6 May 1999: The Indian government is being asked for assistance by the soda ash industry, which is suffering from lower demand, reduced capacity utilization and low cost imports, particularly from Chi…
6 May 1999: The Indian government is being asked for assistance by the soda ash industry, which is suffering from lower demand, reduced capacity utilization and low cost imports, particularly from China. According to a recent report, the import duty for soda ash has been reduced by 35% to 30%, which is below the level set for 2000 by the World Trade Organisation. Growth in domestic demand for soda ash has fallen below 1% per year over the last three years, compared with previous growth of 5% per year. Lower demand coupled with higher imports has resulted in operating rates being reduced to 75% capacity. India“s inventory levels have risen, the report said. Further declines in operating rates are forecast if imports are not reduced, and facilities would then be expected to close when production became unviable. Over the last three years, producers have raised prices by 3%.