Pakistan’s cement industry posted modest overall growth of 2.05% in fiscal year 2024-25, driven largely by a surge in exports despite a persistent decline in domestic demand, data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) showed.
Local cement sales fell by 3.05% year-on-year to 37.017 million tons in FY25, compared to 38.181 million tons in the previous fiscal year. In contrast, exports recorded a robust growth of 29.46%, increasing to 9.204 million tons from 7.110 million tons.
As a result, total cement dispatches for the fiscal year ended June 30, stood at 46.221 million tons, up from 45.291 million tons in FY24.
The monthly figures for June underscored the same trend. Domestic dispatches fell by 15.65% to 2.597 million tons from 3.079 million tons in June 2024. However, exports in June 2025 surged by 81.70%, climbing to 859,204 tons from 472,865 tons a year earlier.
Overall cement dispatches for the month were slightly lower, at 3.457 million tons, representing a 2.69% decline from June last year.
Regionally, north-based mills dispatched 2.445 million tons in June 2025, down 10.21% from 2.723 million tons in June 2024. South-based mills, in contrast, showed stronger performance, dispatching 1.01 million tons, a 21.99% increase from 0.830 million tons during the same period last year.
Within the local market, north-based mills posted a 14.43% decline in domestic sales to 2.237 million tons in June 2025, compared to 2.614 million tons in June 2024. South-based mills saw a 22.50% drop, dispatching 360,814 tons compared to 465,578 tons a year earlier.
Export performance remained the bright spot. North-based mills more than doubled their overseas shipments in June 2025, increasing exports by 91.05% to 207,975 tons from 108,861 tons. South-based exports also surged by 78.91%, rising to 651,229 tons from 364,004 tons in June 2024.
For the full fiscal year, north-based mills dispatched 30.726 million tons domestically, reflecting a 2.60% decrease from 31.545 million tons in FY24. Their exports climbed 15.56% to 1.684 million tons from 1.457 million tons. Consequently, total dispatches from the north declined 1.79% to 32.410 million tons from 33.002 million tons the previous year.
South-based mills, meanwhile, recorded a 5.21% drop in domestic sales, with 6.291 million tons dispatched in FY25 compared to 6.636 million tons last year. Exports rose sharply by 33.04% to 7.519 million tons, up from 5.652 million tons. Total dispatches from the south increased by 12.38% to 13.811 million tons, compared to 12.289 million tons in FY24.
A spokesperson for the APCMA said the decline in domestic demand remains a significant obstacle for the industry. “Cement is not a luxury item, it’s a basic necessity,” the spokesperson said, urging the government to reduce duties and taxes.
“We must find ways to increase domestic off-take to utilize idle capacity, which will not only drive economic growth but also create employment opportunities and boost revenue for allied sectors,” he added.
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