In February 2024, there was a significant decrease in cement dispatches, dropping by 19.22% compared to the same month in the previous fiscal year. The total cement dispatches during this February amounted to 3.259 million tons, down from 4.035 million tons in February of the last fiscal year.

Data from the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association reveals that local cement dispatches in February 2024 were 2.863 million tons, a decline of 20.23% compared to February 2023. Similarly, exports also saw a decrease of 11.02%, with volumes dropping from 444,962 tons in February 2023 to 395,935 tons in February 2024.

During February 2024, north-based cement mills dispatched 2.433 million tons of cement, down by 19.26% from February 2023. South-based mills dispatched 826,085 tons, a decrease of 19.08% compared to the same period last year.

In terms of domestic markets, north-based mills dispatched 2.338 million tons in February 2024, showing a decline of 20.73% compared to February 2023. South-based mills dispatched 525,543 tons, a reduction of 17.97% compared to the same period last year.

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Exports from north-based mills increased by 47.40%, while exports from south-based mills decreased by 20.96% in February 2024 compared to the same month last year.

Overall, total cement dispatches during the first eight months of the current fiscal year were slightly higher at 30.555 million tons compared to the same period last year. Domestic dispatches decreased by 4.22%, while exports showed a healthy increase of 73.10%.

The spokesman for APCMA suggested the new government should implement industry-friendly policies and prioritize pending public sector development projects to support the construction industry.