Pakistan witnessed a 6.02% increase in cement dispatches during July 2026, driven by robust domestic demand despite a sharp decline in exports.
According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), total cement dispatches reached 4.476 million tonnes in July 2026, compared with 4.222 million tonnes in the corresponding month of the previous fiscal year.
Domestic sales posted strong growth, with local dispatches climbing 17.28% to 3.771 million tonnes, up from 3.215 million tonnes in July 2025. However, export volumes dropped by 29.95%, falling from 1.007 million tonnes to 705,341 tonnes during the same period.
Region-wise, mills in northern Pakistan dispatched 3.092 million tonnes cement in July 2026, marking a 9.46% increase from 2.825 million tonnes a year earlier.
Meanwhile, southern-based mills recorded cement dispatches of 1.383 million tonnes, down 0.95% from 1.397 million tonnes in July 2025. Domestic sales from northern mills rose 19.25% to 3.092 million tonnes, compared with 2.593 million tonnes in the same month last year.
Southern mills also registered growth in local markets, with dispatches increasing 9.07% to 678,147 tonnes, up from 621,744 tonnes.
On the export front, northern cement manufacturers made no export shipments in July 2026, compared with 231,985 tonnes exported in July 2025. Exports from southern mills also declined by 8.98%, decreasing from 774,966 tonnes to 705,341 tonnes.
APCMA spokesperson said domestic cement consumption could grow further if the government reduced taxes and duties, arguing that the product is an essential construction material rather than a luxury item.
The spokesperson also urged authorities to provide relief measures for rehabilitation efforts in rain-affected areas across the country, noting that increased reconstruction activity could support higher cement demand.
