LAHORE: Cement despatches in the month of July 2026 registered an increase of 6.02 percent as total despatches during it recorded at 4.476 million tons against 4.222 million tons despatched during the same month of last fiscal year.
Data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) on Monday shows that the local cement despatches by the industry during the month of Jul-26 were 3.771 million tons compared to 3.215 million tons in July-25, showing an increase of 17.28 percent.
Exports despatches, on the other hand, declined by massive 29.95 percent as the volumes reduced from 1.007 million tons in July-25 to 705,341 tons in July-26.
In July-26, North-based cement mills despatched 3.092 million tons cement showing an increase of 9.46 percent against 2.825 million tons despatches in July-25. South based mills despatched 1.383 million tons cement during July-26 that was 0.95 percent less compared to the despatches of 1.397 million tons during Jul-25.
North based cement mills despatched 3.092 million tons cement in domestic markets in July-26 showing an increase of 19.25 percent against 2.593 million tons despatches in July-25.
South based mills despatched 678,147 tons cement in local markets during July-26 that was 9.07 percent more compared to the despatches of 621,744 tons during July-25.
Compared to exports of 231,985 tons from North based mills in July-25, there were no exports during July-26. Exports from South reduced by 8.98 percent to 705,341 tons in July-26 from 774,966 tons during the same month last year.
The APCMA spokesman commenting on the situation said that local uptake could further boost up, provided government reduces duties and taxes on cement, benefiting the end consumers. Cement is not a luxury item but is an essential commodity for masses.
Heavy rains are affecting most parts of the country and government should provide necessary relief for rehabilitation of the affected areas, he added.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026