| Islamabad: Cement exports from Pakistan recorded a significant surge of 21.27% in November 2024, with dispatches reaching 803,258 tons, up from 662,374 tons in the same month last year, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).
This export growth contributed to an overall increase of 5.58% in total cement dispatches for the month, which stood at 4.146 million tons, compared to 3.927 million tons in November 2023. Domestic cement sales also saw a modest rise of 2.39%, with dispatches climbing to 3.342 million tons from 3.264 million tons in the previous year.
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North-based cement mills showed steady growth, with total dispatches rising by 2.01% to 2.925 million tons, including a 16.90% jump in exports, which reached 168,265 tons. Domestic sales in the northern region increased slightly by 1.23% to 2.757 million tons.
In contrast, South-based mills delivered a stronger performance, with total dispatches climbing 15.21% to 1.220 million tons. Exports from the southern region surged by 22.48%, reaching 634,993 tons, while domestic sales rose by 8.24% to 585,689 tons.
Despite the robust performance in November, total cement dispatches for the first five months of the current fiscal year fell by 5.24%, dropping to 18.779 million tons from 19.818 million tons during the same period last year. Domestic dispatches declined by 11.61% to 14.752 million tons, while exports grew by an impressive 28.73%, reaching 4.027 million tons.
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North-based mills saw an 8.62% decline in total dispatches for the fiscal year-to-date, with domestic sales falling by 10.39%. However, exports rose by 26.47%, reaching 878,324 tons. South-based mills showed a different trend, with total dispatches rising by 4.05% to 5.501 million tons, driven by a 29.38% increase in exports, which reached 3.148 million tons.
An APCMA spokesperson attributed the export growth to demand from international markets but emphasized the need for government intervention to address challenges faced by the sector. Lowering duties and taxes, they stated, could help reduce costs for end consumers, boost local demand, and enable the industry to utilize its unused production capacity.
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The November export surge highlights the potential of Pakistan’s cement industry to capitalize on global demand while addressing domestic challenges. |
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