Pakistan's Cement Exports Display Varied Trends in First Half of Fiscal Year 2025-26
According to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the country's cement exports have shown a complex pattern of growth and decline during the first half of the fiscal year 2025-26. The figures reveal a nuanced picture of the sector's performance in international markets.
Overall Increase in Export Value Amidst Quantity Decline
During the period from July to December 2025-26, the value of cement exports from Pakistan reached $173.169 million. This represents a notable increase of 3.40 percent compared to the corresponding half of the previous fiscal year, when exports stood at $167.472 million. However, this positive trend in monetary terms was accompanied by a contrasting decrease in the quantity of cement shipped abroad.
In terms of volume, cement exports experienced a decline of 5.84 percent, dropping from 4,691,454 metric tonnes in the first half of 2024-25 to 4,417,399 metric tonnes in the same period of 2025-26. This divergence between value and quantity suggests potential shifts in pricing, market demand, or export strategies within the industry.
December 2025: A Month of Contradictory Performance
The monthly data for December 2025 highlights further fluctuations in cement export performance. On a year-on-year basis, exports witnessed a significant decrease of 30.92 percent, with figures falling from $31.898 million in December 2024 to $22.035 million in December 2025. This sharp decline indicates challenges or reduced activity in international markets compared to the previous year.
Conversely, on a month-on-month basis, cement exports showed a robust recovery, increasing by 32.61 percent in December 2025 when compared to November 2025, where exports were recorded at $16.617 million. This monthly uptick suggests a possible rebound or seasonal adjustment in export volumes towards the end of the year.
Implications for Pakistan's Trade and Economic Landscape
The mixed results in cement exports underscore the volatile nature of global trade dynamics affecting Pakistan's key industries. The increase in export value during the first half of FY 2025-26 could signal improved competitiveness or favorable exchange rates, while the decline in quantity may point to logistical issues or changing international demand patterns.
As Pakistan continues to navigate economic challenges, the performance of sectors like cement remains crucial for foreign exchange earnings and industrial growth. Stakeholders will likely monitor these trends closely to adapt strategies for sustaining and enhancing export performance in the coming months.
