Fall in Pakistani exports to Afghanistan

Exports of cement from Pakistan to Afghanistan have fallen as a result of a slowdown in the Afghan construction sector and uncertainty in the country due to the anticipated withdrawal of NATO troops.

Data released by the All-Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) revealed that in January 2014, Pakistan witnessed the lowest number of exports to Afghanistan compared to the first six months of the current fiscal year. Exports to Afghanistan stood at 202 000 t in January 2014, a fall from 314 329 t in December 2013 and 287 598 t in November 2013.

Despite the fall in exports to Afghanistan, the Pakistani cement industry witnessed growth of 1.4% during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, compared with the same period during the last fiscal year. Total dispatches also saw an increase y/y in the same period from 18.596 million t to 18.848 million t in the first seven months of the current fiscal year. In January 2014, domestic cement sales grew by 1.9% and exports in general increased by 7.6%, compared to January 2013. 

Edited from various sources by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/05022014/fall_in_pakistani_exports_to_afghanistan_695/