According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), domestic cement sales recorded a 1.94% year-over-year decline during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year (July 2024 – May 2025). Volumes dropped from 35.1 million tons (July 2023 – May 2024) to 34.4 million tons in the same period this year.
However, exports increased by 25.73%, leading to an overall 2.46% growth in the sector.
May 2025 Performance: Improved Dispatches
In May 2025, total cement dispatches rose by 8.57%, reaching 4.651 million tons compared to 4.284 million tons in May 2024.
- Local dispatches: Increased by 8.93% (3.662 million tons vs. 3.362 million tons).
- Export dispatches: Grew by 7.27% (0.989 million tons vs. 0.922 million tons).
Regional Breakdown: North vs. South
North-Based Mills
- Total dispatches in May 2025: 3.261 million tons (↑11.87% YoY).
- Domestic dispatches: 3.02 million tons (↑9.71%).
- Exports: 241,578 tons (↑48.27%).
South-Based Mills
- Total dispatches in May 2025: 1.39 million tons (↑1.54% YoY).
- Domestic dispatches: 641,894 tons (↑5.37%).
- Exports: 747,856 tons (↓1.53%).
11-Month Cumulative Performance
- Total dispatches (domestic + exports): 42.764 million tons (↑2.46%).
- Domestic dispatches: 34.419 million tons (↓1.94%).
- Export dispatches: 8.345 million tons (↑25.73%).
North vs. South (11-Month Comparison)
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North:
- Domestic dispatches: 28.489 million tons (↓1.53%).
- Exports: 1.476 million tons (↑9.47%).
- Total dispatches: 29.965 million tons (↓1.04%).
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South:
- Domestic dispatches: 5.930 million tons (↓3.90%).
- Exports: 6.868 million tons (↑29.88%).
- Total dispatches: 12.799 million tons (↑11.69%).
APCMA Calls for Government Support
An APCMA spokesman highlighted concerns over the 1.94% decline in domestic demand, stressing its impact on idle capacity and economic growth. The cement industry supports allied sectors like steel, paint, and electrical goods, and increased construction activity could boost the economy.