KARACHI: The cement sector has asked the government to impose dumping duty on Iranian cement to save the local indutrsy.
The All-Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) said the cement smuggling from Iran in Balochistan is causing substantial loss to the national exchequer. According to APCMA spokesman, “The government has to take immediate steps to curb this menace.”
The average imports of Iranian cement into Balochistan from March 15 to April 16 stood at around 500-600 tonnes daily. He said mis-declaration is rampant which is putting local industry in a difficult situation, whereby it pays taxes and duties under third schedule in strict compliance of rules and regulations while the imported and smuggled cement enjoys huge advantage.
Two road trailers entered Pakistan via Taftan border on April 16, and while they were carrying 105 and 52 tonnes of cement, the tax was paid on 90 and 45 tonnes only, he said.
