Jamaica is helping drive strong performance in Cemex’s South, Central America, and Caribbean division, which recorded US$66 million in operating EBITDA during the second quarter. That represents a 34 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.

The division also reported US$307 million in sales for the quarter, a 7 per cent increase year-on-year in reported terms. Cement volumes rose by 1 per cent, with stronger activity in Jamaica and Colombia helping to offset weaker performance in other markets.

According to Cemex, cement demand in the region was led by the informal sector. Jamaica also benefited from increased reconstruction following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island in October 2025 and caused widespread damage across several western parishes. Tourism-related construction projects also contributed to demand.

The strong results come as Cemex continues to reduce its presence in parts of the region. The company sold its Dominican Republic operations for US$928 million in January 2025 and later sold most of its Panama operations for US$200 million. Cemex has also agreed to sell its Colombian businesses for approximately US$485 million, with the deal expected to close by the end of the year.

Once the Colombia sale is completed, Cemex’s remaining Caribbean and Central American operations will include Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Guyana, Barbados, and the Bahamas, alongside Peru.

The company said its overall second-quarter performance was also strong, with total sales reaching US$4.6 billion and operating EBITDA reaching US$1 billion. Its cost-cutting programme contributed US$60 million in savings during the quarter.