Pakistan’s cement exports are being geared up due to increase in Afghan export prices to US$50-55/t from the previous level of US$39-45/t.??According to informed sources, the improved export price has finally attracted interest for Pakistani exporters, leading to a 32% YoY increase in exports to Afghanistan in January 2012.

However, Pakistan’s cement exports to India fell by 8% in January 2012 while exports to Middle East, Africa and other South Asian states via sea route rose by 4%.

Sources added that the recent hike in cement prices can only be sustained if accompanied by controlled supply. On the domestic front, cement sales registered a 2.8% YoY growth during January 2012, indicating 2.2% and 4.8% YoY recovery in domestic sales and exports respectively. Within domestic sales, the northern zone’s cement sales grew by 1% as compared to 6% YoY growth in the south.