ISLAMABAD: According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), the cement industry witnessed a marginal growth of 2.46% during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year. The total cement dispatches (domestic and export) rose from 41.739 million tons during July 2023–May 2024 to 42.764 million tons in the same period this year.
Domestic cement sales, however, saw a year-on-year decline of 1.94%, dropping from 35.102 million tons to 34.419 million tons. In contrast, exports surged by 25.73%, increasing from 6.637 million tons to 8.345 million tons, offsetting the decline in local consumption.
In May 2025 alone, total cement dispatches increased by 8.57% to 4.651 million tons, compared to 4.284 million tons in May 2024. Local sales reached 3.662 million tons, up 8.93% from 3.362 million tons in the same month last year. Export dispatches also posted a 7.27% increase, rising from 0.922 million tons to 0.989 million tons.
North-based cement mills dispatched 3.261 million tons in May 2025, marking an 11.87% increase over 2.915 million tons in May 2024. Of this, 3.02 million tons were sold in the domestic market, up 9.71% from 2.753 million tons last year. Exports from the North rose by a notable 48.27%, increasing from 162,929 tons to 241,578 tons.
South-based mills dispatched 1.39 million tons in May 2025, a 1.54% increase compared to 1.379 million tons in May 2024. Local sales stood at 641,894 tons, reflecting a 5.37% increase from 609,174 tons the previous year. However, exports from the South declined slightly by 1.53%, from 759,456 tons to 747,856 tons.
North-based mills dispatched 28.489 million tons domestically in the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, showing a decline of 1.53% compared to 28.931 million tons in the same period last year. Exports increased by 9.47%, reaching 1.476 million tons from 1.348 million tons. Total dispatches from the North stood at 29.965 million tons, down 1.04% from 30.279 million tons.
In contrast, South-based mills saw a 3.90% decline in domestic sales, which dropped to 5.930 million tons from 6.171 million tons. However, exports jumped by 29.88%, reaching 6.868 million tons compared to 5.288 million tons last year. Total dispatches from the South rose by 11.69%, from 11.459 million tons to 12.799 million tons.
An APCMA spokesperson expressed concern over the 1.94% decline in local cement off-take during the first eleven months of the fiscal year. “The weakening domestic demand is a matter of serious concern as it directly impacts capacity utilization and economic development,” he said.
He emphasized that the cement industry is closely linked with numerous allied sectors such as steel, paint, and electrical goods. “Reviving construction activity is essential for boosting overall economic growth,” he added.
The spokesperson voiced optimism that the government would address the industry’s concerns in the upcoming budget by introducing measures to reduce duties and taxes on cement, thereby making it more affordable for the public.
