Pakistan launched a sunset review on anti-dumping duties on import PVC from four countries

Pakistan’s sole PVC producer – Engro Polymer submitted an application on 22 April 2022 for sunset review investigation, seeking the continuation of anti-dumping duties on import PVC from China, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan. 

The Pakistani National Tariff Commission initiated an investigation on 8 June 2022 in response to the application, of which, the final ruling would be published within 12 months. During the investigation, the previous anti-dumping duties remained in place.

In 2017, the Pakistani government imposed an anti-dumping duty on the import of PVC under the HS code subheading 3904.1090 from the four Asian nations, which was due to expire on 12 June 2022. 

The rates of the duty are currently at 31.98 – 37.43% for Chinese cargoes, depending on the manufacturers. At 36.52% for import PVC from Thailand. At 42.41% for import PVC from Taiwan. At 11.18% for import PVC from South Korea.

Local media have been criticizing the anti-dumping duties as an ineffective trade protection tool that caused higher construction costs, which eventually be passed to local consumers. While waiting for the final decisions, many Pakistan customers believed that the government might not extend the duty this time to ease cost pressure on the property market.