Cargo Solidarity Strike Enters Sixth Day, Cement Transportation Halted Nationwide

Bulk Cement Trailers (BCT) halted due to the Cargo Solidarity Union's general strike. Photo by Jang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] On the sixth day of the general strike by the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters of the Public Transport Workers' Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, cement shipments from all distribution bases nationwide, including the Seoul metropolitan area, were halted on the 12th.

Accordingly, from early next week, the suspension of ready-mixed concrete production and delays in construction schedules at most demand sites nationwide, including the ready-mixed concrete industry and construction sites, are inevitable.

The Korea Cement Association stated that "the average daily cement shipment during the peak holiday season was about 10,000 tons, but even that could not be shipped."

On the other hand, inventories at cement production plants and distribution bases nationwide, where shipments have been blocked, are rapidly increasing. Production plants have seen an increase of about 490,000 tons, and distribution bases have increased by about 650,000 tons in inventory.

A representative of the Cement Association expressed concern, saying, "If the Cargo Solidarity strike does not end, we will have no choice but to consider partial suspension of cement production facilities in early next week," adding, "Currently, due to the suspension of cement supply, shipments from ready-mixed concrete plants nationwide have mostly stopped, and a crisis at construction sites is unavoidable from next week."