Pakistan's cement industry recorded a 6.02% year-on-year increase in total dispatches during July 2026, as strong domestic demand more than offset a sharp decline in exports, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).

Total cement dispatches reached 4.476 million tonnes during the month, compared with 4.222 million tonnes in July 2025.

The growth was driven by the domestic market, where cement sales surged 17.28% to 3.771 million tonnes, up from 3.215 million tonnes a year earlier. In contrast, export dispatches declined 29.95% to 705,341 tonnes, compared with 1.007 million tonnes in the corresponding period last year.

Region-wise, north-based cement mills dispatched 3.092 million tonnes, registering a 9.46% increase from 2.825 million tonnes in July 2025. South-based mills recorded dispatches of 1.383 million tonnes, slightly lower than the 1.397 million tonnes reported a year earlier.

Domestic demand remained strong across both regions. North-based manufacturers supplied 3.092 million tonnes to the local market, reflecting 19.25% growth, while south-based mills increased domestic sales by 9.07% to 678,147 tonnes.

Exports, however, remained under pressure. North-based manufacturers recorded no export shipments during July 2026 compared with 231,985 tonnes in the same month last year. Meanwhile, exports from south-based mills declined 8.98% to 705,341 tonnes.

The cement industry said the recovery in domestic demand is encouraging but noted that further growth could be achieved through lower taxes and duties on cement. Industry representatives also highlighted that recent heavy rains have affected several parts of the country and stressed that reconstruction and rehabilitation activities could further support domestic cement consumption in the coming months.