Pakistan cement dispatches slip 0.7% as northern volumes fall

Cement dispatches in Pakistan declined by 0.70% in August 2026. Total dispatches stood at 4.039 million tons, down from 4.068 million tons in the same month last year, according to the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association.

How much did Pakistan's cement dispatches fall in August?

Total cement dispatches fell 0.70% year-on-year in August, driven mainly by a sharp drop in northern mill volumes. Local dispatches declined 1.07% to 3.283 million tons, while export dispatches rose slightly by 0.92% to 756,553 tons, based on APCMA data.

Why did northern cement mills see steeper declines?

North-based mills dispatched 2.691 million tons in August, a 9.43% decline from 2.972 million tons a year earlier. South-based mills dispatched 1.35 million tons, up 22.97% from 1.096 million tons in the same month last year.

Within domestic markets specifically, northern mills dispatched 2.691 million tons, down 2.59% from 2.763 million tons in August last year. Southern mills dispatched 591,164 tons domestically, up 6.53% from 554,947 tons. Northern mills recorded no exports in August, while southern exports rose 39.83% to 756,553 tons from 541,054 tons a year earlier.

How have cement dispatches performed over the first two months of FY2027?

Total cement dispatches for July and August combined reached 8.521 million tons, up 2.80% from 8.289 million tons in the same period last year. Domestic dispatches rose 8.04% to 7.058 million tons, while export dispatches fell 16.69% to 1.464 million tons.

Northern mills dispatched 5.784 million tons domestically during this period, an increase of 7.98% from 5.356 million tons a year earlier, but recorded no exports compared with 440,614 tons in the same period last year. This left total northern dispatches down 0.22% at 5.784 million tons.

Southern mills dispatched 1.274 million tons domestically, up 8.28% from 1.177 million tons, while exports rose 11.21% to 1.463 million tons from 1.316 million tons. Total southern dispatches increased 9.83% to 2.738 million tons for the two-month period.

What is driving concern in the cement industry right now?

An APCMA spokesman expressed serious concern over conditions in Pakistan's northern regions following heavy rains. The spokesman said agriculture and housing sectors have been badly affected by the floods, and called for government support to help affected communities cope.

Cement bags are seen outside a shop in Multan, Pakistan

Cement bags are seen outside a shop in Multan, PakistanShutterstock