Cement dispatches rise 5.58% in November

Cement dispatches increased by 5.58% in November 2024, with total dispatches reaching 4.146 million tonnes compared to 3.927 million tonnes in the same month last fiscal year.

According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), local cement dispatches during November 2024 were 3.342 million tonnes, slightly higher than the 3.264 million tonnes in November 2023, reflecting an increase of 2.39%. Export dispatches rose by 21.27%, with volumes increasing from 662,374 tonnes in November 2023 to 803,258 tonnes in November 2024.

In November 2024, North-based cement mills dispatched 2.925 million tonnes, marking a 2.01% increase compared to 2.867 million tonnes in November 2023. South-based mills dispatched 1.220 million tonnes, a significant 15.21% increase from 1.060 million tonnes in November 2023.

North-based cement mills dispatched 2.757 million tonnes domestically in November 2024, reflecting a 1.23% increase from 2.723 million tonnes in November 2023. South-based mills dispatched 585,689 tonnes to local markets, an 8.24% increase from 541,079 tonnes in November 2023. Exports from North-based mills rose by 16.90%, with quantities increasing from 143,942 tonnes in November 2023 to 168,265 tonnes in November 2024. South-based mills also saw a 22.48% increase in exports, reaching 634,993 tonnes in November 2024 compared to 518,432 tonnes during the same month last year.

During the first five months of the current fiscal year, total cement dispatches (domestic and exports) stood at 18.779 million tonnes, a 5.24% decline from 19.818 million tonnes during the same period last fiscal year. Domestic dispatches during this period were 14.752 million tonnes, down 11.61% from 16.690 million tonnes last year. However, export dispatches rose by 28.73%, jumping to 4.027 million tonnes compared to 3.128 million tonnes during the same period last fiscal year.

North-based mills dispatched 12.399 million tonnes domestically in the first five months of the fiscal year, a 10.39% decrease from 13.836 million tonnes during July-November 2023. Exports from North increased by 26.47%, reaching 878,324 tonnes during July-November 2024 compared to 694,503 tonnes last year. Total dispatches from North-based mills fell by 8.62%, reaching 13.278 million tonnes in the first five months of the fiscal year compared to 14.531 million tonnes last year.

South-based mills dispatched 2.353 million tonnes domestically during July-November 2024, a significant 17.55% reduction from 2.853 million tonnes last fiscal year. However, exports from South increased by 29.38%, reaching 3.148 million tonnes compared to 2.433 million tonnes last year. Total dispatches from South-based mills rose by 4.05% to 5.501 million tonnes in the first five months of the fiscal year compared to 5.287 million tonnes during the same period last year. A spokesperson for APCMA stated that domestic cement sales could rise if the government reduces duties and taxes, thereby lowering costs for consumers. This would boost demand and enable the sector to utilise its idle capacity, he added.