May cement dispatches decline 21.02pc to 3.837m tonnes YoY

LAHORE: The Pakistan’s cement industry witnessed a sharp downturn in May 2026, with total cement despatches falling by 21.02 percent year-on-year to 3.837 million tonnes compared to 4.858 million tonnes dispatched during the corresponding month of the previous fiscal year, reflecting subdued construction activity and continued challenges facing the sector.

Data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) shows local cement despatches by the industry during the month of May-26 were 3.205 million tons compared to 3.869 million tons in May-25, showing a decline of 17.17 percent. Exports despatches also decreased by 36.06 percent as the volumes fell from 989,434 tons in May-25 to 632,648 tons in May-26.

In May-26, North based cement mills despatched 2.657 million tons cement showing a decline of 22.00 percent against 3.407 million tons despatches in May-25. South based mills despatched 1.180 million tons cement during May-26 that was 18.70 percent less compared to the despatches of 1.452 million tons during May-25.

North based cement mills despatched 2.657 million tons cement in domestic markets in May-26 showing a decline of 16.05 percent against 3.165 million tons despatches in May-25. South based mills despatched 547,528 tons cement in local markets during May-26 that was 22.21 percent less compared to the despatches of 703,827 tons during May-25.

There were no exports from North based mills during last month, while exports from South decreased by 15.41 percent to 632,648 tons during last month from 747,856 tons during the same month last year.

During the first 11 months of current fiscal year, total cement despatches (domestic and exports) were 46.26 million tons that is 6.44 percent higher than 43.46 million tons despatched during the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Domestic despatches during this period were 38.01 million tons against 35.11 million tons during same period last year showing an increase of 8.26 percent. Export despatches however declined by 1.21 percent as the volumes fell to 8.24 million tons during the first 11 months of current fiscal year compared to 8.34 million tons exports done during same period of last fiscal year. The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) spokesperson appreciated the continuous and untiring efforts of Pakistan to resolve geo-political tensions and bring-in peace in the Middle East. He was optimistic about the upcoming federal budget and expected good policies from government to support local industry and to resolve the bottlenecks in its operations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026