Vietnam expects cement consumption to rise

According to local press, domestic cement consumption in Vietnam reached 5.3 million t in January – February 2014, while exports came in at 3.1 million t. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Construction announced that cement consumption was estimated to rise by 3% y/y to 63 million t in 2014. Domestic sales are forecast to account for approximately 48.5 – 49 million t and exports for 13.5 – 14 million t of this figure. In 2013, around 70 million t of cement was produced in Vietnam and a total of 61 million t was dispatched (including exports). The Ministry stated that it would work closely with the Vietnam Cement Association to enhance operational efficiency, as well as providing quality forecasts to improve supply and demand monitoring.

The Ministry also recently announced infrastructure projects in the country. In the energy sector, a groundbreaking ceremony has been held for the Vinh Tan 4 thermal power plant in Binh Thuan province. The US$1.7 billion plant comprises two turbines with a total capacity of 1200 MW. It will generate some 7.2 billion kWhs a year, equivalent to 5% of Vietnam’s electricity output. The first turbine is due to begin operating fully in 2017 and the second turbine will go online in 2018.

Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/10032014/vietnam_cement_sales_to_rise_2014_874/