The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) recently released data showing that Pakistan cement dispatches reached 3.75 million tons in March 2026. This represents a 0.91% increase compared to the 3.71 million tons recorded during the same month last year. The marginal growth was primarily supported by a robust performance in the export sector. Export dispatches rose by 6.56%, totaling 648,564 tons. While local demand saw a slight dip of 0.20%, the overall industry managed to maintain a positive trajectory through international trade.
Regional performance varied significantly between the northern and southern parts of the country. North-based mills saw a 3.07% increase in total dispatches, reaching 2.64 million tons. This growth was fueled by domestic demand, as there were no exports recorded from the northern region during this period. In contrast, south-based mills experienced a 3.89% decline in total dispatches. However, these southern mills saw a 9.91% year-on-year increase in exports. This shift highlights how southern producers are increasingly looking toward global markets to offset slowing local consumption.
Fiscal Year Trends and Economic Challenges
During the first nine months of the current fiscal year, total Pakistan cement dispatches rose by 9.80% to 38.54 million tons. Domestic markets consumed 31.6 million tons of this total, marking a healthy 10.61% increase from the previous year. Export growth for the July–March period stood at 6.25%, with the South contributing the majority of these gains. Despite these positive figures, the APCMA warned that the manufacturing sector faces serious threats from ongoing geopolitical tensions. Volatility in global oil and coal prices continues to put pressure on production costs for this energy-intensive industry.
The association noted that global supply chain disruptions could further impact the sector’s profitability in the coming months. An APCMA spokesperson highlighted that the industry remains sensitive to international energy market fluctuations caused by regional conflicts. While the nine-month data shows resilience, the slight decline in local southern dispatches remains a point of concern for stakeholders. Industry leaders are now looking for more stable economic conditions to sustain growth through the remainder of the fiscal year. They also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to help ease global tensions which directly affect industrial stability.
