Pakistan cement sales up 7%

Pakistan cement sales rose seven per cent for the first eight months of the current fiscal (July 2011-June 2012) while exports declined by six per cent in the period, data from the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association reports.

Total cement sales for first eight months increased by 3.49 per cent to 20.45Mt from 19.76Mt in the same period of the previous fiscal.

Domestic sales reached 14.83Mt from 13.81Mt in 2011 while exports dropped to 5.61Mt from 5.94Mt, the association said.

The rise in local sales during the current fiscal is being attributed to the start of reconstruction activities following devastating floods in 2011. Also, increased government spending is being witnessed on projects under the Public Sector Development Programme.