Karachi: In a move to protect its local industry, Pakistan's National Tariff Commission (NTC) has announced provisional anti-dumping duties on soda ash imports from Turkiye and Kenya. The decision comes after a preliminary investigation found that these imports were being dumped into the country, causing harm to domestic producers.
According to JS Global, the investigation was initiated following a complaint by two major domestic soda ash manufacturers, Lucky Core Industries Limited (LCI) and Olympia Chemical Limited. Both companies, which together dominate nearly 90% of the local market, argued that the influx of cheaper imports was undermining their business. The product in question, soda ash, is essential for various industries, including glass, detergents, and chemicals.
The investigation covered a period from fiscal year 2022 to 2025 for assessing injury and from 2024 to 2025 for dumping. The NTC observed increased import volumes, price undercutting, and reduced market share among other factors that negatively impacted local producers. Consequently, the commission imposed duties of 5.58% on most Turkish exporters, 3.49% on selected Turkish producers, and 12.54% on all Kenyan exporters for a period of four months.
The NTC has exempted imports used in export-oriented products and foreign grant-in-aid projects. This exemption, along with the final duty rates, will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of the measures on the industry.
Previously, a similar investigation in 2021 did not result in duties, but recent data revealed a 15% drop in LCI's soda ash business and a decline in gross margins, highlighting the negative impact of dumping. The provisional duties are expected to offer some respite to local manufacturers and stabilize the market.
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