The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has sought reduction in duty on raw materials for some chemical products in next budget, it was learnt. The NTC has proposed reduction in duty on raw materials that are not produced locally to ensure its availability to the local industry while recommending high duty on import of locally made products to protect the industry.
As the rozin-45 is a value addition products, the industry wanted that its raw material Gum-rozin be exempted from duty whereas import duty on soda maleic and anhydride, locally produced, be increased to either 10 or 15 percent from existing five percent.
An official confirming these proposals said all the stakeholders were consulted before making final decision. "There was also a proposal regarding duty issue of ISO propile alcohol, he said.
When contacted, NTC Chairman Arif Ikram said that tariffs are coming down in the wake of WTO but the NTC would protect the local industry wherever required. To a question, he said the NTC has received certain proposal for budget 2008-09 from the chemical sector but he can't confirm what decisions were taken on those proposals.
Arif said the NTC has been sharing its views with the government on various trade-related issues, including providing protection and improving the competitiveness of the indigenous industry. It was also freely giving its advice on pre-budget and post-budget exercises to rationalise tariff structure.
He said the industries facing problems of even unfair trade practices of dumping and subsidisation are always welcome at the commission for assistance to address these issues.
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