CBAM Cement Default Values: 0.81 tCO2/t for Cement, Higher for Clinker
CBAM default values for cement reflect the global production weighted average, with separate values for clinker and for finished cement. The cement default of approximately 0.81 tCO2e per tonne is among the lower defaults in CBAM, reflecting both the lower energy intensity of cement versus steel/aluminium and the dilution effect of clinker substitution. This page covers the cement default values and what they cost.
CBAM Cement Default Values
| CN code | Description | Default value (tCO2e/t) |
|---|---|---|
| 2523 10 | Cement clinker | ~0.85 tCO2e/t (under review) |
| 2523 21 | White Portland cement | derived from clinker + processing |
| 2523 29 | Other Portland cement | ~0.81 tCO2e/t |
| 2523 30 | Aluminous cement | derived |
| 2523 90 | Other hydraulic cements | derived |
Always check the current published default values in the latest Implementing Regulation amendment before filing a declaration. Defaults are kept under active review.
What CBAM Cement Default Values Cost
Cost per tonne of cement imported at the 0.81 default:
| ETS price (EUR/tCO2) | CBAM cost per tonne of cement |
|---|---|
| EUR 50 | EUR 41 |
| EUR 65 | EUR 53 |
| EUR 80 | EUR 65 |
| EUR 100 | EUR 81 |
Cement is a low-margin, high-volume commodity. A EUR 50–80 per tonne CBAM cost is significant relative to the typical EUR 80–120 EU landed cement price. For Türkish, Egyptian, and Moroccan cement exporters who have built business around proximity-based EU markets, the CBAM cost differential is existential. Documenting actuals is not optional.
Why Cement Defaults Are Lower Than Steel
Two reasons. First, cement embedded emissions per tonne (0.6–0.9 tCO2e/t) are simply lower than steel (1.8–2.5 tCO2e/t) because cement is less energy-intensive per unit mass. Second, the global cement production distribution is more uniform than steel — most countries produce cement at similar emission intensities — so the 90th percentile is closer to the median.
This does not make cement CBAM "less of a problem." On the contrary: cement margins are thin, transport costs constrain the trade radius, and the EU's proximity to Türkish and North African cement clusters means a CBAM cost differential of EUR 20–40 per tonne can move the trade flow. See the Egypt and Morocco country guide for the regional cement context.
Replacing Default Values for Cement
The same three steps as other sectors: calculate per Annex III, verify with ISO 14065 accredited body, store the verified record with a durable URL.
For cement specifically, the largest documented saving comes from clinker substitution and alternative fuel co-processing. See the calculation guide for the methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CBAM default value for cement?
Approximately 0.81 tCO2e per tonne for finished Portland cement under CN 2523 29. The clinker default is higher (~0.85 tCO2e/t) reflecting the absence of dilution from supplementary cementitious materials.
What does the cement default cost per tonne in EUR?
At the current EU ETS price band (~EUR 65/tCO2), approximately EUR 53 per tonne of cement. At EUR 100/tCO2, the cost rises to EUR 81 per tonne — a level that materially affects landed cement prices in EU markets.
Why is the cement default lower than steel and aluminium?
Cement embedded emissions per tonne are inherently lower than steel and aluminium, and the global distribution of cement emissions is more uniform — so the 90th percentile is closer to the median.
Does using SCMs (slag, fly ash, limestone) reduce my CBAM exposure?
Yes. Substituting clinker with supplementary cementitious materials reduces the embedded emissions per tonne of finished cement proportionally to the clinker reduction. A CEM III with 50% clinker has approximately 42% of the embedded emissions per tonne versus a 100% clinker product.
Are CBAM cement defaults likely to change?
Yes — they are under active review and may be updated as the EU Commission gathers more global production data. Producers should check the current Implementing Regulation 2023/1773 Annex III values before each filing.
Calculate your CBAM saving → · Who files the CBAM declaration? → · Find a verifier →