Alkali Industry through its association Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI) is seeking a level playing field at par with international players. Currently, it is affected by imports of caustic soda and soda ash, high electricity cost and large exports of salt – a key raw material for alkali industries.
The industry body is also seeking increase in the custom duty of poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) from the current level of 7.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent to partly offset the disadvantages suffered by domestic producers.
Currently, the caustic soda industry is operating at 82% which can be increased to 95% provided the imports are curtailed. Further, the electricity costs are high when compared to other producers like China. Even the advantages of captive power plant is offset by duties and cess imposed by State governments.
The industry is lobbying for GST for electricity duties and to bring input tax credit.
Leave a Reply