The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has reported a 4.76% decline in domestic cement dispatches in December 2024. Local dispatches fell to 3.37 million tons compared to 3.539 million tons in December 2023. However, export dispatches saw a substantial increase of 49.35%, rising from 524,656 tons in December 2023 to 783,550 tons in December 2024. Overall, cement dispatches for December 2024 grew by 2.23%, reaching 4.154 million tons against 4.063 million tons in December 2023.

Regional dispatch analysis

In December 2024, North-based cement mills dispatched 2.9 million tons, marking a decline of 3.71% compared to 3.012 million tons in December 2023. Meanwhile, South-based mills dispatched 1.254 million tons, a notable increase of 19.25% over 1.052 million tons in December 2023.

In the local market, North-based mills dispatched 2.786 million tons, a 5.11% decrease from 2.936 million tons in December 2023. South-based mills also experienced a decline, with 584,684 tons dispatched locally, down 3.04% from 603,010 tons in December 2023.

Exports from North-based mills surged by 50.18%, rising from 75,967 tons in December 2023 to 114,089 tons in December 2024. Similarly, exports from South-based mills grew by 49.20%, reaching 669,461 tons compared to 448,689 tons in December 2023.

First half of fiscal year performance

During the first six months of the current fiscal year, total cement dispatches (domestic and exports) amounted to 22.933 million tons, reflecting a 3.97% decline from 23.881 million tons in the same period last year. Domestic dispatches dropped by 10.41%, from 20.228 million tons to 18.122 million tons. However, export dispatches increased by 31.69%, rising to 4.81 million tons from 3.653 million tons in the previous fiscal year.

North-based mills:

Domestic dispatches: 15.185 million tons (-9.46%)

Exports: 992,413 tons (+28.81%)

Total dispatches: 16.177 million tons (-7.78%)

South-based mills:

Domestic dispatches: 2.937 million tons (-15.02%)

Exports: 3.817 million tons (+32.47%)

Total dispatches: 6.755 million tons (+6.57%)

Industry concerns

An APCMA spokesperson expressed deep concern over the declining local cement demand, stating that domestic consumption is critical for the industry’s and the economy’s growth. “Reducing duties and taxes can lower the cost of cement, which would boost sales and allow the sector to utilize its idle capacity,” he added.