The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) has moved to impose antidumping duties of between 14.29% and 77.15% on cement imports from Pakistan.

The provisional duties have been imposed under Section 57A of South Africa’s Customs and Excise Act, 1964, and will be implemented up to and including November 13, 2015.

The duties affect portland cement manufactured in Pakistan by Lucky Cement, Bestway Cement, DG Khan Cement and Attock Pakistan Cement.

The antidumping application was brought to Itac by South African cement producers representing the Southern Africa Customs Union (Sacu) industry.

In its application, the Sacu producers stated that there had been an 80%-plus increase in imports from Pakistan between 2010 and 2014, with dumped Pakistani imports accounting for more than 98% of all cement imports in 2014.

The industry said the cement was being sold at about 48% less than the ex-factory selling price in Pakistan, causing significant injury to the Sacu cement manufacturing industry.

South Africa’s largest cement producer PPC, which formed part of the antidumping application, immediately welcomed Itac’s determination, which followed industry engagements with the Department of Trade and Industry and other stakeholders.

CEO Darryll Castle said the unfair practice had caused significant injury to the local cement manufacturing industry, including job losses and underutilisation of production capacity, especially in coastal areas.

“We believe that strong local competition exists, supporting fair industry pricing, quality products and job creation on a sustainable basis,” Castle added.