Cement Sales Rise by 15% in November 2025 – APCMA Report
Pakistan’s cement industry has posted a significant recovery in October 2025 as local Cement Sales Rise by 15.17% year-on-year, driven by strong domestic demand across infrastructure and housing projects. According to the latest data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), total dispatches reached 4.754 million tons, marking an overall increase of 5.87% compared to October 2025.
While the domestic market performed strongly, the export segment continued to decline, raising concerns about the sector’s competitiveness in international markets.
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Cement Industry Performance in October 2025
The cement sector’s performance in October reflected a mixed trend — solid local growth but weaker exports.
| Category | October 2024 | October 2025 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Dispatches | 3.409 million tons | 3.926 million tons | +15.17% |
| Export Dispatches | 1.081 million tons | 0.827 million tons | -23.44% |
| Total Dispatches | 4.490 million tons | 4.754 million tons | +5.87% |
According to APCMA, domestic sales growth has been supported by renewed construction activity in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), along with the government’s infrastructure projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
North Region Cement Dispatches Rise Sharply
Cement mills based in northern Pakistan, including Punjab and KP, saw strong year-on-year growth in local dispatches.
- October 2025: 3.525 million tons
- October 2024: 3.064 million tons
- Increase: 15.03%
This jump reflects a revival in private housing projects, government road development, and industrial construction in the region.
However, exports from the North fell 27.79%, dropping to 146,478 tons from 202,848 tons last year.
Despite the export decline, the domestic market strength helped offset the losses, keeping total dispatches positive.
South Region Struggles Due to Export Decline
In contrast, South-based cement mills, mainly located in Sindh and Balochistan, recorded a 13.81% drop in total dispatches.
| Region | Dispatch (Oct 2024) | Dispatch (Oct 2025) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Region | 1.425 million tons | 1.23 million tons | -13.81% |
Exports from the South also declined 22.43%, from 877,886 tons to 680,903 tons.
Industry analysts attribute this drop to lower export demand from East Africa, Bangladesh, and the Middle East, where Pakistani cement faces high freight costs and currency exchange challenges.
Fiscal Year-to-Date (July–October 2025) Overview
For the first four months of the current fiscal year 2025–26, the cement industry’s performance shows an overall upward trend, especially in the domestic market.
| Region | FY24 (July–Oct) | FY25 (July–Oct) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Region | 10.622 million tons | 12.547 million tons | +18.15% |
| South Region | 4.332 million tons | 4.718 million tons | +8.92% |
The overall increase in dispatches suggests the construction sector’s gradual recovery after months of slowdown due to inflation, high interest rates, and rising fuel costs.
APCMA Statement on Sector Outlook
An APCMA spokesperson expressed optimism about domestic growth but warned that declining exports could “dent hopes for the sector’s full revival.”
“If the export decline continues, it may dent hopes of the cement sector’s revival. The government must take export-friendly measures to make Pakistani cement competitive in global markets,” the spokesperson said.
The association also urged authorities to reduce energy tariffs, rationalize freight rates, and provide incentives to exporters to regain market share internationally.
Domestic Demand: The Key Growth Driver
Pakistan’s construction and infrastructure boom has played a major role in boosting cement sales.
Projects driving demand include:
- Punjab and KP housing schemes under provincial development plans.
- Road expansion projects along major national highways.
- Industrial and commercial developments in major cities.
- Private sector housing and real estate projects in Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar.
Experts note that cement consumption in urban areas continues to rise due to the construction of vertical housing complexes and shopping malls.
Challenges Facing the Cement Sector
Despite rising domestic demand, the industry faces several major challenges:
1️⃣ Declining Exports:
A 23% fall in exports due to weak demand in Middle Eastern and African markets.
2️⃣ Rising Fuel and Energy Costs:
High coal and gas prices continue to increase cement production costs.
3️⃣ Inflation and High Interest Rates:
Borrowing costs discourage new investment in the construction sector.
4️⃣ Currency Volatility:
Exchange rate fluctuations impact both exports and raw material imports.
5️⃣ Freight and Logistics Constraints:
Increased shipping costs and global freight shortages have hurt export margins.
Industry leaders have called for urgent policy support to ensure Pakistan remains competitive regionally, especially against exporters from India, Iran, and Vietnam.
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Government’s Role in Supporting Industry
The government has been asked to take policy-level actions to sustain growth in the cement sector, including:
- Introducing export incentives similar to textile rebates.
- Ensuring stable energy supply to factories.
- Revising freight rates for export consignments.
- Expanding industrial zones near ports for logistical efficiency.
Analysts believe that a coordinated approach between the Ministry of Industries, Commerce Division, and APCMA could unlock new export opportunities.
Cement Industry Export Breakdown – October 2025
| Region | Exports (Oct 2024) | Exports (Oct 2025) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Region | 202,848 tons | 146,478 tons | -27.79% |
| South Region | 877,886 tons | 680,903 tons | -22.43% |
| Total Exports | 1.081 million tons | 0.827 million tons | -23.44% |
This sharp export decline highlights the need for government-backed trade policies to support international market access.
Industry Analysts’ Comments
Market experts believe that the cement industry’s domestic recovery is encouraging but still vulnerable to macroeconomic factors.
Bilal Ahmed, a senior market analyst, said:
“The local market is holding steady, but exports remain under heavy pressure due to high energy costs and low international prices. Unless the government steps in, overall growth will remain limited.”
Analysts have also suggested that regional diversification could help the sector balance risks — especially expanding exports to African and Central Asian countries.
Comparison with Previous Years
Historically, Pakistan’s cement industry has seen cyclical ups and downs. In FY2022–23, dispatches fell sharply due to political instability and high construction costs. However, FY2025 has shown steady month-on-month improvement in the local market, driven by:
- Recovery in housing projects.
- Government spending on development.
- Reduction in inflationary pressure on construction materials.
Outlook for November 2025
With construction activity expected to continue through the winter season, industry experts anticipate a further rise in local dispatches in November.
However, if the export downturn persists, it could limit the sector’s profit margins despite local volume growth.
Cement producers are now closely monitoring coal price trends, rupee stability, and government energy policies to plan their production schedules for the coming months.
Key Takeaways
- Cement sales rose by 15% YoY in October 2025.
- Total dispatches: 4.754 million tons.
- Domestic sales: 3.926 million tons.
- Exports: Down 23.44% to 0.827 million tons.
- North region: Strong growth (+15.03%).
- South region: Decline (-13.81%).
- FY2025 (July–Oct): Overall increase in both domestic and total dispatches.
- Exports remain the biggest concern for industry revival.
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Conclusion About Cement Sales Rise October 2025:
The cement industry’s 15% growth in local dispatches during October 2025 marks a positive recovery trend for Pakistan’s construction sector. Strong demand from domestic infrastructure and housing projects continues to drive the market.
However, the fall in export volumes poses a significant challenge that could slow the sector’s overall revival. To sustain growth, government intervention — through incentives, energy reforms, and export facilitation — will be essential.
The APCMA remains hopeful that with the right policy measures, Pakistan’s cement industry will not only sustain domestic momentum but also regain its position in global markets.
