Cement despatches to the domestic market rose 7.35% in September 2026, according to data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).

Local despatches reached 3.788 million tons, compared with 3.529 million tons in September 2025.

Export despatches remained almost flat at 832,173 tons. The industry exported 831,966 tons in the same month last year.

Total cement despatches rose 5.95% to 4.621 million tons in September. The industry had despatched 4.361 million tons a year earlier.

South-based mills drive monthly growth

North-based cement mills despatched 3.164 million tons in September. The figure was 2.43% lower than the 3.242 million tons recorded a year earlier.

South-based mills recorded stronger growth. Their total despatches reached 1.46 million tons, up 30.23% from 1.12 million tons in September 2025.

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Domestic despatches from north-based mills increased 4.72% to 3.164 million tons. They had supplied 3.021 million tons to the local market in September 2025.

South-based mills increased domestic despatches by 22.98%. Volumes rose to 624,833 tons from 508,077 tons.

Export pattern shifts to southern mills

North-based mills reported no exports in September 2026. They had exported 221,252 tons during the same month last year.

South-based mills recorded a 36.26% increase in exports. Their export volumes rose to 832,173 tons from 610,714 tons.

The shift helped keep overall exports broadly unchanged during the month.

First-quarter domestic sales increase

Cement despatches during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27 reached 13.141 million tons.

That was 3.88% higher than the 12.651 million tons recorded during the same period last year.

Domestic despatches rose 7.79% to 10.845 million tons. The industry had supplied 10.062 million tons to the local market during the corresponding period.

Exports, however, declined 11.32%. Export volumes fell to 2.296 million tons from 2.589 million tons.

North mills see lower overall despatches

North-based mills recorded domestic despatches of 8.946 million tons during the first quarter.

The figure was 6.80% higher than the 8.377 million tons recorded from July to September 2025.

The northern mills reported no exports during the quarter. They had exported 661,866 tons during the same period last year.

Their total despatches fell 1.02% to 8.946 million tons from 9.039 million tons.

South mills post strong quarterly growth

South-based mills increased domestic despatches by 12.71% during the first quarter.

Volumes reached 1.899 million tons, compared with 1.685 million tons a year earlier.

Their exports also rose 19.15% to 2.296 million tons. The mills had exported 1.927 million tons during the same period last year.

Total despatches by south-based mills increased 16.15% to 4.195 million tons from 3.612 million tons.

APCMA raises energy price concerns

An APCMA spokesman expressed concern over the decline in overall exports and continued instability in energy prices.

He said geopolitical tensions had created difficulties for the cement and allied industries.

The spokesman expressed hope that the tensions would ease soon and support a recovery in the sector.