Cement despatches increased by 6.02% in Jul-26. Total Cement despatches during Jul-26 were 4.476 million tons against 4.222 million tons despatched during the same month of last fiscal year.   

According to the data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association, local cement despatches by the industry during Jul-26 were 3.771 million tons compared to 3.215 million tons in Jul-25, showing an increase of 17.28%. Exports dispatches, on the other hand, declined by a massive 29.95% as the volumes reduced from 1.007 million tons in Jul-25 to 705,341 tons in Jul-26. 

In Jul-26, North-based cement mills despatched 3.092 million tons of cement, showing an increase of 9.46% against 2.825 million tons dispatched in Jul-25. South-based mills dispatched 1.383 million tons of cement during Jul-26, which was 0.95% less compared to the despatches of 1.397 million tons during Jul-25. 

North-based cement mills despatched 3.092 million tons of cement in domestic markets in Jul-26, showing an increase of 19.25% against 2.593 million tons of despatches in Jul-25. South-based mills dispatched 678,147 tons of cement in local markets during Jul-26, which was 9.07% more compared to the despatches of 621,744 tons during Jul-25.   

Compared to exports of 231,985 tons from North-based mills in Jul-25, there were no exports in Jul-26. Exports from South reduced by 8.98% to 705,341 tons in Jul-26 from 774,966 tons during the same month last year.  

A spokesman of APCMA said that local uptake could further boost, provided the government reduces duties and taxes on cement, which will benefit the end consumers. Cement is not a luxury item but is an essential commodity for the masses. Heavy rains are affecting most parts of the country, and the government should provide necessary relief for the rehabilitation of the affected areas, he added.