Cement industry: Slump continues for third consecutive month

LAHORE: Pakistan’s cement industry recorded another month of weakening exports, marking the third consecutive monthly decline, even as domestic demand continued to show modest resilience.

According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), cement exports fell sharply by 26.53 percent year-on-year in November 2025, dropping to 590,183 tons from 803,258 tons in November 2024. The fall extends an already worrying trend, following declines of 23 percent in October and 15percent in September.

In contrast, domestic cement despatches registered a slight improvement. Local sales rose to 3.549 million tons in November 2025 from 3.472 million tons a year earlier, reflecting 2.23 percent growth. However, this uptick was insufficient to offset the export slump; total despatches fell to 4.14 million tons, down 3.17percent from 4.275 million tons in November 2024, said the Association.

Despite monthly volatility, cumulative despatches for the first five months of FY2025-26 showed an encouraging overall trend. Total despatches reached 21.445 million tons, up 11.54 percent from 19.226 million tons during the same period last year.

Releasing these statistics, an APCMA spokesperson reiterated the industry’s long-standing demand for government support, arguing that the sector could unlock higher growth if provided relief in duties and taxes.

“We can achieve substantial growth provided the government offers concessions that ultimately benefit end-consumers,” the spokesman said. He added that the Association has repeatedly urged policymakers to adopt industry-friendly measures that reduce the cost of doing business and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistani cement in regional and global markets.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025