Imports of soda ash: NTC imposes provisional anti-dumping duty

Islamabad: The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty of 10.85 percent on imports of disodium carbonate (soda ash) from China, according to a notice issued on August 15, 2026. This decision came after an investigation initiated on June 11, 2026, following complaints from Lucky Core Industries Limited and Olympia Chemical Limited.

The investigation found that Chinese soda ash was being imported into Pakistan at prices lower than production costs, causing significant harm to the domestic industry. Soda ash, classified under Pakistan Customs Tariff (PCT) Code 2836.2000, is a key ingredient in various industries, including detergents, soaps, glass manufacturing, and metallurgy.

The NTC's investigation covered the period from April 2025 to March 2026, while the injury investigation spanned from April 2023 to March 2026. The Commission determined the normal value, export price, and dumping margin based on the best available information, as Chinese exporters did not respond to the Exporter’s Questionnaire within the required timeframe.

The provisional duty will remain in effect for four months but will not apply to imports used solely for export or in foreign grant-in-aid projects covered by customs-duty exemption schemes. Interested parties have 30 days to request a hearing. The NTC is required to finalize its decision within 180 days of publishing the preliminary determination notice.