Cement dispatches grow 6% despite nearly 30% drop in exports

August 03, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan's cement dispatches increased by 6.02% year-on-year (YoY) to 4.476 million tons in July 2026, supported by a strong recovery in domestic demand despite a sharp decline in exports.

According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), total cement dispatches stood at 4.476m tons during the month, compared to 4.222m tons in July 2025.

Domestic cement sales surged 17.28% YoY to 3.771m tons, up from 3.215m tons in the same month last year. In contrast, export dispatches fell 29.95% YoY to 705,341 tons, compared with 1.007m tons a year earlier.

Region-wise, cement mills in the northern region dispatched 3.092m tons during July, registering a 9.46% YoY increase from 2.825m tons. Meanwhile, southern mills recorded dispatches of 1.383m tons, marginally down 0.95% YoY from 1.397m tons.

Local sales by northern manufacturers climbed 19.25% YoY to 3.092m tons, compared with 2.593m tons in July last year. Southern mills also posted growth in domestic sales, with dispatches rising 9.07% YoY to 678,147 tons from 621,744 tons.

On the export front, northern cement producers reported no exports during July 2026, compared to 231,985 tons exported in the corresponding month last year. Exports from southern mills also declined 8.98% YoY to 705,341 tons, down from 774,966 tons in July 2025.

Commenting on the performance, an APCMA spokesperson said domestic cement demand could improve further if the government reduced duties and taxes on cement, arguing that the commodity is an essential construction material rather than a luxury item.

The spokesperson also noted that heavy rainfall across many parts of the country has disrupted activity and urged the government to provide relief and rehabilitation support for the affected areas, which could also help sustain construction demand.

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