The incentives offered by the Pakistan Automotive Policy in 2016 attracted major automotive vehicle manufacturers to Pakistan. Many major players set up assembly plants, introducing new vehicles to the Pakistani market, which led to record demand for cold rolled coils/sheets used in the manufacturing of automotive parts, much of which is imported.
In this context, local manufacturers of cold rolled coils/sheets applied to the National Tariff Commission (NTC) for initiation of an investigation against imports of cold rolled coils/sheets and imposition of anti-dumping duties.
We successfully represented the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (“PAAPAM”) and South Korean giant, POSCO, in these proceedings, which culminated in an order that did not levy anti-dumping duties on a wide variety of such products. The NTC’s decision recognised that domestic industry did not manufacture the product of the quality and specifications required by many auto manufacturers. This outcome was significant as the imposition of definitive duties, as sought by the applicants, would have significantly reduced the competitiveness of the local automotive industry.
Our team in this matter was led by Mazhar Bangash (Partner – Pakistan) and also comprised Ehsan Ejaz (Senior Associate) and Momin Taufiq (Associate).
For further details on this matter, please see https://www.ntc.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ADC-60-CRC-FD-Notice.pdf