KARACHI: Local tiles manufacturers flayed the government over making ceramic and porcelain tiles part of FTA with China, saying that it shows the ignorance of the policy makers about the potential of the local industry that has invested Rs 40 billion in the sector so far.
A spokesman of Pakistan Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers Association (PCTMA) added that the tile production capacity in Pakistan is over 60 million square meters while capacity utilization is far below due to influx of smuggled tiles and abnormally low ITPs. A study done by the National Tariff Commission also indicated that there is serious injury to the local industry and dumping duty should be placed on tiles from China.
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He asked the government to remove anomalies in import trade price (ITP) for imported tiles to save local tiles industry from complete destruction.
He said, “The tiles are being imported at low rates, while the ITPs have been decreased instead of increasing from 2010 to 2015. This situation has reached a point where it is playing havoc with the local industry.”
