Cement bags are loaded onto ships for export. — Photo hoivlxdvn.org.vn

The nation’s cement and clinker exports are well on track to fulfill target set for the year with a positive turnover of nearly US$750 million seen in the first seven months, according to the General Department of Customs’ statistics.

During the period, 17.3 million tonnes of cement and clinker were shipped overseas, the data shows.

In the first half of this year, the country exported 15.6 million tonnes for $667 million, up 1.3 per cent in volume and 18 per cent in value compared to the same period of last year.

The Viet Nam Cement Association attributed the seven-month’s performance to positive demand from the world market and the export prices of cement which increased by 15-17 per cent year-on-year. That helped Vietnamese businesses increase their turnover.

Viet Nam’s cement and clinker market saw a solid growth of 7 per cent in 2018, fuelled by the improved real estate market and optimistic construction market, experts said.

Demand grew by 19 per cent last year to 96.7 million tonnes, with exports accounting for 31.6 million tonnes rising 55 per cent, according to the Ministry of Construction.

China’s shutting down of polluting cement plants and forcing others to cut production created an opportunity for Vietnamese firms to increase exports. Last year, Viet Nam exported 9.8 million tonnes of cement and clinker to the neighbour, accounting for 31 per cent of its total exports.

The ministry forecast that demand would likely to increase marginally to 98-99 million tonnes by the end of this year. This would include domestic consumption of 70 million tonnes and exports of 28-29 million tonnes, it said. — VNS