Karachi: Pakistan’s cement despatches went up by 11.51% in September, as compared to the same time period last year, according to a news report. The total cement despatches rose to 4.270 million tonnes, as both domestic consumption and exports increased.
In this time period, exports rose by 11.66%, from 0.715 million tonnes in September 2018 to 0.798 million tonnes in September 2019. Meanwhile, domestic consumption increased from 3.114 million tonnes to 3.472 million tonnes. A representative from the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association revealed that this consumption was due to a steep rise in cement demand in the northern region. However, consumption by the southern region declined significantly.
He encouraged the government to announce more housing projects, so that the industry gets a boost. This would also create jobs for skilled and unskilled labour. In addition, he requested the government to reduce duties and taxes on the cement industry to ease its burdens, and increase the overall domestic offtake.
