Ceramic Tile and Glass Industries Warn of Shutdown Over Proposed Import Duty Cuts in Budget

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ceramic tile and glass manufacturing industries have warned that further reductions in import duties under the upcoming National Tariff Policy 2025–30 could lead to the complete shutdown of local production units.

In separate letters addressed to Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, industry associations expressed serious concerns over proposed tariff reductions on imported tiles and glass products, saying the measures would severely damage domestic manufacturing.

The All Pakistan Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers Association and the Pakistan Glass Manufacturers Association stated that due to ongoing economic challenges and policy constraints, both industries are currently operating at only 50 percent of their total production capacity, while the remaining units have already shut down.

According to the Secretary General of the ceramic tile association, Atif Iqbal, further reductions in import duties would increase the inflow of cheaper imported tiles, making it impossible for local manufacturers to compete in the market. He warned that this could push the entire sector toward complete closure, resulting in significant job losses and economic damage.

Similarly, Pakistan Glass Manufacturers Association Secretary General Dawood Rasheed said that any additional reduction in duties on glass imports would place severe pressure on the domestic glass industry. He noted that the sector is already operating at half capacity, and further liberalization of imports would harm investment, employment, and overall industrial stability.

The associations urged the government to reconsider the proposed tariff changes and provide adequate protection to local industries to prevent large-scale shutdowns and safeguard industrial employment in the country.