Karachi: Cement sales in Pakistan increased in the first seven months of the Fiscal Year 2020 (7MFY20) as compared to the same time period last year, according to a news source. The country’s domestic cement despatches appreciated by 3.86%, from 22.759 million tonnes to 23.638 million tonnes, while exports increased by 25.23%, from 4.141 million tonnes to 5.148 million tonnes.
This amounted to overall cement sales going up by 7.15%, from 26.9 million tonnes to 28.824 million tonnes. The Southern mills’ performance particularly stood out, as their exports soared by 46.18%, from 2.448 million tonnes to 3.579 million tonnes. However, their local despatches depreciated by 26%, from 4.798 million tonnes to 3.548 million tonnes.
The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) also released figures regarding the Northern mills. These mills despatched 20.09 million tonnes locally, which saw an improvement of 11.85% as compared to the last year, while their exports went down by 5.08%, from 1.692 million tonnes to 1.606 million tonnes.
An APCMA spokesperson stated that the current exports volume
presented an encouraging situation, but the domestic despatches being low was
worrying. He added that promoting local housing schemes and construction activities
would bring new jobs to Pakistan and help improve the cement sector as well.
