According to Federal Bureau of Statistics, the large-scale manufacturing sector posted 5.8 per cent growth in the first nine months July 2017-March 2018, as the construction boom continued to push up consumption of cement and steel.

The local cement industry production was recorded at 31.17Mt during this period from 27.77Mt, produced in corresponding months July 2016-March 2017. This shows a growth of 12.2 per cent on YoY basis. The growth in March 2018 alone produced 4Mt of cement compared to 3.5Mt in same month last year, up 14.3 per cent.

However, the cement industry may see some challenges ahead in view of the ongoing Holy Month of Ramadan, when demand traditionally slips.

Other factors expected to affect cement demand going forward include the completion of tenure of the present government and the formation of an interim government followed by an election.