The Vietnamese cement industry has surpassed its annual sales target of 83-85Mt in the first 10-months of 2018, on the back of high demand in global markets. The country's industry recorded a 51 per cent YoY increase in sales to 85.23Mt in the 10M18, according to the Ministry of Construction.

Exports reached 26.05Mt, rising 65 per cent compared to the year-ago period. Mainland China has become the largest importer of cement and clinker from Vietnam with 6.56Mt at US$235m in the first three quarters. The Philippines, Bangladesh and Taiwan followed with 4.75Mt, 5.64Mt and 1.23Mt, respectively, according to Vietnam News.

In the domestic market, the consumption of cement is expected to continue rising until the year-end. Local consumption in the 10M18 stood at 59.18Mt.