Cement forms the foundation of our homes, businesses, roads, and communities. It is a strategic resource essential to infrastructure, economic opportunity, domestic manufacturing, and national security. Yet America’s ability to produce the cement it needs, when it needs it, is increasingly threatened by a growing reliance on foreign imports that do not meet the same rigorous standards as U.S. made products. These imports put American jobs at risk, weaken domestic manufacturing, and introduce unnecessary risk into the infrastructure our economy and security depend on.
America’s cement and concrete industry is a major pillar of the U.S. economy, supporting approximately 577,000 jobs nationwide and generating roughly $130 billion in economic activity. Cement is not an abstract commodity. It is the backbone of everyday life, supporting schools, hospitals, public facilities, and small businesses, while paving the roads, bridges, and sidewalks that connect our communities. Local governments and builders should not be forced to choose between costly delays or substandard, potentially unsafe foreign materials simply because domestic production has been undercut.
The urgency of this issue is growing. U.S. cement production declined by 4 percent in 2024, while imports accounted for 22 percent of all cement used nationwide. At the same time, demand is accelerating. The rapid expansion of data centers driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and America’s growing digital economy is one clear example of how infrastructure needs are growing faster than domestic supply. Over the next several years, data center construction alone is expected to require approximately one million metric tons of cement. These facilities are mission critical infrastructure that require high quality, durable materials to ensure long term structural integrity and resilience. Relying on foreign cement of opaque origin and questionable quality introduces risks America cannot afford.
Beyond economic considerations, cement independence is a matter of national security. A reliable supply of high quality, American made cement is essential for infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, support emergency response, and meet defense needs. Supply chain disruptions or geopolitical shocks could leave the United States vulnerable at precisely the wrong moment. Maintaining strong domestic production ensures America is not dependent on foreign suppliers for foundational materials critical to safety and security.
The solution starts with smarter procurement policy. Public contracts should prioritize accountability, transparency, and American made materials through strong Buy America standards and clear certification requirements. At the same time, modernizing permitting processes to responsibly expand domestic cement capacity will help reduce risk, control costs, protect American jobs, and deliver safer, more reliable infrastructure. Strong infrastructure starts with strong foundations and those foundations should be made at home.
This is why Common Sense America launched the American Foundations project. American Foundations is focused on educating policymakers and the public and advocating for common sense solutions that strengthen domestic cement production, protect American jobs, and uphold high standards. Building America’s future requires materials we can trust and policies that put American workers and manufacturers first.
