Vietnamese cement exports hits record high in 2018

The volume of Vietnamese cement exports rose 55 per cent YoY to 31.65Mt in 2018, according to the Vietnam Cement Association (VNCA). As the highest ever export value in the sector, it represents an estimated value of US$1.2bn.

The country's cement has been shipped to more than 40 countries with an average price of US$50/t for cement and US$38-US$42/t of clinker, up 20-23 per cent from the rates in 2016, according to VNCA's Chairman, Nguyen Quang Cung.

Vietnam's Ministry of Construction has estimated that cement production will rise 6-8 per cent in 2019 to around 99Mt, including 69Mt for the domestic market and the remaining 30Mt as exports. As such, the main export markets in year ahead are expected to be the Philippines, Bangladesh, China, Taiwan and Peru. However, experts have warned Vietnamese cement exporters of risks from the Chinese market, according to Vietnam News.