The construction materials market is gradually warming up.

In the first quarter of 2025, the construction materials market remained relatively stable in terms of both supply and price, although demand for many items was somewhat low. However, fired bricks, unfired bricks, and various types of leveling materials showed an upward trend due to increased consumption from large-scale projects currently underway in the area. Forecasts indicate that demand for construction materials will increase in the second quarter of 2025 as more construction projects commence.

According to observations at distributors and retail stores, the supply of construction materials is currently quite abundant. Many construction materials maintain stable prices, with only a few experiencing slight increases compared to the end of 2024. Specifically, the price of construction sand ranges from 240,000 to 450,000 VND/m³ depending on the type; 1x2 construction stone costs from 250,000 to 350,000 VND/m³; and various types of steel range from 13,400 to 16,550 VND/kg. Hoa Phat Steel has CB240 coiled steel at 13,690 VND/kg; and D10 CB300 ribbed steel bars at 13,840 VND/kg. At other businesses, the price of CB240 steel fluctuates around 13,400 - 13,800 VND/kg, while D10 CB300 steel is around 13,550 - 13,850 VND/kg. Cement prices range from 65,000 to 90,000 VND/bag, depending on the type (an increase of about 50,000 VND/ton). The price of wall and floor tiles ranges from 220,000 to 500,000 VND/m2. Specifically, fired bricks delivered to construction sites in the province are priced from 1,600 - 1,800 VND/piece, an increase of about 500 - 700 VND/piece due to the demand from many large projects in the province currently focusing on the rough construction phase.

Mr. Tran Khac Van, owner of a building materials agency in Hoa Hau commune (Ly Nhan district), said: "Normally, after Tet, many households plan to repair or build new houses, but this year, due to economic difficulties, many have postponed their plans, which has also affected the building materials market. Another factor contributing to the decline in building materials demand is the stagnation in the real estate market, while the supply is abundant, with many manufacturing businesses having prepared goods since the end of 2024 to supply the market. Hopefully, in the second quarter and the last months of 2025, the building materials market will gradually warm up, contributing to boosting production and improving business efficiency for agencies."

Production of fired bricks at Ly Nhan Building Materials Joint Stock Company.

Mr. An Quoc Huy, Director of Minh Hieu Co., Ltd. in Nguyen Ly commune (Ly Nhan district), said: "The company's fired bricks mainly serve construction projects such as residential houses and some projects using state budget funds. Compared to the same period in previous years, the first quarter of this year saw better sales and higher prices due to the demand for building materials in many commercial housing projects. During this period, the company has proactively restructured production, reduced operating costs, and flexibly planned sales; strengthened marketing to boost brick sales, minimized inventory at the yard, and gradually expanded production, striving to produce approximately 40 million bricks by the end of 2025."

According to experts in the construction industry, demand for steel and cement increased in the first six months of 2025, but the growth rate remained slow. It is predicted that in the second quarter of 2025 and the following months, demand for steel, cement, and other building materials may increase more sharply compared to the same period in 2024, potentially leading to price increases due to government policies aimed at stimulating domestic production. Specifically, the government has implemented numerous solutions to address difficulties for the economy in general and building materials manufacturers in particular. The Prime Minister issued Directive No. 28/CT-TTg on August 26, 2024, outlining solutions to overcome difficulties and obstacles, and promote the production and consumption of cement, steel, and building materials. In addition, several new laws have come into effect, such as the Law on Real Estate Business, the Law on Housing, and the Law on Land, which have positively impacted the real estate market. This presents an opportunity for the building materials industry to increase product consumption.

To overcome difficulties and obstacles, and to promote the production and consumption of construction materials, the Government requests that ministries, sectors, and People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities review mechanisms, policies, and institutions to encourage investment in the rapid and sustainable development of the construction materials industry, serving the production and business activities of enterprises and contributing to socio-economic development. The Provincial People's Committee also directs relevant agencies and localities to strengthen forecasting of domestic and international developments to proactively implement timely and effective response measures, helping businesses maintain stable production and business orientations; combat smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods. Construction material enterprises in the province also need to focus on implementing technological innovation in production and applying modern management methods to improve productivity and quality, while reducing costs and diversifying construction materials to suit different types of projects and climatic conditions in various regions.

Although the building materials market at the beginning of 2025 showed stability in supply and prices, purchasing power remained low due to the impact of the real estate market and cautious consumer sentiment. However, with support from government policies, relevant sectors, localities, and the proactive efforts of businesses in improving technology and innovating products, the building materials market will gradually warm up in the coming period.

Tran Thoan

Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/kinh-te/thi-truong-vat-lieu-xay-dung-dang-am-dan-158315.html