Zahid Baig Published about an hour ago LAHORE: Referring to a 4.76 percent decline in domestic cement despatches during the month of December 2024, the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) said on Thursday that a reduction of duties and taxes on cement can boost sales and improve the sector. According to the data released by the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), local cement despatches by the industry during December 2024 were 3.370 million tons compared to 3.539 million tons in December 2023, showing a decline of 4.76%. Exports despatch, however, increased by 49.35% as the volumes increased from 524,656 tons in December 2023 to 783,550 tons in December 2024. Total cement deliveries during December 2024 were 4.154 million tons against 4.063 million tons dispatched during the same month of last fiscal year, showing an increase of 2.23%. In December 2024, North-based cement mills dispatched 2.9 million tons cement showing a decline of 3.71% against 3.012 million tons despatches in December 2023. South-based mills despatched 1.254 million tons of cement in December 2024, which was 19.25% more compared to the despatches of 1.052 million tons during December 2023. North based cement mills despatched 2.786 million tons cement in domestic markets in December 2024 showing a decline of 5.11% against 2.936 million tons despatches in December 2023. South based mills despatched 584,684 tons cement in local markets during December 2024 that was also 3.04% less compared to the despatches of 603,010 during December 2023. Exports…