Vietnam cement sales slip during Jan-May 2013

Vietnam cement sales declined by 2.1 per cent in the first five months of this year to 19.5Mt compared to the same period of last year, data from the Ministry of Construction showed.

The 2013 five-month figure represents 39.5 per cent of the whole year target, the ministry said.

In May alone, domestic cement sales dropped 3.07 per cent compared to April and 0.84 per cent compared to May last year.  Cement output rose by 0.8 per cent MoM and 3.71 per cent YoY to 5.03Mt.

The country spent US$26.4m on cement imports between January and May, falling by 82.41 per cent, including US$4.2m in May.

The country also earned US$52.3m from exporting cement in the first five month, down by 29.23 per cent YoY, including US$6.9m in May.