Pakistan sees market reversal in February

At the beginning of last month we reported that cement sales in Pakistan were up, while exports had fallen. However, in total contrast, February saw cement exports rise by 15.4% y/y, while domestic sales increased by only 1.16%. According to reports, cement manufacturers based in northern Pakistan sold 1.556 million t of cement to the domestic market in February and exported 444 000 t, of which the majority went to Afghanistan and just 32 000 t went to India. In the south of the country, producers sold 397 000 t of cement domestically and exported 209 000 t. Total sales were slightly down on January at 2.61 million t from 2.646 million t.

Domestic sales are expected to pick up in March, with seasonal demand from the construction sector, and industry insiders anticipate greater government spending in light of the forthcoming elections. Meanwhile, improving relations with India could bode well for future export activity, since the Indian industry is set to see demand increase substantially with huge infrastructure projects over the next few decades.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/05032013/pakistan_exports_rise_902/