F. No. 1(03)/09-D(S&P)/NTC

Government of Pakistan

Ministry of Commerce

National Tariff Commission

****

Islamabad September 15, 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Subject:-          Imposition of Regulatory Duty on Hot Rolled (PCT No. 72.08), Cold Rolled PCT No. 72.09) and Galvanized Steel (PCT No. 72.10) Products

M/s. Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) (hereinafter referred to as “the Applicant”) a producer of various kinds of iron and steel products has approached the Federal Government for imposition of Regulatory Duty on Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled and Galvanized Steel Products and has sought tariff protection on the following grounds:-

        (i)         High cost of production of PSM due to long term generation contract; and

(ii)        Import of secondary quality product in the garb of primary quality products resulting in heavy losses to PSM.

2.         The PSM has clarified that it only produces Mild Steel Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled & Galvanized products which are semi-finished products. PSM do not produce final products like Tubes, Drums etc. It has further added that PSM faces tough competition against imported steel items.      

3.         The stakeholders known to the NTC were asked to furnish essential data for analysis and the views on the request. Data from PSM only has been received while no other stakeholder furnished any data except Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association which sent partial data only (on the manufacture of cars/motor cycles during 2008-2009).

4.         As per the Public Notice dated 15 September, 2009 the National Tariff Commission has initiated an investigation and would welcome views, suggestions and proposals from all parties having an interest in the business relating to or associated with the imports, manufacturing and marketing of Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled and Galvanized Steel Products. The views / suggestions may be sent within fifteen days of publication of this press release in the newspapers, to the Secretary, National Tariff Commission, 4^th Floor, State Life Building No. 5, Blue Area, Islamabad.

5          A public hearing on the issue is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 6^th October 2009 at 11.00 a.m. in the Committee Room of National Tariff Commission, 11^th Floor, State Life Building No. 5, Blue Area, Islamabad.

6.         In this regard, all parties having an interest in the business relating to or associated with the imports, manufacturing and marketing of Hot Rolled (PCT No. 72.08), Cold Rolled PCT No. 72.09) and Galvanized Steel (PCT No. 72.10) Products are hereby advised to get themselves registered with the National Tariff Commission latest by Wednesday, 30^th September, 2009 for participation in the Public Hearing. All interested parties may bring their comments and suggestions in writing. The comments and suggestions may be supported with essential facts, information and evidence(s), which must be brought to the public hearing. The views not supported with reliable documentary evidence(s) shall not be considered.

                 (Naeem Anwar)

Secretary