The overall output of large-scale manufacturing industries (LSMIs) decreased by 3.6 per cent for July 2018-June 2019 compared to the year-ago period, according to the Pakistan Federal Bureau of Statistics. The drop in output has also impacted cement production during this period. 

Pakistan's cement industry has recorded a three per cent YoY fall in production during the FY18-19 from 41.14Mt to 39.92Mt, reportedly due to a drop in local demand amongst other factors.

However, in June 2019 alone, cement production increased by 10.3 per cent YoY to 2.91Mt from 2.63Mt.

The cement industry has been under pressure during this financial year as development expenditure has been slashed by 40 per cent from last year and austerity drive by the government. Exports to India and Afghanistan have also fallen in recent period due to political and other reasons.