Vietnam domestic cement sales drop in Q3 on weather woes, high costs amid export gains

Vietnam's domestic cement sales totaled around 18 million metric tons in the third quarter of 2025, equivalent to about 79% of Q2 volumes, according to data released on Oct. 31 from the Vietnam Cement Association's official website.

Several traders in the region said the slowdown was mainly due to adverse weather conditions, including typhoons and seasonal disruptions, which hindered operations and logistics. Rising electricity, fuel and raw material costs also continued to squeeze producers' margins.

"The recent typhoons in Q3, such as Kajiki in late August and Bualoi in late September, brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and wind damage, which undoubtedly affected transport and construction activity," a regional trader said.

Another Southeast Asia-based trader said, "Many cement producers in Vietnam intentionally scaled back production, prioritizing line maintenance as costs for power and raw materials remained elevated."

In contrast, cement and clinker exports rose to nearly 9.5 million mt in Q3, exceeding both the previous quarter and the same period in 2024. Several traders attributed this to stronger demand from Africa and Eastern Europe, which helped offset weaker sales to the US, Taiwan and the Philippines.

"West African countries such as Ghana, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire have stepped up imports of Vietnamese clinker since the second half of 2025, offering producers an alternative outlet beyond their traditional Bangladesh market," according to the first trader.

Nonetheless, traders cautioned that Vietnam's export outlook faces headwinds, as the US imposes a 20% import tax on Vietnamese cement, while Taiwan's antidumping duties which are effective through 2030 continue to pressure export competitiveness and pricing strategies.

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, assessed cement (ASTM type I) FOB Vietnam at $35.75/mt on Oct. 30, slightly higher from $35.25/mt the previous week. Platts assessed cement clinker FOB Vietnam at $30/mt on Oct 30. up from $29.25/mt FOB the previous week.