Vietnam Ministry of Construction has reported that the country's cement consumption volume in May 2010 would be estimated at about 4.3 million tonnes, down by 14.17% MoM against that of the previous month of 5.01 million tonnes.

Explaining about the reason for cement sales reduction, Ministry of Construction stated that was mainly due to the sharp increase in steel price within the period of late April and early May 2010, resulting in the slowdown trend in many construction projects. However, the cement sales price retained at stable level nationwide.

In the first half of May 2010, Vietnam's total cement sales volume was posted at about 19.67 million tonnes, while the production volume of 20.15 million tonnes.

The ministry predicted that the whole country's demands for cement may reach 50 to 51.5 million tonnes in 2010, up by 11% against that of last year, in which Vietnam Cement Corporation would produce about 18 to 18.5 million tonnes, joint ventures of 15.15.5 million tonnes and other cement plants of 17 to 17.5 million tonnes.

Therefore, the ministry has required the domestic cement producers to make monthly report about production and sales situation of the previous month and business plan for the current month with detailed information about volume of clinker, cement products being produced and sold, the sales price of clinker and cement at the plants and agents, problems arising during production, sales and transportation progress, suggested proposals and solutions.

(Sourced from www.intellasia.net)