Pakistan Jute Millers Seek Hike in Jute Yarn Import Duty

The Pakistan Government has been requested by the Pakistan Jute Mills Association (PJMA) to raise tariff on jute yarn and twines imports, to safeguard the local industry.

The association urged the National Tariff Commission (NTC) to raise duty on jute yarn and twines imports from existing 10 percent to 25 percent, to safeguard the domestic industry, a statement released by the NTC said.

PJMA based its demands on the grounds that yarn and twines are prepared from jute as well as sisal plants, which are of same nature and have similar use. But in spite of this jute yarn and twines imports attract a 10 percent countervailing duty (CD), while those made from sisal are subjected to a 25 percent CD.

The association urged that just like sisal yarn and twines, CD on jute yarn and twines should also be raised to 25 percent, so as to gain parity between both the products, and avert low-price imports of jute yarn and twines in the country.

In view of PJMA's urge, the NTC has invited all concerned persons to give their views and suggestions in this connection within 15 days, the statement said.