Cement despatches rise 6% in July despite exports plunge 30%

Pakistan’s cement despatches rose 6.02% year-on-year to 4.476 million tons in July 2026, driven by a 17.28% increase in domestic demand, while exports plunged nearly 30%, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).

Total cement despatches stood at 4.476 million tons in July 2026, compared with 4.222 million tons in the same month last fiscal year.

Local cement despatches increased to 3.771 million tons from 3.215 million tons in July 2025, registering growth of 17.28%.

Exports, however, fell 29.95% to 705,341 tons from 1.007 million tons a year earlier.

North-based cement mills recorded total despatches of 3.092 million tons in July, up 9.46% from 2.825 million tons in the same month last year. South-based mills despatched 1.383 million tons, down 0.95% from 1.397 million tons a year earlier.

Domestic despatches by north-based mills rose 19.25% to 3.092 million tons from 2.593 million tons in July 2025. South-based mills increased local despatches 9.07% to 678,147 tons from 621,744 tons.

The sharpest decline came in exports from north-based mills, which fell to zero in July 2026 from 231,985 tons a year earlier.

Exports from south-based mills also declined 8.98% to 705,341 tons from 774,966 tons in July 2025.

An APCMA spokesman said domestic cement demand could increase further if the government reduces duties and taxes on cement, which would benefit consumers.

“Cement is not a luxury item but an essential commodity for the masses,” the spokesman said.

He added that heavy rains were affecting large parts of the country and called on the government to provide necessary relief and support rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.