Cement dispatches declined during May 26. Total Cement despatches during May-26 were 3.837 million tons, down from 4.858 million tons in the same month of the last fiscal year, a decline of 21.02%.   According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), the industry’s local cement despatches in May-26 were 3.205 million tons, down from 3.869 million tons in May-25, a decline of 17.17%. Exports despatches also decreased by 36.06%, with volumes falling from 989,434 tons in May-25 to 632,648 tons in May-26. 

On May 26, North-based cement mills dispatched 2.657 million tons of cement, down 22.00% from 3.407 million tons dispatched on May 25. South-based mills dispatched 1.180 million tons of cement during May-26, which was 18.70% lower than the 1.452 million tons dispatched during May-25. 

North-based cement mills dispatched 2.657 million tons of cement in domestic markets in May-26, showing a decline of 16.05% from 3.165 million tons dispatched in May-25. South-based mills dispatched 547,528 tons of cement to local markets during May-26, which was 22.21% lower than the dispatches of 703,827 tons during May-25.  

There were no exports from North-based mills during May 26. Exports from South decreased by 15.41% to 632,648 tons in May 26, down from 747,856 tons in the same month last year. 

During the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, total cement despatches (domestic and exports) were 46.26 million tons, which is 6.44% higher than the 43.46 million tons despatched during the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. Domestic despatches during this period were 38.01 million tons, up from 35.11 million tons during the same period last year, an increase of 8.26%. Export dispatches, however, declined by 1.21% as volumes fell to 8.24 million tons during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, compared with 8.34 million tons during the same period of the last fiscal year. 

North-based Mills dispatched 31.689 million tons of cement domestically during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, an increase of 9.49% over the 28.943 million tons dispatched during July-24 to May-25. Exports from North declined by 45.98% percent to 797,431 tons during July 25 to May 26, compared with 1.476 million tons exported during the same period last year. Total despatches by North-based Mills increased by 6.80% to 32.487 million tons during the first eleven months of the current financial year from 30.419 million tons during the same period of the last financial year. 

Domestic despatches by South-based Mills from July 25 to May 26 were 6.323 million tons, an increase of 2.47% over 6.170 million tons dispatched during the same period of the last fiscal year. Exports from South increased by 8.41% to 7.447 million tons during July-25 to May-26 compared with 6.869 million tons exported during the same period last year. Total despatches by South-based Mills increased by 5.60% to 13.770 million tons during the first eleven months of the current financial year from 13.039 million tons during the same period of the last financial year. 

A spokesman for the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association appreciated Pakistan’s continuous and untiring efforts to resolve geopolitical tensions and bring peace to the Middle East. He was also optimistic about the upcoming federal budget and expected good policies to support local industry and to resolve bottlenecks in its operations.