LAHORE: Domestic cement despatches registered an increase of 7.35 percent in September 2026, reaching 3.788 million tons compared to 3.529 million tons in the corresponding month of the previous year.
According to the data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association, however, export despatches were almost flat at 832,173 tons compared to 831,966 tons in Sep-25. Total cement despatches during Sep-26 were 4.621 million tons against 4.361 million tons despatched during the same month of last fiscal year, showing an increase of 5.95 percent.
In Sep-26, total despatches by North based cement mills were 3.164 million tons cement showing a decline of 2.43 percent against 3.242 million tons despatches in Sep-25. South based mills despatched 1.46 million tons cement during Sep-26 that was 30.23 percent more compared to the despatches of 1.12 million tons during Sep-25.
Against the domestic despatches of 3.021 million tons in Sep-25, North based cement mills despatched 3.164 million tons cement in domestic markets in Sep-26 showing an increase of 4.72 percent. South based mills despatched 624,833 tons cement in local markets during Sep-26 that was 22.98 percent more compared to the despatches of 508,077 tons during Sep-25. Compared to the exports of 221,252 tons in Sep-25, there were no exports from North based mills in Sep-26. Exports from South jumped by 36.26 percent to 832,173 tons in Sep-26 from 610,714 tons during the same month last year.
During the first quarter of current fiscal year, total cement despatches (domestic and exports) were 13.141 million tons that is 3.88 percent higher than 12.651 million tons despatched during the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Domestic despatches during this period were 10.845 million tons against 10.062 million tons during same period last year showing an increase of 7.79 percent. Export despatches were 11.32 percent less as the volumes reduced to 2.296 million tons during the first three months of current fiscal year compared to 2.589 million tons exports done during same period of last fiscal year.
A spokesman of the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association expressed concerns over decline in exports and the continued instability in energy prices. He was optimistic that the geopolitical tensions will be resolved soon enabling cement and allied industries to come out of this difficult situation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026