Cement despatches plunge 21% in May

Exports decline 36%, local sales drop 17% while north-based mills see 22% fall in total despatches

LAHORE:

Cement despatches for May 2026 declined 21.02% to 3.837 million tonnes from 4.858 million tonnes during the same month last fiscal year, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).

Local despatches fell 17.17% to 3.205 million tonnes from 3.869 million tonnes in May 2025. Exports also decreased 36.06% to 632,648 tonnes from 989,434 tonnes.

In May 2026, north-based mills despatched 2.657 million tonnes, a decline of 22% from 3.407 million tonnes in May 2025. South-based mills despatched 1.180 million tonnes, down 18.70% from 1.452 million tonnes.

In domestic markets, north-based mills sold 2.657 million tonnes, down 16.05% from 3.165 million tonnes. South-based mills sold 547,528 tonnes, down 22.21% from 703,827 tonnes.

There were no exports from north-based mills during May 2026. Exports from the south decreased 15.41% to 632,648 tonnes from 747,856 tonnes during the same month last year. During the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, total despatches (domestic and exports) were 46.26 million tonnes, up 6.44% from 43.46 million tonnes despatched during the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Domestic despatches during this period were 38.01 million tonnes against 35.11 million tonnes during the same period last year, showing an increase of 8.26%. Export despatches declined 1.21% to 8.24 million tonnes from 8.34 million tonnes.

North-based mills despatched 31.689 million tonnes domestically during July 2025 to May 2026, up 9.49% from 28.943 million tonnes despatched during July 2024 to May 2025. Exports from the north fell 45.98% to 797,431 tonnes from 1.476 million tonnes exported during the same period last year. Total despatches by north-based mills rose 6.80% to 32.487 million tonnes from 30.419 million tonnes.

South-based domestic despatches during July 2025 to May 2026 were 6.323 million tonnes, up 2.47% from 6.170 million tonnes despatched during the same period last fiscal year. Exports from the south increased 8.41% to 7.447 million tonnes from 6.869 million tonnes exported during the same period last year. Total despatches by south-based mills rose 5.60% to 13.770 million tonnes from 13.039 million tonnes.

A spokesperson for APCMA appreciated Pakistan's continuous and untiring efforts to resolve geopolitical tensions and bring peace to the Middle East. He was also optimistic about the upcoming federal budget and expected good policies from the government to support local industry and resolve bottlenecks in its operations.