Pakistan's cement sales up 12.45% in August

The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) reported that local cement dispatches in August reached 3.097 million tons, up 10.33% from 2.807 million tons in August 2024.

Exports also rose 22.13% to 749,723 tons from 613,857 tons a year earlier. However, last month’s numbers were stronger, with the industry recording 18.61% domestic growth and an 84% jump in exports compared with July 2024.

Total cement dispatches in August stood at 3.846 million tons, an increase of 12.45% from 3.421 million tons in the same month last year.

North-based cement mills dispatched 2.795 million tons in August, up 8.10% from 2.585 million tons a year ago. South-based mills showed stronger growth, dispatching 1.05 million tons—25.93% higher than 835,000 tons in August 2024.

In the domestic market, North-based mills sold 2.586 million tons in August, up 8.64% from 2.380 million tons last year. South-based mills dispatched 510,758 tons locally, an increase of 19.81% from 426,289 tons in August 2024.

Exports from North-based mills inched up 1.84% to 208,669 tons from 204,901 tons last year, while South-based exports surged 32.30% to 541,054 tons from 408,956 tons.

During the first two months of the current fiscal year, total cement dispatches (domestic and exports) stood at 7.847 million tons, 20.88% higher than 6.492 million tons during the same period last year. Domestic dispatches rose 14.25% to 6.090 million tons from 5.331 million tons, while exports climbed 51.29% to 1.757 million tons from 1.161 million tons.

North-based mills sold 5.004 million tons domestically during July-August, up 10.36% from 4.535 million tons last year. Exports from the North rose 44.99% to 440,654 tons compared with 303,921 tons a year earlier, bringing total dispatches to 5.445 million tons, up 12.53%.

South-based mills sold 1.086 million tons domestically during July-August, a 36.46% increase from 796,000 tons last year. Exports from the South rose 53.53% to 1.316 million tons from 857,000 tons, taking total dispatches to 2.402 million tons, up 45.31% from 1.653 million tons last year.

An APCMA spokesperson noted that the country is facing tough times due to excessive rains and floods affecting communities. He urged the government to reduce taxes on cement to lower the cost of rehabilitation in affected areas.