Daily Times

The cement sector continued its growth pattern at the start of this fiscal after conclusion of its most successful year that ended on June 30, 2018. Despite disruption caused by hectic election activities it posted 5.10 percent growth in July.

The year 2018-19 started on a positive note for both domestic and export sectors. In July 2018 the total cement despatches was recorded at 3.554 million tons that was 5.10 percent higher than the despatches in July 2017 which was 3.382 million tons.

Generally the election activities slow down the economic and construction activities and workers go back to the places where they are registered as voters. But even the elections did not dent the growth much which depicts that the cement and construction sectors are on the go and the activities are likely last for long term.

In the month of July 2018 the exports increased by 9.25 percent from 0.476 million tons in July 2017 to 0.520 million tons last month whereas the domestic despatches increased by 4.42 percent from 2.906 million tons in July last year to 3.035 million tons in July 2018. The growth in exports is consistent but is higher due to smaller base of exports. The domestic growth though lower in percentage is higher in terms of volume due to higher domestic sales base.

The most pleasing aspect of recent surge in cement sector is the resurgence of exports that had been going down during 2008-2017 periods but has started recovering steadily for the last few months and the trend continued in July 2018.

Growth in export by sea increased by 133.71 percent from 0.144 million tons in July 2017 to 0.336 million tons last month to other countries which offset the decrease of exports to Afghanistan and India which decreased by around 44.88 percent and 44.43 percent respectively in the same duration, increasing overall exports by 9.25 percent in July 2018 as compared to same month last year.

The spokesman of APCMA expressed hope that after the induction of new government the economic activities would grow and the cement demand would increase.

“We expect the new economic managers to make the necessary changes in policy that the industry has been demanding to further boost demand, and also take measures to boost export opportunities in neighboring countries,: he added.

Published in Daily Times, August 4^th 2018.