| Date: |
24-09-2014 |
| Subject: |
J&K floods may boost Pakistani cement’s demand |
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JALANDHAR: India-Pak ties may be on a shaky ground but cement import from Pakistan has registered a growth of 40% in 2013-14 as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
This is likely to shoot up again after the floods in Jammu and Kashmir. "A Jammu-based cement trader has already sought a truck of Pakistani cement to try it and if they are satisfied we expect huge demand from the region as the buildings there have been damaged badly in the floods," said Vinay Vij, a Delhi-based importer of Pakistani cement.
According to All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APMCA) data, from July 2013 to 2014 (their trade year) Pakistani companies exported 6,77,306 tonne cement while in 2012-13 during the same period the quantum was 4,82,215 tonne. In July and August also there is 70% growth as compared to the same months of the last year. In the past two months, 1,40,131 tonne cement has reached India as compared to 81,928 tonne in July and August last year.
"The cement we import is mainly consumed in Punjab and neighbouring states and even as the cost of Indian cement in Punjab has been brought down by the companies the demand for Pakistani cement has been on the rise as it is imported only after Bureau of Indian Standards gives permission," said Vij. He said ready mix concrete plants were also using it along with Indian cement as its quality was very good.
However, people have their apprehensions also. "Sometimes people have their doubts and cement is last material where they compromise with the cost and they prefer using Indian cement. Now the difference in cost is also very less. The slowdown in construction sector has brought the cement prices of Indian companies down," said Dinesh Aggarwal who runs a RMC plant near Phagwara.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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