Domestic dispatches increase in Pakistan

Dispatches of cement produced in Pakistan reached 3.21 million t in April 2014, up 2.8% on the 3.12 million t dispatched in April 2013. Figures published by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association indicate that the increase is down to a rise in domestic sales. Dispatches to the national market grew by 7.2% y/y to 2.539 million t during the month. However, exports declined by 11% y/y from 754 000 t in April 2013 to 673 000 t in April of this year. This situation is representative of the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, when exports decreased by 3.39% y/y but domestic dispatches grew by 2.7% y/y. Total dispatches for the period were up 1.17% to 27.986 million t.

The domestic improvements are aided by greater construction activity in the country and a rise in public sector development programmes. Despite the fall in export volumes, the figures suggest a positive outlook for Pakistan’s national cement market. In July 2012 – April 2013, capacity utilisation was the highest it has been in five years, at 75.21%. This is expected to rise to 80% by the end of June 2014.

Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/08052014/domestic_cement_dispatch_growth_offsets_decline_in_exports_in_pakistan_156/