MINSK, 10 February (BelTA) – In January, international sales of concrete on the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange (BUCE) skyrocketed tenfold to $5.3 million, setting the record for monthly concrete export, BelTA learned from BUCE's press service.
The surge in export was attributed to a strong interest in BUCE's platform from Russian trading and construction companies and readiness of Belarusian sellers to conclude long-terms contracts for large batches. “After Ukraine introduced an antidumping duty, virtually closing its market for Belarusian concrete, Russia became our priority market. In 2020, 76% of concrete sold on BUCE was bound for Russia. At least eight Russian companies take part in our every export trading session. In addition, the sales policy of Belarusian exporters has changed. Previously, they sold rather small batches of concrete, but now they are more keen to make one-year contracts to deliver large batches,” the press service noted.
Apart from Russia, Belarusian concrete is shipped to the European Union, mostly to Poland and the Baltic states. BUCE expects the demand for Belarusian concrete products in these markets to rise soon, too. “Demand for concrete is seasonal, sales shrink significantly in winter. Ahead of the new construction season, European customers start showing more interest in offers of concrete. If this tendency continues, Belarusian exporters trading on BUCE will have a nice opportunity to perform better than last year,” BUCE explained.
Founded in 2004, the Belarusian Universal Commodity Exchange conducted its first trading session in June 2005. BUCE is one of the largest commodity exchanges in Eastern Europe. Its main function is to assist Belarusian enterprises with export and foreign companies with entering the Belarusian market. BUCE sells a wide range of metal, forestry, and agricultural products, industrial and consumer goods.
