Cement Exports to Pakistan Up 100%

Over 11,400 tons of cement were exported to Pakistan during the eight months to November 20, registering an over 100% growth, according to managing director of South East Railway Company.

“Forty-six trains transported Iranian cement from the city of Zahedan in Sistan-Baluchestan Province to Pakistan’s Quetta City during the eight-month period,” Majid Arjouni was also quoted as saying by ILNA.

Iran is looking for alternative export destinations after losing the lucrative Iraqi market, as Baghdad banned imports of Iranian cement in April this year to support local producers.

According to Cement Employers Association, plans are underway for cement production to reach 57 million tons by the end of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2017), 20% of which will be earmarked for exports.

Iran manufactured 58.6 million tons of cement last year, down 12% from the year before.

Last year’s exports fell from 20% compared to the previous year to 15 million tons. The plummeting production led to a fall in Iran’s global ranking, as the country stood three steps lower in 2015 from the previous year’s fourth position among top cement producers.

Based on the goals set in the 20-Year Vision Plan (2005-25), cement production capacity is set to reach 120 million tons per year, up 40 million tons from the current capacity. Exports are envisioned to rise 68% to 32 million tons.