LAHORE: Cement despatches during the month of April 2026 were registered at 3. 890 million tons against 3. 500 million tons despatched during the same month of the last fiscal showing an increase of 11. 14 percent. Data released by All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) on Monday shows local cement despatches by the industry during the month of Apr-26 were 3. 217 million tons compared to 2. 677 million tons in Apr-25, showing an increase of 20. 17pc. Exports despatches on the contrary, declined by massive 18. 22pc as the volumes reduced from 823, 032 tons in Apr-25 to just 673, 058 tons in Apr-26. North based cement mills despatched 2. 662 million tons cement in domestic markets in Apr-26 showing an increase of 18. 25pc against 2. 251 million tons despatches in Apr-25. There were no exports from North in Apr-26. Total despatches by North based cement mills were therefore 2. 662 million tons cement showing an increase of 12. 52pc against 2. 365 million tons despatches in Apr-25. South based mills despatched 555, 104 tons cement in local markets during Apr-26 that was 30. 35pc more compared to the despatches of 425, 869 tons during Apr-25. Exports from South reduced by 5. 01pc to 673, 058 tons in Apr-26 from 708, 565 tons during the same month of the last year. Total despatches by South based cement mills were 1. 228 million tons cement showing an increase of 8. 26pc against 1. 134 million tons despatches in Apr-25. The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) spokesman mentioned that they expect better geopolitical situation in the coming weeks to strengthen global economy and reduce energy uncertainty. “We also anticipate industry friendly policies from our government in the coming federal budget to provide competitiveness in our operations, ” he concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026



