Pakistan’s cement industry recorded a sharp slowdown in May 2026, with total dispatches falling 21.02 percent year-on-year to 3.84 million tons as both domestic sales and exports weakened during the month.
Data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) showed local cement dispatches declined 17.17 percent to 3.21 million tons in May from 3.87 million tons a year earlier. Exports suffered an even steeper decline, falling 36.06 percent to 632,648 tons from 989,434 tons in the same month last year.
North-based manufacturers dispatched 2.66 million tons during May, down 22 percent from a year ago, while dispatches from South-based mills declined 18.7 percent to 1.18 million tons. Domestic sales in the North fell 16.05 percent, while local dispatches by southern producers dropped 22.21 percent.
Exports remained concentrated in the southern region, with no export dispatches reported from North-based mills during the month. Southern exports declined 15.41 percent year-on-year to 632,648 tons.
Despite the weak monthly performance, the industry maintained positive growth for the fiscal year to date. Total cement dispatches during the first eleven months of FY2025-26 rose 6.44 percent to 46.26 million tons compared with 43.46 million tons in the corresponding period of last year.
Domestic demand remained the primary growth driver, with local dispatches increasing 8.26 percent to 38.01 million tons during July 2025 to May 2026. Export volumes, however, edged down 1.21 percent to 8.24 million tons over the same period.
North-based manufacturers recorded total dispatch growth of 6.8 percent during the eleven-month period, supported by a 9.49 percent rise in domestic sales.
However, exports from the region plunged nearly 46 percent. Southern producers posted total dispatch growth of 5.6 percent, benefiting from stronger export performance, which increased 8.41 percent during the period.
Commenting on the outlook, APCMA expressed optimism regarding the upcoming federal budget and said the industry expects supportive policy measures aimed at strengthening local manufacturing and addressing operational bottlenecks.
The association also welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional stability and reduce geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.