Cement sales saw a decline of 47.7 percent in July 2022. The total cement despatches during July 2022 were 2.039 million tons against 3.899 million tons despatched during the same month of last fiscal year.
According to the data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association, local cement despatches by the industry during the month of July 2022 were 1.88 million tons compared to 3.44 million tons in July 2021, showing a decline of 45.28 percent.
Export despatches also suffered a massive decline of 66.09 percent as the volumes reduced from 452,777 tons in July 2021 to 153,517 tons in July 2022.
In July 2022, North-based cement mills despatched 1.68 million tons of cement showing a decline of 44.3 percent against 3.02 million tons in July 2021.
South-based mills despatched 352,747 tons of cement during July 2022 which was 59.53 percent less compared to 871,601 tons during July 2021.
North-based cement mills despatched 1.61 million tons of cement in domestic markets showing a decline of 44.11 percent against 2.89 million tons despatches in July 2021. South-based mills, on the other hand, despatched 269,477 tons of cement in local markets during July 2022 which was 51.4 percent less compared to the despatches of 554,442 tons during July 2021.
Exports from North-based mills also declined by 48.2 percent as the quantities reduced from 135,618 tons in July 2021 to 70,247 tons in July 2022. Exports from the South also reduced by 73.75 percent to 83,270 tons in July 2022 from 317,159 tons during the same month last year.
A spokesman for the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association emphasized that massive currency devaluation, political uncertainty, and a deteriorating economy need to be addressed by the government to provide a stable environment for industries. The situation is very alarming and the government must come up with a solution to bring the country out of this crisis.
