Pakistan has decided to maintain strict trade safeguards by extending the anti-dumping duty on certain paperboard imports from China. The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has confirmed that the 29.02 percent duty will remain in force until February 2027, reinforcing the country’s stance against unfair trade practices in the paper and packaging sector.
The decision follows an investigation by the NTC which found that earlier anti-dumping measures were being circumvented. Importers were allegedly bringing in slightly modified variants of paperboard to avoid the applicable duty, undermining the intent of the original ruling. As a result, the commission expanded the scope of the duty to cover additional product specifications.
Under the latest determination, the duty will apply to Two-Side Coated Bleached Paperboard that has a coating weight of 20 grams per square meter or more on one side, and less than 20 grams per square meter on the other. These coatings may include materials such as starch, China clay, or calcium carbonate, all commonly used in paperboard manufacturing. The products fall under Pakistan Customs Tariff codes 4810.9200 and 4810.9900.
This extension is significant for Pakistan’s domestic paper and packaging industry, which has long raised concerns over low-priced imports from China. Local manufacturers argue that dumped imports distort market prices, reduce competitiveness, and threaten investment and employment in the sector. By continuing the duty, authorities aim to create a more level playing field for domestic producers.
From a trade policy perspective, the move reflects Pakistan’s broader approach to using anti-dumping measures as a defensive tool rather than a protectionist barrier. The NTC emphasized that the decision was based on evidence of continued injury and circumvention, aligning with international trade rules under the World Trade Organization framework.
Importers and downstream industries, including packaging and printing businesses, may experience higher input costs due to the extended duty. However, policymakers appear to be balancing these concerns against the long-term sustainability of local manufacturing. The expectation is that stable domestic production will reduce reliance on imports over time and support industrial growth.
As the duty remains in place until 2027, stakeholders across the supply chain will be closely monitoring its impact. The extension sends a clear signal that Pakistan intends to strictly enforce trade remedies and prevent loopholes that weaken regulatory decisions. For businesses involved in paperboard trade, compliance with the updated classification and duty structure will be critical in the coming years.
