In Pakistan, cement sales rise 11.5% in Sept

Both local consumption, exports register double-digit growth

LAHORE: The cement sector posted growth for the first time in the current fiscal year in the month of September as total sales increased 11.51% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (Apcma), the cement industry sold 4.27 million tons of cement in September 2019 compared to 3.83 million tons in September 2018.

Both domestic consumption and exports registered double-digit increases during the month. Domestic consumption rose 11.5% to 3.47 million tons compared to 3.11 million tons in September 2018.

On the other hand, exports went up to 0.798 million tons last month compared to 0.715 million tons in September 2018, an increase of 11.66%.

A major change noted so far during the current fiscal year was that consumption in the northern region of the country had started rising, which rose 22.4% year-on-year to 3 million tons in September 2019.

Consumption in the southern region remained dismal in the month under review, falling 30.48% to 0.45 million tons compared to 0.64 million tons in September 2018. Cumulatively, in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, total cement sales amounted to 11.13 million tons, up 2.56% compared to 10.86 million tons in the corresponding period of the previous year.



Commenting on the sales data, an Apcma spokesman appreciated the revival of cement consumption in the northern part of the country but at the same time expressed concern over a steep decline in cement demand in the southern region. He said the lopsided consumption pattern had benefited the cement plants located in the northern region while those operating in the south came under pressure because of over 30% decline in sales.

“Government should start work on the planned housing projects which will have a positive impact on the demand for construction material including cement and create jobs for skilled and unskilled labour,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 3^rd, 2019.

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