Despite floods, sales of cement rise 12.5%

Growth slows down in August compared to previous month

LAHORE:

Local cement sales of Pakistan's industry reached 3.097 million tons in August 2025, higher by 10.33% compared to sales of 2.807 million tons in the corresponding month of last year, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).

Exports rose 22.13% as volumes stood at 749,723 tons in August 2025 against 613,857 tons in August 2024. In terms of growth figures, July was far better as the industry registered an increase of 18.61% year-on-year (YoY) in domestic sales and a jump of 84% in exports. Total cement dispatches during August 2025 were calculated at 3.846 million tons against 3.421 million tons in the same month of last fiscal year, exhibiting an increase of 12.45%.

North-based mills supplied 2.795 million tons, up 8.10% from 2.585 million tons in August last year. Similarly, southern mills sold 1.05 million tons, which was 25.93% higher than dispatches of 0.835 million tons in the previous year. Mills in the northern zones dispatched 2.586 million tons to domestic markets, showing an increase of 8.64% compared to sales of 2.380 million tons last year. South-based mills provided 510,758 tons to local markets, higher by 19.81% over dispatches of 426,289 tons during August 2024.

Exports from the northern mills marginally increased by 1.84% as volumes rose from 204,901 tons in August 2024 to 208,669 tons in August 2025. Exports from the south recorded a healthy growth of 32.30% to 541,054 tons compared to 408,956 tons last year.

During the first two months (July-August) of the current fiscal year, total cement dispatches were 7.847 million tons, which was 20.88% higher than last fiscal year.

A spokesman for the APCMA mentioned that Pakistan was passing through tough times due to excessive rains and floods, which have extensively impacted the citizens. He urged the government to reduce taxes on cement to bring down the cost of rehabilitation in the rain and flood-stricken areas.