Pakistan: APCMA demands checks on smuggling of Iranian cement

The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has requested the government  take measures to stop the smuggling of Iranian cement into the country to safeguard the domestic cement industry.

Iranian cement is reportedly is finding its way to Quetta and other parts of Balochistan (Pakistan's Western province which shares its borders with Iran) through informal channels. Cement is being sold below the average price of locally produced cement of PKR451.50/50kg bag (US$4.62).

A spokesman of the APCMA told CemNet that a formal letter would be sent to various government departments requesting they take the appropriate steps to stop selling Iranian cement in Pakistan. The association may request that the government impose an import duty on Iranian cement to protect the local industry.

One cement  dealer told local media that Iranian cement (Khash) is selling at PKR400-430/50kg bag (US$4.14-$4.45) in Quetta, PKR350-380 in Gwadar, PKR330 in Khuzdar and PKR345 in Turbat. Locally produced cement per 50kg carries a price tag of PKR460 in Punjab, PKR445-460 in Balochistan and PKR445-450 in Sindh.