KARACHI: The value-added textile sector on Monday slammed the imposition of 10 per cent Regulatory Duty (R/D) on import of cotton yarn and fabric from India on the grounds that a case of anti-dumping filed by spinners’ body is already pending before the National Tariff Commission (NTC).

Leaders of associations of hosiery, readymade garments, knitwear and sweaters, cotton fashion apparel, etc pointed out that since the NTC was hearing a case of anti-dumping against Indian cotton and yarn, the government could not unilaterally take a decision of imposing 10pc R/D.

The leaders said that issues related to trade, tariffs and safeguards fall in NTC’s domain and the government decided to restrict cotton import without consulting the commission.

Import of Indian fabric is already banned as per import policy of 2012-15 but a 10pc R/D had been also imposed on import of fabrics from India, the leaders said.

“It shows that the government clamped duty without doing its homework to oblige spinners,” observed Jawed Bilwani chairman Pakistan Apparel Forum (PAF).

The leaders said that they were not impressed with reduction in the rate of long term financing as 90pc of businesses did not depend on the facility. Similarly, a cut in the rate of export refinance will not benefit the sector as small and medium units do not avail it, the leaders said.

The sector representatives further demanded immediate withdrawal of the regulatory duty on import of cotton yarn and fabric.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2015

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