Islamabad (TDI): Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan assured Century Paper Mills and Bulleh Shah Packaging Ltd of the government’s support in combating challenges posed by dumping and excessive imports, particularly from China.
The meeting chaired by the minister that was held at the Ministry of Commerce, was attended by Special Secretary Shakeel Ahmed, Executive Director General Muhammad Ashraf, and other key officials.
Minister Khan emphasized the need to protect the local paperboard industry, noting that increased dumping from China and Indonesia is harming domestic manufacturers.
“Countries that overproduce use FTAs and trade policies to protect their industries. We must secure our own by imposing effective measures like anti-dumping duties,” he said.
He urged the industry to explore alternative raw materials such as bagasse, wheat straw, and biofuel to reduce reliance on imported wood pulp.
“The government will work on short-term relief, but long-term competitiveness also requires innovation and self-reliance,” he added.
Minister Issues Instructions to Address Legal Hurdles
The local paperboard industry, with a $450 million investment, is facing severe pressure from dumped imports.
Anti-dumping duties imposed earlier (30%) are being circumvented, and relief measures are stuck due to court stays. Industry representatives requested the extension of temporary regulatory duties and additional safeguards to counter unfair trade practices.
The minister directed officials to liaise with the National Tariff Commission (NTC) and address the legal hurdles delaying anti-dumping measures.
He also emphasized resolving court stays promptly, stating, “Without timely action, the industry cannot survive. We’ll assist you, but you must also pursue legal solutions actively.”
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The meeting concluded with assurances of continued government support, with the Tariff Policy Board exploring interim relief measures to sustain the industry.
Last year’s media reports highlighted that the paper merchants and importers were hesitant to quote the rates of paper and paper products due to depreciation of the rupee as compared to the dollar.
A report said that there was a huge fluctuation in the rates due to the dollar-rupee parity.
