Cement sales dip 9.48% in March

Nine-month despatches down 1.48% as demand weakens despite rising exports; industry seeks urgent tax relief

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LAHORE:

According to the data released by All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), local cement despatches by the industry during the month of March 2025 were 2.961 million tonnes compared to 3.338 million tonnes in March 2024, showing a decline of 11.31%.

Export despatches were nearly unchanged at 608,614 tonnes in March 2025 compared to 605,142 tonnes in March 2024. Total cement despatches during March 2025 were 3.569 million tonnes against 3.944 million tonnes during the same month of last fiscal year, showing a decline of 9.48%.

In March 2025, North-based cement mills despatched 2.450 million tonnes, showing a decline of 14.54% against 2.866 million tonnes in March 2024. South-based mills despatched 1.12 million tonnes during March 2025, marking a slight increase of 3.96% compared to 1.07 million tonnes in March 2024.

North-based mills supplied 2.431 million tonnes to the domestic market in March 2025, an 11.33% decline compared to 2.742 million tonnes in March 2024. South-based mills despatched 529,750 tonnes locally during March 2025, down 11.23% from 596,751 tonnes in March 2024.

Exports from North-based mills fell sharply by 85.15%, from 124,672 tonnes in March 2024 to just 18,508 tonnes in March 2025. However, exports from the South increased by 22.82%, reaching 590,106 tonnes in March 2025 compared to 480,470 tonnes in the same month last year.

During the first nine months of the current fiscal year, total cement despatches (domestic and exports) stood at 33.993 million tonnes, 1.48% lower than 34.503 million tonnes during the same period last year. Domestic despatches during this period were 27.461 million tonnes compared to 29.403 million tonnes, reflecting a 6.61% decline. Export despatches, however, rose 28.08%, with volumes increasing to 6.532 million tonnes compared to 5.10 million tonnes in the same period last fiscal year.

North-based mills despatched 22.791 million tonnes domestically during July-March 2025, down 5.96% from 24.236 million tonnes during the same period last year. Exports from the North increased by 7.76% to 1.12 million tonnes during July-March 2025, compared to 1.039 million tonnes last year. South-based mills despatched 4.669 million tonnes domestically during July-March 2025, down 9.63% from 5.167 million tonnes during the same period last fiscal year. Exports from the South increased by 33.28% to 5.419 million tonnes compared to 4.061 million tonnes.

An APCMA spokesperson stated that cement is an essential commodity, providing employment to thousands and supporting allied industries. He expressed hope that the upcoming budget would include tax and duty reductions to improve affordability and stimulate domestic consumption.