Pakistan: The cement industry reported a decline in overall despatches from 3.23Mt in July 2023 to 3.01Mt in July 2024, marking a 7% year-on-year fall. Domestic despatches decreased by 11%, while exports rose by 22%, according to The News International.
A spokesperson for the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association said "Higher taxes and increased input costs are affecting the country's cement sector. This is the 11th straight month during which domestic despatches are showing a declining trend due to sluggish economic activity in the country. The cement industry urges the government to review its taxation policies to reduce the burden of heavy taxes on this important sector of the economy."
