Cement sales in Pakistan witnessed a notable increase in November 2024, with total dispatches reaching 4.146 million tons, up 5.58% from 3.927 million tons in the same month last year, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).

Domestic and Export Performance

Local cement sales during November 2024 stood at 3.342 million tons, reflecting a modest growth of 2.39% compared to 3.264 million tons in November 2023. Meanwhile, export dispatches surged by 21.27%, rising from 662,374 tons in November 2023 to 803,258 tons in November 2024.

Regional Breakdown

• North-Based Mills: Cement dispatches from north-based mills increased by 2.01%, reaching 2.925 million tons in November 2024 compared to 2.867 million tons in November 2023. Domestic sales from these mills rose by 1.23% to 2.757 million tons, while exports grew by 16.90%, climbing from 143,942 tons in November 2023 to 168,265 tons in November 2024.
• South-Based Mills: South-based mills recorded a significant 15.21% increase in total dispatches, reaching 1.220 million tons in November 2024 compared to 1.060 million tons in November 2023. Domestic sales from these mills rose by 8.24% to 585,689 tons, while exports jumped by 22.48%, increasing from 518,432 tons in November 2023 to 634,993 tons in November 2024.

Five-Month Performance

Despite the strong performance in November, total cement dispatches during the first five months of the current fiscal year (July-November 2024) declined by 5.24% to 18.779 million tons, compared to 19.818 million tons during the same period last year. Domestic dispatches fell by 11.61%, dropping to 14.752 million tons from 16.690 million tons in the year’s corresponding period. However, export dispatches rose sharply by 28.73%, reaching 4.027 million tons compared to 3.128 million tons during the same period last year.

Regional Five-Month Trends

• North-Based Mills: Domestic dispatches from north-based mills during July-November 2024 fell by 10.39% to 12.399 million tons, compared to 13.836 million tons in the same period last year. However, exports from the north increased by 26.47%, rising to 878,324 tons from 694,503 tons. Total dispatches from the north declined by 8.62% to 13.278 million tons, down from 14.531 million tons in the same period last year.
• South-Based Mills: Domestic dispatches from south-based mills dropped significantly by 17.55%, falling to 2.353 million tons from 2.853 million tons in the same period last year. On the other hand, exports from the south surged by 29.38%, reaching 3.148 million tons compared to 2.433 million tons last year. Total dispatches from south-based mills increased by 4.05% to 5.501 million tons, up from 5.287 million tons in the same period last year.

Industry Outlook

A spokesman for the APCMA highlighted that domestic cement sales could see further growth if the government reduces duties and taxes, thereby lowering costs for end consumers. “This would boost demand and allow the sector to utilize its idle capacity,” he added.

The cement industry remains optimistic about future growth, particularly in exports, but domestic demand continues to face challenges due to high costs and economic pressures.