India scraps plans on COVID-19 import duties on raw material, turn focus to end products

There have been numerous reports that India’s Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers was planning to recommend 15% COVID-19 import duties on chemicals and other products for the period from 1 May 2020 to 31 March 2021. The main aim is to cushion local industries from the impact of the outbreak. 

However, in the latest official announcement from the All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA), the recommendation for the increase in import duties on polymers has been withdrawn. The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals would maintain the status quo at the moment.

In the meantime, a recommendation has been submitted to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to limit the import of plastics finished goods from China. The government has yet to make any decision on the recommendation.