July's cement dispatches see significant rise in northern Pakistan

Pakistan's local dispatches from units based in its northern region were 2.423Mt, while the region's export dispatches reached 0.338Mt in July 2017, representing a significant increase from 1.516Mt local and 0.306Mt export dispatches reported in July 2016.

The turnaround was a surprise, after a poor June 2017, particularly when considering the political turmoil and unprecedented rains throughout the country during the month.

Cement mills in the south also recorded a growth in local dispatches from 0.352Mt in July 2016 to 0.483Mt in July 2017. However, exports slipped to 0.138Mt from 0.159Mt in July 2016.

Pakistan's cement capacity utilisation rose to 86.46 per cent in July 2017, while the cement dispatch capacity has increased to 46.94Mta.

A spokesman of All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers’ Association said that the dispatch figures for July are most encouraging. However, the industry is performing in the midst of a stiff regulatory environment, and is only surviving because it has upgraded its technology, enabling it to face any challenge head on, he added.