Cement exports in the first seven months of this year reached an estimated 17.84 million tonnes, an on-year increase of 55 per cent and close to the annual target of 18 to 19 million tonnes, according to the Ministry of Construction.

Exports of cement in July alone were estimated at 2.1 million tonnes, an increase of 43 per cent over last July.

During the seven months, consumption of cement products in both domestic and export markets was estimated at 58.28 million tonnes, equal to 69 per cent of the yearly target of selling 83-85 million tonnes. Of the total, cement consumption in July was estimated at 7.92 million tonnes, up 20 per cent against the same month of 2017.

Domestic cement consumption in July was estimated at 5.91 million tonnes, an on-year increase of 26 per cent. Particularly, the Viet Nam Cement Industry Corporation (Vicem) sold about 1.91 million tonnes.

Although sales volume still maintained the growth momentum compared with the same period of 2017, consumption decreased slightly from 6.91 million tonnes in June. — VNS