All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) on Wednesday observed black day across the country over the demand of imposing anti-dumping duty on fiber.
The protesting traders took to the street seeking justice to their demands and blocked main highways. The merchants shut down textile industry in the country.
Acting on the demands of demonstrating traders, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials told that the anti-dumping on the polyester fiber being imported from China has been decided to be extended to 14.9 percent from 6.94 percent for as many as four months.
The disheartened mill owners stated that the production cost of polyester fiber in China is less as compared to Pakistan, therefore, the governmental officials should resolve the matter.
Separately, the customs personnel have enhanced the import cost of China’s cotton fabric from 3 dollar to 4.5 dollar per kilogram.
Sources told that the measurements have been taken to restrict the increasing demand of cheap Chinese products in the market while the imposition of anti-dumping duty would also encourage local products in the country.