Vietnam exported 3.44 million tonnes of steel and pig iron valued at US $ 2.24 billion in the first half of this year, up 21 percent, or 4 percent in value terms, more than last year's steel exports. p>
Within the ASEAN block, Cambodia was the largest importer of Vietnamese steel and pig iron between January and June with over 880,000 tonnes at a value of USD 523 million, up 48 percent in volume and 38 percent more than in the first half a year earlier.
Indonesia is next with 370,000 tons worth $ 245 million and Malaysia with 373,000 tons worth $ 231 million.
In addition, Vietnam recorded significant growth in exports to China, Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the Philippines.
By contrast, exports of steel and pig iron to such large countries as the US and the EU have fallen sharply in both volume and value, the department notes.
About 285,000 tonnes of steel and iron were exported to the United States, bringing the country $ 223 million, but still translating into a 35 percent reduction in volume and 41 percent in cost.
Steel exports to the EU are also declining - by 30 percent in volume to 200,000 tons, and by 41 percent in value - to USD 136 million.
According to official statistics, Vietnam increased its imports of steel and pig iron by 4 percent in the first half of the year, worth $ 82 billion.
The main suppliers of steel and pig iron to the country were mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and ASEAN countries.
