KABUL: The cement exports to Afghanistan, during first two months of the current FY, have declined by 18.24 per cent to 394,500 metric tons compared to 482,528 metric tons of the same period of last year. Similarly, cement exports to India showed substantial reduction to 100,437 metric tons during July and August 2015 against 140,131 metric tons during same months last year, showing a collapse of more than 28 per cent.
Exports from North zone during August 2015 were 349,873 metric tons while exports from South zone were 216,815 metric tons. Against 827,707 metric tons of cement exported in August 2014 the exports were restricted to only 566,689 metric tons in August 15 i.e. a decline of 31.54%.
A spokesman of APCMA said that the exports to Afghanistan are gradually drying due to inroads made by the Iranian cement. In fact, he added, the Iranian cement is also penetrating Pakistani markets on the strength of massive under invoicing or mis-declaration that remains unchecked.
He added that domestic uptake is a good sign for the industry however the decline in exports should be taken seriously by the regulators as this industry could earn much more precious foreign exchange for the country with proper government attention.—
