Ready-mix Concrete Industry Visits National Assembly Over Cement Price Increase: "Possible Work Stoppage on the 10th of Next Month"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] On the 26th, the small and medium-sized ready-mixed concrete (Remicon) industry visited Yoon Kwan-seok, Chairman of the Industry, Trade and Small and Medium Business Committee, and Kim Min-gi, Chairman of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, to convey industry issues and difficulties.

Bae Jo-ung, Chairman of the Korea Ready-Mixed Concrete Industry Cooperative Federation, along with emergency co-chairmen Lee Seong-ryeol and Kim Young-seok, and Executive Director Yoon Taek-jin, reported that the unilateral price increase by cement companies is exacerbating difficulties for the small and medium Remicon industry.

They appealed, "Despite the sharp rise in cost burdens, the price negotiation power is low between mid-sized and large cement companies and construction companies, so we are not guaranteed appropriate delivery prices." They also stated that if there is no proactive response from the cement companies, suspension of operations will be inevitable from the 10th of next month.

Chairman Bae requested the National Assembly's active interest and support to prevent this unprecedented situation from causing construction delays at sites or adverse effects on the livelihood economy, and to establish a fair industrial ecosystem.

In response, Chairman Yoon said, "We will make various efforts from the Industry Committee's side to resolve this issue quickly," and added, "We will also strive for the prompt legislation of the delivery price linkage system."

Chairman Kim stated, "To resolve the recurring conflicts among cement, Remicon, and construction companies, we will actively seek and promote what the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee can do to create a fair trading environment and foster win-win cooperation."