Importers and exporters – cement dumping in the news

Following news that South Africa is imposing anti-dumping duties on Portland cement from Pakistan, World Cement takes a look at some other similar stories from across Africa.

Ghana

In Ghana, the Cement Manufacturers Association (GCMA) has called for an investigation into the tax liabilities of importers of bagged cement. In a letter to the Director of Taxes at the Ministry of Finance, the GCMA alleges that importers bringing in Chinese cement are under-declaring the value of goods, thus evading taxes and being able to sell their product at a cheaper rate.

ZImbabwe

Lafarge Zimbabwe, which is reportedly planning to invest US$5 million on plant upgrades this year to increase capacity to 500 000 tpy, is also dealing with competition from Asia. In a report published on AllAfrica.com, Chief Executive Ms Amal Tantawi said that the company could not compete on exports with cement from the east coast, Pakistan and China because of its comparatively high operating costs.

Pakistan

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) reported that exports declined by almost 11% in the first 11 months of FY14/15. Pakistan is facing increased competition in one of its biggest markets – Afghanistan – from neighbouring Iran, where the cement industry is described as being ‘highly subsidised’. Imports from Iran into Pakistan are also causing difficulties, as cement is reportedly being smuggled in illegally, avoiding duties.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui

Sources:

• Business Recorder
• AllAfrica
• Ghana Web

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/09062015/importers-and-exporters-cement-dumping-in-the-news-974/