Steel & Cement: Navigating CBAM Requirements in 2025
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Industry Update8 min read

Steel & Cement: Navigating CBAM Requirements in 2025

Sector-specific guidance for steel and cement importers on calculating embedded emissions and preparing for the 2026 transition.

Michael Torres
Industry Analyst
January 10, 2025

Industry-Specific CBAM Requirements

Steel and cement importers face unique challenges under CBAM due to the carbon-intensive nature of these industries. This guide provides sector-specific insights for compliance.

Steel Industry Requirements

Covered Products

  • Raw materials (iron ore, pig iron)
  • Semi-finished products (billets, blooms, slabs)
  • Finished products (bars, rods, angles, shapes)
  • Tubes and pipes

Emissions Calculation

Direct Emissions:

  • Blast furnace operations
  • Basic oxygen furnace
  • Electric arc furnace

Indirect Emissions:

  • Electricity consumption
  • Heating and cooling

Default Values

  • EU provides specific default values per product category
  • Range from 1.9 to 2.3 tons CO₂/ton steel

Cement Industry Requirements

Covered Products

  • Cement clinker
  • Portland cement
  • Aluminous cement
  • Other hydraulic cements

Emissions Sources

Process Emissions (60% of total):

  • Limestone calcination
  • Chemical reactions

Fuel Emissions (40% of total):

  • Kiln fuel combustion
  • Electricity for grinding

Calculation Methodology

  1. Clinker Factor: Determine clinker content in cement
  2. Process Emissions: 0.525 tons CO₂/ton clinker
  3. Fuel Emissions: Based on fuel type and consumption

Best Practices

Data Collection

  • Establish direct communication with producers
  • Request emissions data in CBAM format
  • Verify third-party certifications

Documentation

  • Maintain detailed records
  • Store producer declarations
  • Keep calculation methodologies

Preparing for 2026

Certificate Requirements

  • Estimated cost: €75-100 per ton CO₂
  • Purchase strategy optimization
  • Budget planning for certificates

Risk Management

  • Price volatility hedging
  • Supply chain diversification
  • Alternative sourcing strategies

Carbonable Solutions

Our platform offers industry-specific features:

  • Pre-configured calculations for steel/cement
  • Automated default value application
  • Supply chain emissions tracking
  • Certificate cost forecasting

Conclusion

Steel and cement importers must act now to ensure smooth transition to full CBAM implementation. Early preparation and the right tools are key to compliance success.

SteelCementEmissionsCBAMIndustry