Pakistan’s cement industry recorded solid growth during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026, with Cement despatches FY26 increasing 7.21% as robust domestic demand more than compensated for a slight decline in exports.
According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), total cement despatches reached 50.515 million tons during FY26, compared with 47.116 million tons in the previous fiscal year.
Domestic Cement Sales Drive Growth
The industry’s performance was largely supported by stronger local demand.
Domestic cement sales increased 9.5% to 41.507 million tons during FY26, up from 37.906 million tons in FY25.
However, export performance remained under pressure. Cement exports declined 2.19% to 9.008 million tons, compared with 9.210 million tons recorded in the previous fiscal year.
The figures indicate that rising construction activity within Pakistan more than offset weaker export demand.
June Cement Despatches Jump Over 18%
The industry also posted strong growth during June 2026.
Total cement despatches reached 4.331 million tons, representing an 18.38% increase compared with 3.658 million tons dispatched in June 2025.
Domestic despatches climbed 26.78% to 3.541 million tons, up from 2.793 million tons a year earlier.
Meanwhile, export despatches declined 8.73% to 789,840 tons, compared with 865,387 tons in the corresponding month last year.
North and South Region Performance
North-based cement mills despatched 3.019 million tons during June 2026, an increase of 16.39% from 2.594 million tons in June 2025.
South-based mills also recorded strong performance, with total despatches rising 23.23% to 1.31 million tons from 1.065 million tons during the same period last year.
In the domestic market:
- North-based mills supplied 3.019 million tons, up 26.53% year-on-year.
- South-based mills sold 522,021 tons, reflecting a 28.24% increase from 407,069 tons in June 2025.
Export Trends Remain Mixed
No cement exports were recorded from North-based mills during June 2026.
South-based mills, however, increased exports by 20.12%, shipping 789,840 tons compared with 657,527 tons in June 2025.
For the full fiscal year:
- North-based mills exported 777,207 tons, a 53.85% decline from 1.683 million tons in FY25.
- Despite weaker exports, their total despatches increased 7.53% to 35.498 million tons, compared with 33.013 million tons a year earlier.
South-based mills continued their steady growth throughout FY26:
- Domestic despatches increased 3.18% to 6.787 million tons.
- Exports rose 9.36% to 8.230 million tons from 7.526 million tons in FY25.
- Total despatches reached 15.017 million tons, representing a 6.48% increase over 14.104 million tons in the previous fiscal year.
APCMA Optimistic About Demand Outlook
An APCMA spokesperson expressed confidence that cement demand will remain strong in the coming months across both domestic and international markets.
The association also said that resolving geopolitical tensions through collective efforts would help ensure stable and competitive energy supplies. It added that lower energy and fuel costs would reduce production expenses and further improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s cement industry.