lahore
 The cement sale to domestic market during the month of July 2014 remained at 1.73 million tons compared with 1.85 million tons during same month last year, showing a decline of 6.52 per cent.
According to the monthly figures of All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association issued here, total dispatches during July 2014 were only 2.23 million tons compared to 2.6 million tons during same month last year, showing a decline 14.12 percent.
As per statistics, the cement plants located in south showed better performance in export, as the exports from south mainly through sea suffered a loss of 7.2 percent. However, in domestic market, the decline in cement uptake from north was restricted to 5.9 percent against a decline of 9.1 percent in the South. This, according to industry, depicts slow down in construction activities partly due to monsoon and partly to uncertain political climate.
A spokesman of Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association pointed out that the issues impacting cement sector have still not been addressed by the government. In federal budget 2013-14, cement was brought within the purview of ‘3rd Schedule’ of Sales Tax Act 1990 that increased the overall tax burden and resulted in increase in the local prices. Considering the cement dynamics, industry on numerous instances has approached the government to reconsider its decision and remove cement from 3rd Schedule and to bring it in the normal sales tax regime. This will help industry to reduce prices which will help to accelerate construction activities across the country.