Cement dispatches reach 9-month high in May 2024

Significant increase in cement sales

Cement dispatches in May 2024 reached a nine-month high of 4.28 million tons, reflecting a significant increase of 45% compared to April 2024 and 8% compared to May 2023. This rise in sales can be attributed to a low base effect due to fewer construction days in the previous month and better export performance on a yearly basis. For the period of 11MFY24, there was a 3% year-on-year growth in cement volumes, totaling 41.67 million tons, driven by a 66% surge in exports.

Northern region cement sales

In the Northern region, cement dispatches increased by 40% month-on-month and 1% year-on-year, reaching 2.92 million tons in May 2024, compared to 2.09 million tons in April 2024 and 2.88 million tons in May 2023. Local dispatches in the north surged by 42% month-on-month, remaining flat year-on-year at 2.75 million tons. Exports in this region saw a substantial increase of 11% month-on-month and 46% year-on-year, reaching 0.16 million tons.

On a cumulative basis for 11MFY24, the Northern region experienced a 2% year-on-year decrease in dispatch volumes, totaling 30.28 million tons compared to 30.89 million tons in 11MFY23. Local dispatches declined by 3%, while exports increased significantly by 38% year-on-year, reaching 1.35 million tons compared to 0.97 million tons in the same period last year.

Southern region cement sales

In the Southern region, cement dispatches saw an impressive increase of 59% month-on-month and 25% year-on-year, totaling 1.36 million tons in May 2024, up from 0.85 million tons in April 2024 and 1.09 million tons in May 2023. Local dispatches rebounded by 56% month-on-month, reaching 0.60 million tons, but decreased by 9% year-on-year. Exports from the Southern region surged by 61% month-on-month and 79% year-on-year, reaching 0.76 million tons.

For 11MFY24, dispatches in the Southern region increased by 18% on a cumulative basis, supported by a 75% surge in exports. However, local dispatches lagged by 7%.

Summary Table

Region	May’24 Dispatches (Mn Tons)	MoM Change	YoY Change	11MFY24 Dispatches (Mn Tons)	YoY Change
Northern	2.92	+40%	+1%	30.28	-2%
Southern	1.36	+59%	+25%	11.39	+18%
Total	4.28	+45%	+8%	41.67	+3%

Conclusion

The significant increase in cement dispatches in May 2024 indicates a recovery in the construction sector, particularly driven by increased exports. The Northern region showed strong month-on-month growth, while the Southern region exhibited substantial year-on-year improvements in both local and export dispatches.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is based on research by AAH Research. All efforts have been made to ensure the data represented in this article is as per the research report. This report should not be considered investment advice. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.