LAHORE: The country’s cement export to India has declined by 32 percent to 43,000 tonne in July 2015 against 63,000 tonne of the same month last year.
According to figures of All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association, the exports to Afghanistan declined to 178,000 tonnes during July 2015 compared to 184,000 tonnes of corresponding period of 2014
export sector continued to disappoint the industry. Exports from North zone were 274,000 tonnes while exports from South zone were 192,000 tonnes. In July 2014 the cement exports from North were 295,000 tonnes and from South were 208,000 tonnes.
Overall exports during July 2015 were 465,000 tonnes against 503,000 tonnes during July, 14 showing reduction of 7.45%.
The APCMA Spokesman said that major decline was observed in exports to India 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.
