Pakistan cement sales up July 2015-February 2016

New figures from the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association show cement sales up 8.71% to 24.8 million tonnes in the period July 2015 to February 2016, compared to the same period of 2014-15. Domestic sales rose 17.4% to 20.9 million tonnes, but exports dipped 22.5% to 3.8 million tonnes. Industry analysts say cement demand was strong in January and February 2016 despite the winter, and is expected to grow further from this month onwards. In February 2016, sales were up 25.06% with domestic sales at 2.98 million tonnes (+29.8%) and exports at 467,287tonnes (+1.47%). Sales gains are being partly attributed to fresh investment in the construction sector, an offshoot from steady economic growth and improved security.