Pakistan cement sales decline slightly in 11MFY24-25

June 03, 2025 (MLN): The domestic cement sales in Pakistan fell by 1.94% year-over-year during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, with volumes declining from 35.1million tons in July 2023–May 2024 to 34.4m tons in July 2024–May 2025, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).

Despite this decline, the sector witnessed a marginal growth of 2.46% during the same period, supported by a 25.73% increase in exports.

During May 2025, cement despatches increased by 8.57%, totaling 4.65m tons compared to 4.28m tons in May 2024.

Local cement despatches during May 2025 were 3.66m tons, reflecting an 8.93% increase from 3.36m tons in May 2024.

Export despatches also rose by 7.27%, increasing from 0.92m tons in May 2024 to 0.98m tons in May 2025.

Regionally, North-based cement mills despatched 3.26m tons in May 2025, up by 11.87% from 2.91m tons in May 2024.

South-based mills despatched 1.4m tons during May 2025, showing a 1.54% increase from 1.38m tons in the same month last year, as per the press release issued today.

In domestic markets, North-based mills despatched 3.02 million tons, up 9.71% from 2.75m tons in May 2024, while South-based mills despatched 641,894 tons, showing a 5.37% rise compared to 609,174 tons in May 2024.

Export performance varied by region. Exports from North-based mills surged by 48.27%, increasing from 162,929 tons in May 2024 to 241,578 tons in May 2025.

In contrast, exports from South-based mills decreased by 1.53%, declining from 759,456 tons in May 2024 to 747,856 tons in May 2025.

In the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, total cement despatches (domestic and exports) stood at 42.76m tons, marking a 2.46% increase from 41.74m tons during the same period last year.

Domestic despatches were recorded at 34.42m tons, down from 35.1m tons, while export despatches jumped to 8.34m tons from 6.63m tons.

North-based mills despatched 28.489 million tons domestically during the eleven-month period, a 1.53% drop from 28.93m tons a year earlier.

Exports from the North rose by 9.47%, reaching 1.47m tons compared to 1.35m tons in the same period last year. Total despatches by North-based mills declined by 1.04% to 29.96m tons from 30.28m tons.

Meanwhile, domestic despatches by South-based mills declined by 3.90% to 5.93m tons from 6.17m tons.

However, exports from the South increased significantly by 29.88% to 6.86m tons from 5.28m tons, leading to an overall 11.69% rise in total despatches to 12.79m tons from 11.46m tons.

A spokesperson from APCMA highlighted the concern over the 1.94% negative growth in local off-take during the eleven-month period, stressing the need for serious evaluation.

They noted that domestic demand is crucial for utilizing idle capacity in the sector and for broader economic development.

The cement industry supports numerous allied sectors such as steel, paint, and electrical goods, and that increased construction activity could uplift the entire economy.

They expressed hope that the government will consider the industry’s request in the upcoming budget and introduce measures to reduce duties and taxes on cement, making it more affordable for the masses.

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