Vietnam raises cement and clinker exports in Nov amid stronger demand, new markets

Vietnam exported 3.55 million mt of clinker and cement in November, an increase of 61.9% year over year and 2.4% month over month, according to Vietnam Customs data released Dec. 8.

The data did not distinguish between cement and clinker volumes.

Bangladesh remained Vietnam's top export destination in November, receiving 497,188 mt, up 74.96% year over year, followed by the Philippines and Malaysia. Over January-November, Vietnam's total clinker and cement exports rose 21.7% to 33.4 million mt, with Bangladesh, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan among the key buyers.

Brazil and Angola emerged as new destinations this year, with initial cargoes shipped in November, the customs data showed.

Vietnam's cement sector has experienced a rebound in export activity in recent months, helping ease high stockpiles, the Vietnam Cement Association's Cement Information and Database Center (CIDC) said on Nov. 24.

CIDC projects Vietnam's total 2025 cement and clinker export volume at roughly 37 million mt.

Producers and traders across Asia said that firmer export demand, alongside improving domestic consumption, has been supported by faster public investment spending and recovering civil construction activity. Domestic cement consumption is expected to continue rising in Q4 on the back of favorable weather and accelerated public-sector disbursement.

However, market participants cautioned that Vietnam's outlook remains tempered by fierce global competition. Major regional exporters such as Thailand, Indonesia, and China continue to grapple with oversupply and are actively pushing their volumes into overseas markets.

Meanwhile, key destinations including the Philippines, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Taiwan are tightening technical requirements, imposing stricter environmental standards, and maintaining or expanding trade defense measures. CIDC said this will require Vietnamese producers to step up product quality and responsiveness.

An Asia-based trader said, "Vietnamese cement and clinker have much room to grow, but increased tariffs, safeguard and antidumping duties in the US, Philippines, and Taiwan will pose as a challenge."

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed cement (ASTM type I) FOB Vietnam at $36.5/mt on Dec. 4, up from $36/mt the previous week. Platts also assessed cement clinker FOB Vietnam at $31/mt on Dec. 4, up from $30.75/mt FOB the previous week.