Cement exports fall for third straight month

December 03, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan’s cement exports fell for the third consecutive month in November, dropping 26.53% to 590,183 tons from 803,258 tons a year earlier, data from the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) showed.

Exports had already declined 23% in October and 15% in September amid persistent challenges in the sector.

Domestic cement dispatches, however, showed resilience. November 2025 deliveries rose slightly to 3.549 million tons from 3.472 million tons in the same month last year, a 2.23% increase.

Overall cement dispatches, including exports, were 4.14 million tons, down 3.17% from 4.275 million tons a year earlier.

Regional trends showed a split. North-based mills delivered 3.019 million tons in November, almost unchanged from last year, while South-based mills recorded 1.12 million tons, down 11.49% year-on-year.

Domestic sales by North mills rose 6.27% to 3.019 million tons, while South mills’ domestic deliveries fell 15.92% to 530,637 tons.

Export volumes were heavily impacted by border issues. North mills’ exports were near zero due to the closure of the Pak-Afghan border since late October. South-based mills’ exports declined 7.08% to 590,021 tons.

Looking at the first five months of the fiscal year, total dispatches rose 11.54% to 21.445 million tons from 19.226 million tons during the same period last year.

Domestic dispatches increased 14.71%, reaching 17.435 million tons, while exports remained largely flat at 4.009 million tons.

North mills led domestic growth with 14.771 million tons shipped, up 15.84%, though exports fell 7.95% to 808,506 tons. Total dispatches by North mills rose 14.31% to 15.579 million tons.

South mills’ domestic deliveries increased 8.81%, with exports slightly up 1.66%, taking total dispatches to 5.865 million tons, a 4.79% rise year-on-year.

A spokesman for APCMA emphasized that growth is possible if the government offers concessions on duties and taxes.

“Industry-friendly policies will reduce business costs and make Pakistani cement more competitive in regional and global markets,” he said.

The decline in exports is affecting revenue and profit margins for major cement producers, especially those in the southern region.

Companies may have to adjust production and pricing strategies if border issues persist.

 Cement Dispatches by Region (November 2025 & July–November 2025)

Copyright Mettis Link News