[vectorEQ]

is it some specific type of sand or whaT? i mean... china has loads of desert, it's a big issue there :D don't they just take their own sand?? is there some special type of sand required for good cement which is rare or something?

[0ldblu3]

The article states that the sand in a desert is to "smooth" to properly bind in concrete. So yes, the demand is for sand with characteristics that work in concrete. The article also states that Cambodia has banned exporting sand and also that Singapore recorded record exports from Cambodia. I suspect that large scale corruption is in play.