Cement consumption to increase in December

It is forecast that a country’s total cement consumption volume in December will be around 4 million tonnes, up 10-12 percent compared to the same period last year.

Nguyen Van Diep, an office manager of the Vietnam Cement Association (VCA) said that after a cement fever in April to June 2008, factories in the northern region transported a large volume of cement and clinker to the southern region. In addition, clinker import tax was adjusted to zero percent, helping to stabilise cement production and market.

Cement consumption increased 9 percent in October to 3.3 million tonnes, but it fell by 4 percent in November compared to the same period last year. A VCA representative said that flood in the northern provinces is the main cause of the decline.

Mr Diep added that consumption volume will go up in December as it is the peak of the construction season. Furthermore, open policies will help businesses accelerate execution of projects.

VOV

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