Pakistan: Cement producers in Pakistan are expected to have recorded a 9% year-on-year decline in profitability for the second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year (FY2026), which ended on 31 December 2025. The sector’s profit is projected at US$68.8m compared to US$75.6m in the same quarter of FY2025. The decrease was primarily attributed to lower domestic retention prices, according to analyst firm JS Global, which also says that the sector's profitability will drop by 25% compared to the first quarter of FY2025.
Despite a rise in domestic despatches and a modest recovery in retention prices, increased fuel costs, driven by the unavailability of Afghan coal, have impacted the industry's financial performance. Net sales for the sector are expected to rise by 4% quarter-on-quarter, reaching US$384m, mainly due to a 12% increase in domestic despatches. Capacity utilisation rose to 63% in the second quarter of FY2026, up from 61% in the same period of FY2025 and 59% in the first quarter of FY2026. Regional dynamics contributed to the challenges faced by the industry. Cement manufacturers in the south of Pakistan relied on Richards Bay coal, while those in the north shifted towards Richards Bay coal due to disruptions in Afghan coal supply.
The report from JS Global also highlighted varied performances among leading cement companies. Lucky Cement is anticipated to see a 9% year-on-year increase in earnings for the second quarter of FY2026, buoyed by its diversified business operations. Meanwhile, Kohat Cement and Maple Leaf Cement are expected to report earnings declines of 17% year-on-year, affected by lower prices and elevated fuel costs. DG Khan Cement’s earnings are projected to remain flat on a year-on-year basis.