ISLAMABAD, Oct 2: Pakistan’s cement industry posted a strong performance in the first quarter of FY2025, with total cement despatches rising by 16.25% year-on-year to 12.161 million tons, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).
Domestic consumption remained the main driver, climbing 15.08% to 9.573 million tons compared to 8.319 million tons in the same period last year. Exports also posted healthy growth in the quarter, rising 20.81% to 2.589 million tons from 2.143 million tons a year earlier.
However, the sector’s momentum slowed in September 2025, when overall despatches grew by just 7.05% year-on-year to 4.250 million tons. While local despatches surged 14.38% to 3.418 million tons, export volumes fell 15.25% to 831,966 tons from 981,646 tons in September 2024.
The data shows sharp regional contrasts. North-based cement mills recorded stronger growth, with September despatches up 16.41% to 3.162 million tons. Their local sales rose 17.02%, while exports improved by 8.84%. In contrast, South-based mills struggled, as September despatches declined 13.23% to 1.09 million tons. Their local sales were almost flat (up just 0.41%), while exports dropped sharply by 21.54% to 610,714 tons.
On a cumulative basis, North-based mills posted total despatches of 8.672 million tons in the first three months of FY25, up 14.78% from 7.555 million tons last year. South-based mills fared even better in the quarter, recording 20.07% growth with total despatches of 3.489 million tons, compared to 2.906 million tons in the same period last year.
An APCMA spokesman said the industry has shown resilience despite economic challenges, but stressed the need for government support. “We can achieve even better growth if concessions on duties and taxes are provided, which will ultimately benefit the end consumer,” he said. He added that significant demand is expected from rehabilitation projects following recent devastating floods, provided the government extends cooperation.
