WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 19, 2025) A report released today by the American Cement Association’s (ACA) market intelligence team predicts the U.S. will need approximately 1-million metric tons of cement to construct data centers that will house Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology over the next few years. Data centers are typically built with high volumes of concrete due to their unique design considerations.

Analysts also found that over the past decade, inflation-adjusted spending on data centers has grown by nearly 850%, with a 55% jump last year alone. By 2027, forecasters expect the number of data centers in the U.S. to reach 6,000. Currently, there are 5,426. Annual spending on data centers is now around $27.4 billion dollars.

“President Trump has said he’s determined to make the U.S. the global leader in AI, and America’s cement manufacturers want to provide the materials to build the infrastructure necessary to make that possible,” said Mike Ireland, ACA’s President and CEO.

“Such facilities are engineered primarily for function and resilience. Concrete—made with cement—is the optimal construction material, as it is fire resistant, offers thermal stability, provides unparalleled physical security, and has long-term structural integrity. There really is no other viable material for such an important nationwide effort.”

Other findings included in the ACA report include:
• Data centers accounted for 4.4% of total U.S. electricity consumption in 2023 and could consume between 7% and 12% by 2028.
• Virtually every state will benefit from data center construction over the next three years. However, there are a few states that far exceed the rest in anticipated projects over the next three years. In descending order, Texas, Virginia, Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, and Ohio are all positioned to benefit from data center expansion.
• In 2014, data centers accounted for just under 4% of office-related construction spending; by 2024 they surpassed 26% and are on track to reach 38.6% by 2027.
• Data centers directly bolster construction but also indirectly support economic and construction activity, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. The multiplier effect results in more retail, utility, infrastructure, and housing construction. Furthermore, the presence of data centers can attract technology firms and service providers, fostering a regional ecosystem of innovation, talent, and support industries.

View the entire ACA report on AI Infrastructure here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 14, 2025) — The American Cement Association’s (ACA) Sustainability Summit, a virtual event happening August 26-28, 2025, will feature industry experts addressing the government’s permitting process and the impact it’s having on the advancement of  alternative fuels, making the most out of working with lower-carbon cements at construction sites, why it’s still “all systems a go” on CCUS development despite recent funding cuts, and much more.

“Flexibility is how industries handle significant shifts in presidential administrations and their priorities,” said Mike Ireland, ACA’s President and CEO. “While 2025 has brought landmark changes in Washington that directly affect cement companies, the industry’s top goal of decarbonization remains the same.

“Aside from spotlighting sustainability efforts, this year’s summit focuses in part on how the industry is aligning with today’s policies and politics, while keeping its environmental objectives very much in its sights,” said Ireland. Highlights of this year’s summit include:

• Harnessing biomass and other alternatives for kiln fuel — How tree stumps, bark, sawdust, and even discarded tires can be recycled and reused safely to reduce combustion emissions and fortify resilient concrete.
• The rise of lower-carbon blended cements — From laboratory research to real-world applications, industry professionals share their experiences and best practices.
• Advancing Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) — Understanding why CCUS remains a top decarbonization priority and how new tax incentives are accelerating investment.

The full agenda and registration details for the 2025 Sustainability Summit are available here.

2025 ACA Virtual Sustainability Summit
Dates: August 26–28, 2025
Time: Noon to 2:30 EDT each day

Interactive Sessions: Day 1 and 2 | 3-4:30 EDT

There is no registration fee, but seats are limited.

On August 20, in a follow up to U.S. DOT Secretary Duffy hosting industry leaders, U.S. DOT asked stakeholders to submit their priorities for the surface transportation reauthorization. The North American Concrete Alliance submitted comments highlighting the role of cement and concrete in building surface transportation infrastructure, addressing the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund, resilience, bridge investments, and research and deployment.

Elevated borrowing costs and higher input prices have created shaky conditions, spurring more delayed or abandoned projects.

On July 16, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing Constructing the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill: Stakeholders’ Perspectives focused on reauthorization of the surface transportation program. The North American Concrete Alliance submitted a letter for the record highlighting the role of concrete and rebar to building surface transportation infrastructure.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 19, 2025) A report released today by the American Cement Association’s (ACA) market intelligence team predicts the U.S. will need approximately 1-million metric tons of cement to construct data centers that will house Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology over the next few years. Data centers are typically built with high volumes of concrete due to their unique design considerations.

Analysts also found that over the past decade, inflation-adjusted spending on data centers has grown by nearly 850%, with a 55% jump last year alone. By 2027, forecasters expect the number of data centers in the U.S. to reach 6,000. Currently, there are 5,426. Annual spending on data centers is now around $27.4 billion dollars.

“President Trump has said he’s determined to make the U.S. the global leader in AI, and America’s cement manufacturers want to provide the materials to build the infrastructure necessary to make that possible,” said Mike Ireland, ACA’s President and CEO.

“Such facilities are engineered primarily for function and resilience. Concrete—made with cement—is the optimal construction material, as it is fire resistant, offers thermal stability, provides unparalleled physical security, and has long-term structural integrity. There really is no other viable material for such an important nationwide effort.”

Other findings included in the ACA report include:

• Data centers accounted for 4.4% of total U.S. electricity consumption in 2023 and could consume between 7% and 12% by 2028.
• Virtually every state will benefit from data center construction over the next three years. However, there are a few states that far exceed the rest in anticipated projects over the next three years. In descending order, Texas, Virginia, Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, and Ohio are all positioned to benefit from data center expansion.
• In 2014, data centers accounted for just under 4% of office-related construction spending; by 2024 they surpassed 26% and are on track to reach 38.6% by 2027.
• Data centers directly bolster construction but also indirectly support economic and construction activity, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. The multiplier effect results in more retail, utility, infrastructure, and housing construction. Furthermore, the presence of data centers can attract technology firms and service providers, fostering a regional ecosystem of innovation, talent, and support industries.

View the entire ACA report on AI Infrastructure here.

The Seattle Storm’s training facility is recognized for its use of low-carbon cement and thermal buffering.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 30, 2025) — Following the U.S. Department of Energy’s cancellation today of grants previously authorized by Congress to help fund decarbonization initiatives for industrial manufacturers– including some cement producers– American Cement Association President and CEO Mike Ireland released the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is candidly a missed opportunity for both America’s cement manufacturers and this administration, as carbon capture and sequestration projects have long been supported by bipartisan members in Congress and bipartisan Administrations — including President Trump’s first term.

“The U.S. cement industry fully supports the Administration’s approach to bolstering domestic manufacturing and innovation by eliminating regulatory red tape that has limited U.S. cement companies’ productivity and delayed their efforts to reach energy independence. We believe these CCS projects align with that strategy and stand committed to supporting our members in the appeal process to ensure these critical investments are delivered. “

*(Please note: The American Cement Association was formerly known as the Portland Cement Association. The organization formally announced its rebranding on May 7, 2025.)

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The American Cement Association (ACA), founded in 1916, is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. ACA supports sustainability, innovation, and safety while fostering continuous improvement in cement manufacturing, distribution, infrastructure, and economic growth. For more information, visit www.cement.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 16, 2025) — U.S. cement consumption is expected to decline by 1.6% this year, but a recession prompted by ongoing trade wars is not expected in 2025.  The predictions were included in the American Cement Association’s (ACA) Market Intelligence team’s Spring Forecast, released last week at the 67^th IEEE-IAS/ACA Cement Conference in Birmingham, AL.

“’Uncertainty’ is a key consideration for the construction industry’s outlook in the near term,” said Trevor Storck, ACA Regional Economist. “The cement industry’s baseline assumes continued improvement in trade negotiations, like the progress seen this week with China. This will provide relief to markets and help restore some investor confidence, supporting a rebound in economic activity.

“But it’s important to note that elevated interest rates that hindered construction activity last year are still in place and continue to play a role in this year’s projections.”

Key data points in the ACA Market Intelligence economic forecast include:

• ACA’s baseline calls for the economy to narrowly avoid a recession this year before stronger growth returns in 2026 and 2027.
• Labor markets are expected to continue cooling in 2025, without a significant rise in unemployment.
• The key headwind facing housing remains affordability. Elevated mortgage rates and home prices will take time to rebalance, holding back growth in near-term home building.
• Outside of strong growth in data center construction, commercial markets are expected to continue easing in 2025.
• Highways and streets construction has been plagued by the high inflationary environment of recent years.
  • This effect is slowing but states’ expenditure growth is also easing.
• In total, there is no obvious driver for cement consumption growth during 2025.
• However, as headwinds fade, modest cement consumption growth returns in 2026 before more robust growth in 2027.

*(Please note: The American Cement Association was formerly known as the Portland Cement Association. The organization formally announced its rebranding on May 7, 2025.)