Cement consumption in Vietnam is expected to increase by nine to 10 per cent to 56Mt this year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

During the year, about 12 new cement plants will come into operation with a total estimated yield of 10.18Mt.

Nguyen Van Diep, an official of the Viet Nam Cement Association, said the new operations would lift total cement production to more than 60Mt, providing 4Mt for export.

As for prices, Diep said that they would remain the same until Tet (Lunar New Year). "After that, however, the price will depend on the price of coal and electricity," Diep said