According to preliminary statistics from the General Department of Customs, exports of clinker and cement in April 2025 reached over 2.95 million tons, valued at 112.45 million USD. While there was a slight decrease of 2.3% in volume, the value increased by 0.4% compared to the previous month.
From the beginning of the year until now, Vietnam has exported more than 11.19 million tons of clinker and cement, equivalent to 410.86 million USD, reflecting a 3.2% increase in volume and a 0.3% decrease in value compared to the same period in 2024. The average export price in the first four months of 2025 reached approximately 36.69 USD/ton, a 3.8% decrease from the previous year.
Asian countries are the largest traders of these commodities from Vietnam, with the Philippines leading the way. The Philippines accounted for 23.1% of the export volume, followed by Bangladesh at 19.7%, and Malaysia at 4%.
In the first four months of 2025, the Philippines imported more than 2.58 million tons of clinker and cement from Vietnam, valued at 96.83 million USD. This reflects a decrease of 6.7% in volume and 14.7% in value compared to the same period in 2024. The average price stood at 37.5 USD, an 8.5% decrease year-on-year.
Similarly, Bangladesh spent over 68.28 million USD on importing 2.2 million tons of clinker and cement from Vietnam, representing a decrease of 24.14% in volume and 26.1% in value compared to 2024. The average export price to Bangladesh was 30.9 USD/ton, a 2.66% decrease.
During the same period, exports of these commodities to Malaysia reached 453,490 tons, valued at over 15.16 million USD. This indicates a decrease of 8.1% in volume and 10.23% in value compared to the previous year. The average export price to Malaysia was 33.4 USD/ton, a slight decrease of 2.23%.
Recently, the government issued Decree No. 108/2025/ND-CP, amending and supplementing Decree No. 26/2023/ND-CP on export and import tax rates, lists of goods, and absolute tax rates, mixed taxes, and out-of-quota import tax rates.
The most notable content of the Decree is the adjustment of the export tax rate for clinker and cement from 10% to 5% to support the domestic cement industry, which is currently facing challenges.
This preferential tax rate will be applied until December 31, 2026. From January 1, 2027, the tax rate will return to 10% as stipulated in the Export Tax Schedule issued together with Decree No. 26/2023/ND-CP.
According to the Ministry of Construction, there are currently 92 cement production lines in Vietnam with a total designed capacity of 122.34 million tons/year. However, these lines are operating at an average capacity of only about 77%. Notably, 34 lines had to cease operations for one to six months, with some lines remaining inactive for the entire year, resulting in losses for many cement enterprises.
In 2024, the total consumption of cement and clinker was approximately 95 million tons, a modest increase of 1% compared to 2023. Domestic consumption accounted for 65.3 million tons (a 3% increase), while exports reached 29.7 million tons (a 5% decrease). The export value was estimated at 1.136 billion USD, a decrease of 14.2% compared to the previous year.
The Ministry of Finance stated that clinker and cement fall under Group 25.23 in the Vietnam Export and Import Commodity List, with a total export turnover of 1.14 billion USD in 2024. Clinker, under codes 2523.10.10 and 2523.10.90, has an export tax rate of 10% according to the Export Tax Schedule issued with Decree No. 26/2023/ND-CP. The export turnover for these clinker codes in 2024 was 301.4 million USD.
The reduction of the export tax rate for clinker and cement from 10% to 5%, effective until the end of 2026, will provide clinker and cement production enterprises with a period of more than one year to adjust their production and business plans and handle inventory.
The Treasury Department Sees Over 10,400 Early Retirements
The Ministry of Finance has been allocated an additional VND 11.4 trillion to implement policies for over 10,400 people who retired early under Decree 178 and Decree 67. Post-merger, the Ministry has streamlined its structure by reducing 3,600 office and department-level units. It has the highest number of supported individuals among all entities.
Positive Signals in Vietnam-US Trade Talks
At the conclusion of the second round of negotiations, Vietnam and the United States made significant progress, identifying areas of agreement and convergence. They also outlined areas requiring further discussion to reach a consensus in the near future.
The Annual Cost of Administrative Procedures Compliance Exceeds 120 Trillion Dong
According to statistics, the annual cost of administrative procedures compliance amounts to a staggering 120 thousand billion VND. In light of this, the Prime Minister has issued an urgent directive to review, streamline, and simplify administrative procedures related to production and business activities. The goal is to reduce the time, cost, and conditions for business operations by at least 30% each in 2025.
US-Vietnam Countertrade Talks: Significant Progress Made, Says Ministry of Industry and Trade
The second round of negotiations between Vietnam and the United States made significant progress, with both sides identifying areas of agreement and outlining issues for further discussion.
The World-Class Vietnamese Airport: An Exciting Update as it Prepares to Welcome VVIP Aircraft for the 2027 Mega Event.
Vice Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung recently chaired a meeting to discuss the expansion of the airport.
