The cement industry in Pakistan is experiencing a decline in despatches. In March 2023, cement despatches decreased by 24.19% compared to the same month in the previous year. The total cement shipments during March 2023 were 3.795 million tons, lower than the 5.006 million tons dispatched in March 2022.

All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) spokesperson stated that the decline in construction activities has contributed to reducing cement despatches. The decline in the industry is also creating an alarming situation and leading to a lack of employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled labourers in the construction sector.

The ongoing political instability, currency devaluation, and poor economic conditions impact all industrial sectors, including cement dispatches.

The data released by the APCMA shows that the local cement dispatches in March 2023 were 3.356 million tons, a decrease of 28.75% compared to March 2022. However, the export despatches increased by 48.46% during the same period.

The north-based cement mills dispatched 2.82 million tons of cement in March 2023, showing a decline of 28.22% compared to the previous year. The south-based mills delivered 974,467 tons of cement during March 2023, 9.48% less than the last year.

The domestic despatches during this period were 30.564 million tons, showing a reduction of 15.40% compared to the previous year. The export despatches also decreased by 34.62% during the same period.

The total despatches by north-based mills were reduced by 15.65% during the first nine months of the current financial year from the same period in the previous financial year.

Similarly, the domestic despatches by south-based mills during July-March 2023 were 5.517 million tons, a reduction of 10.86% compared to the same period in the previous year.