It is forecast that there will be many difficulties for the cement industry, due to weak demand and fierce competition both domestically and internationally.

he domestic cement industry expects to bounce back in 2024 thanks to the Government's tireless efforts to speed up public investment and implementation of key transport infrastructure projects, along with approving many industrial and urban infrastructure ones.

The potential for co-processing waste, including non-recyclable plastic, as an alternative fuel in the cement industry in Vietnam is huge.

Vietnam is now in need of diversifying energy supply sources as it is facing a shortage of coal supply for electricity, cement, and fertiliser production due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia - Ukraine conflict.

The cement industry is forecast to see a significant increase in domestic sales in 2021, driven by investment in infrastructure, foreign direct investment inflow and the recovery of the real estate market. However, exports are set to slow down.

Maintaining exports would be critical for the cement industry amid rising production output and anticipated sluggish domestic sales this year.

The prospects of cement enterprises in the second half of the year will continue to improve, especially during the construction season at the end of the year, according to Chairman of the Vietnam Cement Association (VNCA) Nguyen Quang Cung.

Vicem Hoang Mai Cement Joint Stock Company plans to build a cement factory, with the first phase expected to cost more than 6.67 trillion VND (286 million USD), in the central province of Nghe An.

Production and sales of cement and clinkers of Vietnam have risen in recent years. But to maintain the growth, experts suggested that the industry should make comprehensive reforms, apply advanced technology to improve production and optimise the efficiency of natural resources.

The cement production industry may face increasing pressure from an anticipated excess of supply over demand, although the industry posted good sale results this year.

High demand, especially in global markets, have helped the cement industry surpass its annual sales target of 83-85 million tonnes in just ten months.

The domestic cement industry achieved impressive results in exports over the first eight months of this year to reach the target for the whole year.

The development strategy of the cement industry by 2030 towards 2050 would ensure a balance between the supply and demand for cement.

Vietnam’s cement industry saw strong growth in cement exports in the first quarter of this year as many Chinese cement factories shut down due to pollution and power shortages.

The country’s cement surplus this year could be 30 million tonnes and reach 35 million tonnes by 2020 if Vietnam does not export cement.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment has proposed export tax cuts on cement while local producers are struggling with high stockpiles as supply has exceeded demand in the domestic market.

Holcim Vietnam was renamed Siam City Cement Vietnam Co Ltd after being acquired by Thailand’s Siam Cement City Public Co Ltd (SCCC).

Industry insiders are concerned the cement industry will find it hard to meet the target of selling 75-77 million tonnes of cement this year due to market difficulties.