Pakistan’s cement industry recorded a slight drop in total despatches during August 2026. According to figures from the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), overall shipments reached 4.039 million tons. This was 0.70 percent lower than the 4.068 million tons recorded in the same month last year.
The main reason for the decline was weaker performance by mills in the northern region. These plants sent out 2.691 million tons, a fall of about 9.4 percent from a year earlier. All of their sales stayed within the domestic market, as the region reported no exports. Local demand in the north also softened compared with August 2025.
In contrast, southern mills showed strong growth. Their total despatches climbed nearly 23 percent to 1.35 million tons. Domestic sales from the south rose more than 6 percent, while exports jumped almost 40 percent and fully offset some of the northern weakness. Overall local despatches across the country slipped just over 1 percent, but exports edged up by less than 1 percent.
Looking at the first two months of the current fiscal year, total cement despatches still rose 2.8 percent to 8.521 million tons. Domestic volumes increased more than 8 percent during this period, even though exports were lower than a year ago.
The mixed regional picture highlights ongoing differences in demand and market access. Northern mills continue to face challenges, including limited export routes, while the south benefits from stronger overseas shipments. Industry watchers will keep an eye on construction activity and any policy steps that could support broader recovery in the months ahead.