Vietnam’s cement sales stood at 9.57Mt in the first quarter of this year, meeting 17.4 per cent of the whole-year plan, due to the implementation of several projects in March that lead to the strong demand, the Ministry of Construction said.

Cement production was 9.98Mt in the period, making up 18.1% of the full-year target, including 4.85Mt in March, the ministry said on its website.

Vietnam’s cement consumption is forecast to reach between 55Mt and 56.5Mt this year, rising 11% and 12% from a year earlier, respectively, the ministry said.

The country’s cement output is forecast to rise 73Mt this year due to the additional operation of eight new cement plants with combined production capacity of 6.9Mt.

In 2011, Vietnam produced and sold 49.3Mt of cement. The country also imported 1.15Mt of clinker and exported 5.5Mt of cement and clinker during the period, the ministry noted.