Cement consumption bounces back

The domestic consumption of cement in the first eight months bounced back to a sustainable status, which is being seen a relief for producers with surplus inventories.
The domestic consumption of cement in the first eight months bouncedback to a sustainable status, which is being seen a relief for producerswith surplus inventories.

Chairman of Vietnam CementAssociation Nguyen Quang Cung told Thoi Bao Ngan Hang (Banking Times)newspaper, "Cement plants are likely to run at full throttle."

Chairmanof Vietnam Cement Industry Corporation (Vicem) Luong Quang Khai saidthat his company's inventory has dramatically fallen. As of August 31,the total inventory was equal to 14 production days.

The Vissai Cement Group shared the same opinion, saying the market demand was better than two years ago.

"Wehaven't got detailed statistics, but the production was generally goodin the first eight months," Nguyen Vu Thanh, Vissai Cement Group'sdeputy general director, added.

According to the Ministry ofConstruction, August marked the first consecutive month when cementsales reached five to six million tonnes. Companies in Vietnam sold42.53 million tonnes of cement in the first eight months of this year,up 8 percent year on year, meeting 68.6 percent of the year's target.

Ofthe total, 32.85 million tonnes of cement were sold at the domesticmarket, up 7 percent year on year, while 9.68 million tonnes wereexported, an increase of 9 percent year on year.

In August, thecountry's cement sales rose 2 percent from the previous month and 3percent year on year to 5.29 million tonnes, despite the rainy season.Exports accounted for 1.1 million tonnes of this total, rising 12percent month on month.

In September, the country's cement salesare expected to increase slightly as many construction projects willrestart. The recovery of the real estate market will also contribute tothe growth of the cement sector.

"Vietnam has many advantages incement production and exports, including abundant raw materials,mountains that make up three-fourths of the country's total area andlong coastlines with ports systems, which are convenient for exports,"Cung said, adding that cement exports will be a good business choicefrom now till 2025 or even 2030.

Many Asian countries have beenexporting huge volumes of cement for a good number of years. Among them,Thailand and Japan have been exporting cement for decades.

Cungsaid that the competition in cement exports was not only in marketshares but also in pricing. Many of Vietnam's exports are priced lowerthan that of other countries, such as rice which is cheaper than that ofThailand.

The current cement export prices fluctuate around 50USD to 55 USD per tonne, and are lower – below 10 percent – than that ofseveral countries in the region.-VNA

See more

Industrial factories in Tan Uyen city, the southern province of Binh Duong (Photo: VNA)

Investors upbeat about Vietnam’s industrial property market

Investors are bullish on Vietnam's industrial property market growth on the back of the nation's strategic location, sound infrastructure, and increasing demand for industrial space, particularly industrial parks that meet green standards, according to market research.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the EU Nguyen Van Thao addresses the forum (Photo: VNA)

Forum connects Vietnamese, Belgian busineses

The Vietnam-Belgian business forum took place in Brussels on October 23, offering a chance for enterprises of the two countries to introduce their products and explore new cooperation opportunities.

The expos cover over 6,000 sq.m, drawing over 210 exhibitors from 10 countries and territories. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi hosts textile & garment, fabric garment accessories expos

The Vietnam Hanoi Textile & Garment Industry and Fabric Garment Accessories Expos 2024 (HanoiTex & HanoiFabric 2024) is taking place in Hanoi on October 23 – 25 as part of a series of international exhibitions on Vietnam's textile and garment industry.

Representatives from Vietnamese and Lao agencies, localities and businesses at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam-Laos trade fair 2024 in Xiengkhouang province. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos step up trade, tourism promotion

A Vietnam-Laos trade fair was kicked off in Phonsavanh township in Xiengkhouang province of Laos on October 23 as part of activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the traditional day of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in Laos (October 30, 1949 – 2024).

Illustrative photo (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

Vietnamese goods enter US through global supply chain

The Saigon Co.op Distribution Company Limited (SCD) - a member of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Trade Cooperatives (Saigon Co.op), and STC Natural Vina Company on October 23 held a hand-over ceremony for goods that will be exported to the US.

Vietnam’s lobsters have clawed their way back onto Chinese menus after a suspension. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s lobsters claw back prominence in China

Vietnam’s lobster export to the Chinese market in January-September rose 33 folds year-on-year on the back of lower prices and stronger trade ties between the two nations, the South China Morning Post said on October 22.