Pakistan: exports to Afghanistan decline

Cement exports to Afghanistan declined 23.4 per cent YoY in October 2016, falling from 0.252Mt to 0.193Mt. Meanwhile, exports to India registered a 27 per cent YoY growth from 0.086Mt in October 2015 to 0.110Mt in October 2016. Exports to India mainly travel the Wahga border and the southern coast of India.

The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) expressed its concern regarding an 11.74 per cent drop in exports to Afghanistan in the first four months of its current fiscal year (July-October 2016). They also lacked confidence in a bright future for Indian exports despite a 101.88 per cent increase in the given period. The manufacturers cited a very low base as the reason for positive results in the four month period and do no expect continued success due to tensions between the two countries.

According to data issued by the APCMA, the domestic market grew 15.88 per cent in October, but exports declined 1.96 per cent to 0.518Mta following a strong 11.79 per cent growth in the month prior. For the July-October 2016 period, local despatches grew 11.26 per cent YoY and exports recorded a 1.73 per cent growth.

A spokesman from the APCMA said that October domestic dispatches were noted at 3.008Mt, representing a 15.88 per cent growth. Total October dispatches amounted to 3.527Mt, depicting a growth of 12.87 per cent, and capacity utilisation for the month was reported at 92.77 per cent.