In November 2023, cement dispatches witnessed a 2.12% decline, totaling 3.924 million tonnes compared to the previous fiscal year’s 4.009 million tonnes. Insights from the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) reveal a noteworthy 15.53% drop in local cement dispatches, but a remarkable 348.29% surge in exports.
The breakdown by region indicates North-based mills dispatched 2.867 million tonnes (down 12.24%), while South-based mills saw a substantial increase of 42.44%, reaching 1.057 million tonnes in November 2023. Domestic markets experienced a 13.91% decrease in North-based cement sales but a 22.85% reduction in the South.
On the export front, North-based mills marked a 38.64% rise, reaching 143,942 tonnes, and South mills reported a staggering 1080% increase, totaling 518,432 tonnes in November 2023.
Zooming out, the first five months of the current fiscal year showcased an overall growth of 10.81% in total cement sales, amounting to 19.816 million tonnes. Domestic dispatches rose by 2.04%, and exports soared by 104.60%, totaling 3.129 million tonnes.
North-based mills played a pivotal role, recording a 2% increase in domestic sales and a 32.76% surge in exports. Total dispatches from North-based mills increased by 3.14% during this period.
South-based mills mirrored the positive trend with a 2.26% growth in domestic dispatches and an impressive 142.01% rise in exports, totaling 2.433 million tonnes during July-November 2023.
This dynamic shift in the cement industry signals evolving market dynamics and sets the stage for continued growth in the coming months.