Exports from southern Pakistan remain strong

Total cement sales in Pakistan declined by seven per cent YoY to 4.3Mt in March 2019 and six per cent YoY to 29.3Mt in 9MFY19. However, exports from the southern region continued to be strong.

Total exports rose by 23 per cent YoY to 0.5Mt in March 2019. Exports from the northern region fell by 40 per cent as shipments to India have been halted following escalation tensions on the border.

Exports in 9MFY19 rose 49 per cent YoY to 5.1Mt, mainly due to a ramp up of exports from southern players to Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka following the completion of capacity additions by Attock Cement, Lucky Cement and DG Khan Cement. This trend is likely to continue as a result of the devaluation of the Pakistan rupee and sanctions imposed on Iran.

Domestic capacity utilisation fell to 83 per cent during 9MFY19 compared to 97 per cent in the same period a year earlier.