Vietnam is predicted to consume 31.5-32 million tons of cement this year, up 6.8-8.47 per cent against last year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.
Of the total, the State-owned Vietnam Cement Corporation (VNCC) plans to provide the local market with 13.3-13.5 million tons of cement and 9.15 million tons of clinker in 2006, up 2.3 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively, from 2005. Meanwhile, joint venture companies will produce 9.6-9.7 million tons of cement, blast-furnace cement plants are to turn out 5.2-5.3 million tons, and cement grinding bases plan to supply 3.4-3.5 million tons.
This year Vietnam must import about 5 million tons of clinker for local cement production, up 19 per cent on-year. The import price of clinker is forecasted to rise slightly against last year. In January, the country imported 150,000 tons of clinker with a price of US$28-29 per ton.
Last month Vietnam consumed 2.2 million tons cement, and maintained a stable price level. A ton of cement was sold at VND720,000-780,000 in the north and at VND840,000-930,000 in the south.
Vietnam's demand for cement will rise to 36.5 million tons in 2007, 46.8 million tons in 2010 and around 68 to 70 million tons in 2020, while the supply will go up from 22.5 million tons in 2005 to 35.3 million tons in 2007.
The country has planed to invest VND12.43 trillion (over 786 million) into cement production this year, according to the Ministry of Construction.
Vietnam plans to put 21 new cement plants with a combined capacity of 30.25 million tons per annum into operation between now and 2008 to meet the increasing demand.
Vietnam Economic Times, Investment
Vietnamese
