LAHORE: The cement industry recorded 274,000 tonnes export from north zone, while export from south zone remained slow at 192,000 tonnes in July 2015.
During the corresponding month last year, the cement exports from North were 295,000 tonnes and from South were 208,000 tonnes. While exports to Afghanistan declined to 178,000 tonnes during July 15 compared to 184,000 tonnes during July, 2014.
The major decline was observed in exports to India that showed substantial reduction to 43,000 tonnes during July, 2015 against 63,000 tonnes during same month last year i.e. downfall of around 32%.
Spokesman of cement association said that exports declined mainly because of non-tariff barriers erected by the Indian authorities and influx of Iranian cement in Afghanistan. He said the government policy on exports needs revamping to boost exports. He said smuggling of cement through porous Pak-Iran border possess a continuous threat for the cement industry.
He emphasised that the Industry is facing tremendous problems due to high power tariffs, axle load restrictions; power outages etc and expects effective steps from government for reducing the cost of operations in order to make the product competitive and to increase its existence in global markets.
