Following news that South Africa is imposing anti-dumping duties on Portland cement from Pakistan, World Cement takes a look at similar stories from across Africa.
Ghana
In Ghana, the Cement Manufacturers Association (GCMA) has called for an investigation into the tax liabilities of importers of bagged cement. The GCMA alleges that importers of Chinese cement are under-declaring the value of goods, evading taxes and enabling selling their product more cheaply.
ZImbabwe
Lafarge Zimbabwe, which is reportedly planning to invest US$5 million on plant upgrades this year to increase capacity to 500 000 tpy, is also dealing with competition from Asia. Chief Executive Amal Tantawi said that the company could not compete on exports with cement from the east coast, Pakistan and China because of its comparatively high operating costs.
Pakistan
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) reported that exports declined by almost 11% in the first 11 months of FY14/15. Pakistan is facing increased competition in one of its biggest markets – Afghanistan – from neighbouring Iran, where the cement industry is ‘highly subsidised’. Imports from Iran into Pakistan are also causing difficulties, as cement is reportedly being smuggled in illegally, avoiding duties.
