Exports seek solutions for stalled export to India

Exports of cement and other commodities from Pakistan to India have been impacted following imposition of 200 per cent import duty by New Delhi on the aftermath of recent terrorist attacks on Indian soldiers. According to local media, Pakistani exporters have sought the government's help to clear their multi-million dollars of shipments stuck at the Indian ports, since the two neighbouring countries indulged in border skirmishes a month ago.
 
They demanded of the government to form a taskforce to solve the issue as a large number of consignments exported to India are stuck at Indian ports as India imposed 200 per cent duty on all imports from Pakistan following the emergence of conflict.
 
"A number of consignments of leather products, textiles, cement and other goods are stuck at Indian ports, as the Indian importers are not getting them released, while the consignments are neither being re-exported back to Pakistan," Gulzar Feroz, vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry said and added. "A taskforce needs to be formed to solve the issue, as exporters are suffering (from stalled trade)."
 
Since then truckloads of cement, dates and some other items from Pakistan have been languishing at the Attari-Wagah border, traders said. Most of Pakistan's exports to India are through this border. Indian importers mostly pay for the goods clearance, "but they now find it impossible to take delivery because of the duty hike," an exporter said.
 
During 7MFY19 Pakistan's total cement exports stood at approximately 2.876 Mt, up four per cent, YoY, of which cement exports to India stood at 648,110t (share in exports: approximately 22.5 per cent) down 4.6 per cent, YoY, while Pakistan's total clinker exports stood at about 1.264Mt during this period some of which found their way to India.
 
Data released by All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) reveals that during FY18, Pakistan’s cement exports to India stood at ~1.127Mt against total cement exports 4.746Mt (market share: 25.6 per cent) while clinker exports during FY18 at zero. However, real impact is expected to be seen in the February and March data.