Cement loaded for exports. — Photo ximang.vn |
HÀ NỘI — The country’s cement consumption reached 62 million tonnes in 2017, up 7 per cent from 2016, according to the Department of Price Management under the Ministry of Finance.
The department attributed the higher cement consumption to a rising number of construction projects, especially those related to real estate and transport infrastructure. However, the increase was marginal compared to 2016 due to prolonged rains and storms nationwide.
In December alone, the total cement output reached 6.3 million tonnes, up 1 million tonne from the previous month, bringing the total output to 65 million tonnes in 2017.
Cement consumption in December increased by three per cent to 6.5 million tonnes.
Cement prices were stable in December as the prices of raw material and production costs did not change much.
Reports of the municipal departments of finance showed the cement retail prices in the northern and central regions were VNĐ1.05-VNĐ1.55 million (US$46-68) per tonne, while those in the southern region were VNĐ1.46-VNĐ1.95 million per tonne.
The cement export prices at Hòn Gai Cement Plant in December were $48.5-51 per tonne, while clinker cost $29-30 per tonne free on board (FOB) Cẩm Phả Cement Plant.
The department expected the cement prices in 2018 to remain stable. — VNS