Fees on imports of aluminium raised

Decision aims to fight market dumping

Customs duties on imports of some semi-finished aluminum products used in the manufacture of windows and doors will be raised by ten percent.

The Minister of Industry Vrej Sabounjian said the Cabinet took the decision during its session on Wednesday (September 19). He said the decision was recommended by the committee tasked with investigating market dumping complaints it received from some industrialists.

“The decision covers semi-finished aluminum rods imported from the Gulf countries, mainly Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” said Rafic Azrak, chairman and general manager of Folda Aluminum. He said these products are imported at lower prices than locally-manufactured ones.

According to Azrak, local factories can manufacture around 15,000 tons of semi-finished aluminum rods per year. “Around 10,000 tons are being imported,” he said.

“Raising customs fees will increase the price of these imports and thus increase the competitiveness of our local products,” said Azrak. The increase in fees will also reduce the flow into the local market of these imported products.