Mixed trends for Pakistan cement exports

During the first 11 months (July 2011-May 2012) of the current fiscal year, Pakistan exported 7.64Mt of cement and earned US$446.85m compared to 8.44Mt at US$414.773m in the corresponding period of last year. This shows that cement expors fell 9.46 per cent in terms of quantity but rose 7.73 per cent in terms of value on a year-on-year basis, according to data released by Pakistan's Federal Bureau of Statistics.

In terms of Pakistan currency, exports rose 12.07 per cent during July-May 2011-12. The average export price of cement increased by 19.01 per cent to US$58.46/t in 11MFY11-12 from US$49.12/t in the same period of the previous fiscal.

However, on a more negative note, in the month of May 2012 alone, Pakistan exported 658,092t of cement and earned US$56.41m compared to 741,528t at US$47.48m in April 2012. This reflects a fall of 11.25 per cent in terms of quantity but shows a growth of 18.82 per cent in terms of value in dollar on a month-on-month basis. Furthermore, compared with May 2011 (824,778t at US$40.62m), cement exports recorded a 20.21 per cent YoY drop in volume terms but a 38.88 per cent increase in terms of dollar value.

Afghanistan was Pakistan's top importer in 11MFY11-12m, accounting for 4.27Mt compared to 3.26Mt in 11MFY1011. Exports to India also increased during the period by 12.55 per cent to 590,178t. However, imports to the rest of the world fell to 2.786Mt  from 3.596Mt – down 22.53 per cent.

According to an official of the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), the industry has not exported clinker during the current financial year and this factor has also affected exports.