Pakistan's domestic cement dispatches rise 7.35% in September as South-based mills drive growth

Domestic cement dispatches in Pakistan increased 7.35 percent year-on-year in September 2026, driven by a surge in demand across southern provinces that helped offset zero export volumes from northern producers, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) on Friday.

What drove the regional growth in Pakistan's cement dispatches in September?

Local cement sales grew to 3.788 million tons in September from 3.529 million tons during the same period last year. Total dispatches—inclusive of domestic consumption and foreign exports—rose 5.95 percent to 4.621 million tons, up from 4.361 million tons in September 2025. Exports remained virtually unchanged overall at 832,173 tons compared to 831,966 tons a year prior.

Performance varied significantly between regional manufacturing hubs:

• North-Based Mills: Domestic sales for northern manufacturers grew 4.72 percent to 3.164 million tons. However, total dispatches for the region fell 2.43 percent due to a complete absence of foreign export shipments, compared to 221,252 tons exported in September 2025.
• South-Based Mills: Southern manufacturers posted robust expansion, with overall dispatches jumping 30.23 percent to 1.46 million tons. Domestic consumption in the south surged 22.98 percent to 624,833 tons, while exports rose 36.26 percent to 832,173 tons.

How did the cement industry perform across the first quarter of FY2027?

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 (July–September 2026), total industry dispatches expanded 3.88 percent to 13.141 million tons compared to 12.651 million tons in Q1 FY2026. Cumulative domestic dispatches rose 7.79 percent to 10.845 million tons, while cumulative exports dropped 11.32 percent to 2.296 million tons.

The APCMA expressed heightened concern over the quarterly export decline and persistent volatility in domestic energy and fuel tariffs. An association spokesperson noted that elevated input costs and regional geopolitical tensions continue to present major operational headwinds for cement manufacturers, expressing hope that geopolitical stabilization would soon provide relief to the construction and allied industrial sectors.

According to Mettis Global, industry analysts attribute northern export stagnation primarily to cross-border trade friction and transport logistics along the Pak-Afghan border.