Cement despatches edge up in March 2026

April 01, 2026 (MLN): Cement despatches in Pakistan recorded a marginal increase in March 2026, rising to 3.745 million tons (mt) from 3.712mt in the same month last year, an increase of 0.91%, according to the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).

The data showed that local cement despatches slightly declined by 0.20%, falling to 3.097mt from 3.103mt in March 2025. In contrast, exports rose by 6.56%, reaching 648,564 tons compared to 608,614 tons a year earlier.

Regionally, North-based cement mills dispatched 2.639mt in March 2026, up 3.07% from 2.561mt in the same month last year, with domestic sales increasing by 3.82% to 2.639mt, as per a press release issued.

South-based mills, however, saw a decline of 3.89% in total despatches to 1.11mt, with domestic sales dropping 18.40% to 457,583 tons. Exports from the South rose 9.91% to 648,564 tons, while North-based mills did not register any exports.

During the first nine months of the current fiscal year, total cement despatches including domestic and exports reached 38.54mt, up 9.8% from 35.1mt during the same period last year. Domestic shipments grew 10.61% to 31.6mt, while exports increased 6.25% to 6.94mt.

North-based mills posted a 12.14% increase in domestic despatches to 26.384mt, though exports declined 28.54% to 800,360 tons. South-based mills saw a 3.47% rise in domestic shipments to 5.216mt and a 13.45% increase in exports to 6.14mt.

A spokesperson for APCMA warned that ongoing geopolitical tensions, coupled with volatility in oil and coal prices, are creating challenges for the energy-intensive cement industry. He praised Pakistan’s efforts as a peacemaker, emphasizing their importance in stabilizing global markets and supply chains.

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