KARACHI – The ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran have begun to influence Pakistan’s industrial sector, with recent data showing a upward trend in cement consumption and exports despite global uncertainty. According to a statement released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), the industry recorded a steady performance in March, even as the regional conflict created fluctuations in the market.
March Market Performance The total cement consumption rose by 0.91% to reach 3.745 million tons during the month of March. While domestic consumption accounted for 3.097 million tons, the export sector witnessed a significant jump of 6.56%, totaling 648,000 tons.
9-Month Fiscal Overview The cumulative data for the first nine months of the current fiscal year reflects a resilient growth trend. Overall consumption increased by 9.8% to reach 38.54 million tons, while local demand grew by 10.61%, totaling 31.6 million tons. Furthermore, total exports rose by 6.25% to reach 6.94 million tons during this period.
Supply Chain Risks Despite these positive sales figures, the APCMA warned of potential headwinds. The association highlighted that the conflict has triggered a rise in oil and coal prices, which could lead to significant disruptions in the cement supply chain and increase production costs in the near future.
