In February 2023, the cement consumption in Pakistan decreased by 7.10 percent, with total dispatches at 4.040 million tonnes compared to 4.348 million tonnes during the same period last year. The local cement dispatches in February 2023 were 3.590 million tonnes, showing a decline of 8.96 percent from 3.943 million tonnes in February 2022. However, exports increased by 10.96 percent, with volumes going up from 405,489 tonnes to 449,940 tonnes in February 2023.
North-based cement mills dispatched 3.014 million tonnes, down 7.42 percent against 3.255 million tonnes in February 2022, while south-based mills dispatched 1.025 million tonnes, 6.13 percent less than 1.093 million tonnes in February 2022.
During the first eight months of the current fiscal year, total cement dispatches were 29.81 million tonnes, down 16.65 percent from 35.763 million tonnes during the corresponding period last fiscal. Domestic dispatches during this period were 27.207 million tonnes against 31.416 million tonnes during the same period last year, showing a reduction of 13.39 percent. Exports were also 40.15 percent less as volumes reduced to 2.602 million tonnes during the first eight months of the current fiscal, compared to 4.348 million tonnes exported during the same period last fiscal.
The spokesman of All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association emphasized the need for timely supply of spare parts and consumable items to ensure stable plant operation and urged the government to come up with industry-friendly policies to help the industry during this difficult time.