Vietnam’s cement sales stood at 14.7Mt in the first four months of this year, fulfilling 26.8% of the whole-year target, including 4.73Mt in April.

The country also produced 14.85Mt of cement in Jan-Apr period, making up 27% of the whole-year target, including 4.81Mt in April, the Ministry of Construction said on its website late Wednesday.

Meanwhile its cement exports stood at US$53.6m, fulfilling 23.8% of the full-year target, including US$8.7m in April.

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

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. It imported 1.15Mt of clinker and exported 5.5Mt of cement and clinker during the period, the ministry noted.