliance with tighter environmental rules. The earlier forecast was developed with the Korea Cement & Advanced Materials Research Cooperative and the Construction and Economy Research Institute of Korea using construction, economic, demographic, housing, industrial, policy and technology data. Kim Eui-chul said quarterly results would be used to update the forecasting system and help member companies plan for market changes and environmental regulation.