Karachi: The cement industry has registered a record-high growth of 14% during 2017-2018 with more than 45 million tonnes being despatched, according to a news source. Last year, cement despatches were a total of 40.315 million tonnes.
For the year 2017-2018, domestic consumption stood at 41.147 million tonnes and exports increased to 4.746 tonnes, as compared to 4.664 million tonnes during 2016-2017. The All Cement Manufacturers’ Association (APCMA) has said that the past five years have exhibited positive growth for the cement industry as annual despatches have increased by 12.46 million tonnes from 33.43 million tonnes in 2012-2013 to 45.89 million tonnes in 2017-2018.
The cement industry increased its production capacity by 6.58% during 2017-2018 and its capacity utilisation stood at 92.82%. The APCMA spokesperson has said that this growth is a welcome sign for the industry, and the rupee devaluation against the dollar is finally restoring competitiveness in the cement sector. The official has also urged the government to provide further relief by reducing duties and taxes.
