Vietnam: 9M16 cement sales reach 55.25Mt

According to the Ministry of Construction, Vietnam's cement sales reached 55.25Mt for the period January-September 2016. No YoY comparative figures were given. Of the total, 43.55Mt were sold domestically, a 7.7 per cent increase on the previous year, and 11.7Mt of cement and clinker were exported, representing a -1.3 per cent YoY change.

In the month of September Vietnamese companies sold 5.25Mt of cement in the domestic market and exported 1.3Mt of cement and clinker, the ministry added.

Local firms have encountered difficulties in promoting exports due to fierce competition from rivals such as Thailand and China. The Ministry of Construction predicts that the country's sale of cement and clinker will increase by 4-7 per cent YoY between 75-77Mt in 2016 despite economic woes.

Vietnam boasts 76 production lines with a combined annual output of 81.56Mt. Two new plants with a combined capacity of 6Mta will be introduced in October.