Pakistan cement sales fell by 33 per cent in the first month of FY15-16 to 2.19Mt, preliminary data from AHL Research shows.

During July 2015, domestic demand dropped by 36 per cent MoM to 1.74Mt while exports were down by 17 per cent to 499,000t, data from the report published in the Tribune (Pakistan), revealed.

On a regional basis, exports were down 27 per cent MoM but rose by six per cent in the southern region.

The decline in sales is attributed to Ramadan as well as a reduction in the number of working days due to the Eid holidays. Exports have been hit by anti-dumping duties imposted by South Africa on Pakistan cement companies.

On a year-on-year basis, total sales fell by 11 per cent in July 2015, although domestic demand rose by seven per cent while exports fell 24 per cent.

"Cement sales in August 2015 may remain depressed owing to floods, however, they will pick up going forward," the report added.