All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) released cement sales data showing that 21% decline was recorded in the total sales from July to December of this fiscal year, reported 24NewSHD TV channel on Wednesday. 

According to the data, there were 2.74 million tonnes of cement sold overall in the first half of FY2021 as opposed to 2.17 million tonnes in the same period of the current fiscal year.

From July 22 to December 22, domestic cement sales witnessed a decline 16.77% to 200 million tonnes.

From July 22 to December 22, cement exports dropped by 49% to 1.734 million tonnes from 3.339 million tonnes during the same period in FY2021.

Overall cement sales decreased by 15.55% in December 22 compared to December 21, according to the report. 

On the other hand, the total sales of cement in December 21 stood at 3.881 million tonnes as against 4.595 million tonnes in December 22. 

Moreover, domestic sales of cement were down 9.41% to 3.676 million tonnes in December 22 compared to December 21. 

Compared to December 21, cement exports in December 22 decreased by 61.88% to 2,51,000 tons. 

In December 21, cement exports were more than 538, 000 tons. 

APCMA spokesman said that economic crisis have adversely affected the demand for cement, adding that inflation has had a negative impact on the purchasing power of consumers. 

Above all, new construction projects, including residential projects, are lower in numbers. 

The export of cement has badly affected due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. 

Reporter Ashraf Khan