Karachi: The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has reported a decline of 47.7% in the overall cement despatches (local sales and exports) in July 2022, according to news published on August 3.
As per the shared statistics, the overall cement despatches have gone down in July 2022 to 2.009 million tonnes, from 3.899 million tonnes in July 2021. The local cement despatch decreased to 1.88 million tonnes from 3.44 million tonnes recorded last year. Also, the exports are reduced by 66%, from 452,777 tonnes in July 2021 to 153,517 tonnes this year.
Moreover, the cement mills in the north shipped 1.68 million tonnes this month, which marked a decrease of 44.3% in comparison to July last year. The mills in the south shipped 352,747 tonnes of cement in July 2022, which showed a decrease of 59.53%.
According to the data shared by APCMA, the domestic sales of the north-based cement mills were 1.61 million tonnes in comparison to 2.89 million tonnes in July 2021. While the cement mills in the south sold 269,477 tonnes this year, as compared to 554,442 tonnes in July 2021.
Furthermore, export of the mills in the north declined by 48.2%, from 135,618 tonnes in July 2021 to 70,247 tonnes this year. The exports of the south-based mills also went down by 74%, from 317,159 tonnes in July 2021 to 83,270 tonnes in July 2022. An official of Topline Securities – a brokerage house – stated that the decrease in sales in July was due to the slowdown in construction activities. He went on to say that the construction activities were slowed due to high construction costs and rain. He also shared that the exports declined because of the global economic slowdown, high sea freight, and disruption in the global supply chain.
A spokesperson of APCMA (whose name was not disclosed) mentioned that the government needs to address the problems of currency devaluation, deteriorating economy, and political uncertainty in order to maintain a stable environment for industries.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
