The blended cement segment is projected to account for three-fourths of all new product demand generated between 2012 and 2017. Blended cement will continue to gain market share because of its lower cost and environmental features. Manufacturers prefer blended cement because it allows them to boost output, to reduce energy consumption and production costs, and to comply with increasingly stringent emissions standards. Through 2017, sales of other types of cement will expand at the market's fastest pace, as demand for specialty and environmentally friendly products grows. Nevertheless, other types of cement will still account for a small portion of overall cement sales.

Despite losing market share, portland cement will still be used extensively in higher-end applications because of its strength and durability.