WASHINGTON, D.C., February 17, 2026 — Common Sense America President and Founder Steve Crim sent a letter to the North Carolina State Ports Authority, expressing deep reservations about the planned Silvi Materials import facility in Morehead City, NC.
“Our concern is not with investment in the port itself, but with the potential opening that could occur if an additional conduit for uncontrolled foreign products undermines the domestic manufacturing base,” wrote Crim. “If import capacity expands far faster than domestic production, North Carolina and the Southeast could become increasingly dependent on foreign cement for core infrastructure needs.”
Crim continues: “Cement and concrete form the backbone of our roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and homes. Ports like Morehead City are key to moving those materials where they are needed most. At the same time, this new terminal comes at a moment when U.S. cement production has declined, imports supply a growing share of our nation’s cement consumption, and domestic producers face mounting pressure from lower‑priced foreign competitors.”
The letter emphasizes the unique authority held by North Carolina Ports to ensure the quality of cement and other building materials moving through its import facilities.
“By pairing port‐led improvements in efficiency and capacity with rigorous vetting, transparency, and a commitment to safe, high‐quality materials and fair competition, North Carolina can set an example for how to welcome new investment while also supporting domestic manufacturing, jobs, and infrastructure quality,” Crim concluded.
See below for the full letter.
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Brian Clark
Executive Director
North Carolina State Ports Authority
2202 Burnett Blvd
Wilmington, NC 28401
Dear Executive Director Brian Clark,
Common Sense America (CSA) appreciates the vital role that North Carolina’s ports play in supporting jobs, trade, and infrastructure across the state and the broader region. Your leadership helps connect builders, manufacturers, and communities to the materials they need to grow.
CSA is dedicated to advancing American prosperity, security, and self‑reliance by strengthening domestic supply chains. Our work focuses on ensuring that critical materials like cement are produced to high standards here at home, so that communities, businesses, and taxpayers can depend on safe, durable infrastructure built on strong American foundations.
We took particular note of the recent announcement that Silvi Cement will construct a new bulk import facility at the Port of Morehead City, including two 100,000‑ton domes and expanded loading capabilities to handle multiple times the port’s current cement volume. Once complete, this project will significantly increase the flow of imported cement materials into North Carolina and the surrounding region.
CSA believes that reliable logistics and port capacity are essential to a healthy construction materials supply chain. Cement and concrete form the backbone of our roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and homes. Ports like Morehead City are key to moving those materials where they are needed most. At the same time, this new terminal comes at a moment when U.S. cement production has declined, imports supply a growing share of our nation’s cement consumption, and domestic producers face mounting pressure from lower‑priced foreign competitors.
Our concern is not with investment in the port itself, but with the potential opening that could occur if an additional conduit for uncontrolled foreign products undermines the domestic manufacturing base. If import capacity expands far faster than domestic production, North Carolina and the Southeast could become increasingly dependent on foreign cement for core infrastructure needs. That shift carries several risks, including greater exposure to global price and supply shocks, reduced incentive to invest in domestic plants and upgrades, and difficulty ensuring that materials used in local projects are produced to the rigorous standards that American manufacturers follow.
In light of these stakes, we believe NC Ports is uniquely positioned to take every possible step to ensure that any cement and slag moving through its facilities meet strong, transparent quality standards and do not disadvantage American producers. As you move forward with the Silvi project, we respectfully ask:
- How will NC Ports vet these imported materials to verify that they meet recognized U.S. specifications and performance standards?
- What mill certifications or testing documentation will you require from importers so that state and local agencies, as well as private builders, understand what they are buying and how it compares to domestic cement?
- How will you work with domestic manufacturers and state leaders to maintain a level playing field, so that American‑made, ASTM‑certified cement is not undercut by lower‑standard imports in projects that North Carolinians rely on every day?
- How will the results of such verification be provided to relevant state officials and the greater public?
CSA sees ports as critical partners in promoting a Buy America agenda that supports both growth and resilience. By pairing port‑led improvements in efficiency and capacity with rigorous vetting, transparency, and a commitment to safe, high‑quality materials and fair competition, North Carolina can set an example for how to welcome new investment while also supporting domestic manufacturing, jobs, and infrastructure quality.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these ideas further with you and your team. Thank you for your leadership at NC Ports and for considering how this important project can contribute to a stronger, more secure cement supply for North Carolina and the Southeast.
Steve Crim
President and Founder
Common Sense America
About American Foundations
American Foundations, a project of Common Sense America, is committed to ensuring that our nation’s infrastructure is built on strong, reliable cement — made right here at home. Learn more at: strongamericanfoundations.org.