Vietnam cement makers call for scraping of clinker export tax

Clinker, a crucial resource used in cement production in Vietnam, should be exempted from the current 10% export tax, according to the Vietnam Cement Association (VNCA).

The association argued that clinker does not fall under the Value-Added Tax Law's description that covers "exported products that are natural resources and minerals that have not been processed".

VNCA has sent a formal letter to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Construction, requesting the tax to be reviewed.

"Clinker is a product formed after the calcination of a finely ground mixture of limestone, clay, and some additives at temperatures around 1,450 - 1,500°C, and therefore is not a mineral resource," VNCA wrote.

VNCA said the tax, which is listed in Appendix I, Export Tariff Schedule by taxable goods category, Decree 26/2023/ND-CP, is not consistent with the country's Value-Added Tax Law.

The association and its members urged the government to review the tax, which they say has placed additional burden on the already struggling industry.

In 2023, the industry exported over 31.3 million tons of clinker and cement, equivalent to more than $1.32 billion, a decrease of 1.2% in volume and 4.1% in value compared to 2022. This marks the second consecutive year of a significant export decline.

Currently, there are 61 cement factories nationwide with a total capacity of approximately 117 million tons per year. Cement consumption in 2023, however, only reached about 87.8 million tons, of which domestic consumption accounted for 56.6 million tons and exports, 31.2 million tons.

Industry insiders have voiced their concerns over severe difficulties faced by cement manufacturers, including losing market share, bankruptcy and take-overs by foreign entities.