The Philippines was the largest importer ofVietnamese cement and clinker with more than eightmillion tonnes worth US$319.09 million. It was followed by Bangladesh with 5.49 million tonnesworth US$175.13 million and Malaysia with 1.68 million tonnes worth US$57.19 million.

Local businesses say, last year the export of cement and clinker to key markets proved to be very difficult.

Key importer China that ceased importing cement and clinker for the past two years, resumed domestic production after initially halting cement manufacturing to reduce pollution. 

Bangladesh, the supply of cement from surplus sources in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) took a toll on imports from Vietnam. Meanwhile, the Philippines imposed anti-dumping tariffs on cement imports from Vietnam, effective for five years starting March 2023, and initiated safeguard investigations on cement imports from 2019 to June 2024.

Export prices of cement also dropped last year. The Vietnam Cement Industry Corporation (Vicem)reported, the free-on-board (FOB) cement export price to the Philippines in late 2024 stood at only US$40 - 40.5/tonne, down US$2 – 3/tonne compared to the beginning of the year, and down US$8-9 compared to the beginning of 2023.

Clinker exports to Bangladesh saw an even sharper decline, with prices falling to US$28.5-29/tonne, a decrease of US$2.5/tonne from early 2024 and US$10-10.5/tonne from 2023.

This year, Vietnamese cement and clinker exports are forecast to grow slowly and may remain at the same level as they were in 2024. 

Export markets are gradually shifting to new destinations such as the United States, North America, South America, and Africa.

Moreover, export activities continue to face trade barriers in several countries, including Taiwan (China), which has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into cement and clinker originating or imported from Vietnam and the Philippines. 

It is also anticipated that the country will face fierce competition from Indonesia and Thailand as they are offering attractive selling prices and low transportation costs.

Domestically, Vietnam’s cement supply is expected to remain in surplus in 2025, with an estimated 125 million tons of supply against a domestic demand of only 62.5-63.5 million tons. This surplus, combined with high raw material costs, will likely lead to fierce price competition among local producers, aiming to maintain market share and boost consumption.

Philippines initiates safeguard measures investigation on cement from Vietnam

The Philippines has initiated a preliminary safeguard measures investigation on the importation of cement from various countries, including Vietnam, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in the Philippines.