KARACHI: Overall cement sales — domestic and export — increased by eight per cent in May to 4.275 million tonnes from 3.965m tonnes during the same month last year.

According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), local sales fell 2.17pc year-on-year to 3.357m tonnes from 3.432m tonnes, while exports surged 72pc to 917,962 tonnes from 533,215 tonnes.

Overall cement despatches rose 3pc to 41.730m tonnes in 11MFY24 from 40.516m tonnes in the corresponding period last year.

Domestic despatches dropped 4pc to 35.097m tonnes in 11MFY24 against 36.526m tonnes in 11MFY23, while exports surged 66.26pc to 6.633m tonnes as compared to 3.990m tonnes.

A spokesman for the APCMA said the healthy rise in exports is a good omen; however, the industry is largely dependent on domestic markets to reach its potential.

It is a matter of serious concern that the cement sector continues to post negative growth in local sales for the 9th straight month, he said.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2024