Cement despatches surge 30pc in July

The cement industry made a strong start to the fiscal year 2025-26, reporting a remarkable 18.40 per cent increase in local despatches and an impressive 84pc jump in exports for July. According to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), local cement sales reached 2.988 million tonnes in July, up from 2.524 million tonnes in the same month last year. Exports also saw a substantial increase, rising to 1.008 million tonnes from 0.547 million tonnes. As a result, total cement despatches — combining local and export sales — increased by 30.13pc to 3.997 million tonnes in July, compared to 3.071 million tonnes in the same month of 2024.