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Import duties will protect ceramic producers, ministry insists, but prices could rise
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A worker checks the machinery at ceramic tile maker PT Arwana Citramulia in Serang, Banten, in this undated photograph. (Antara/Rosa Panggabean)
T
he Trade Ministry has defended high import duties on ceramic products but admits there are concerns that local producers might seize the opportunity to raise the prices of ceramic tiles.
Budi Santoso, foreign trade director general at the Trade Ministry, said local producers should not simply raise their prices in the domestic market.
"So, the [antidumping trade measure] will be provided for three years, and then it will be evaluated. So, we are not [acting] without control," said Budi on Wednesday, as quoted by Bisnis.
Aware of the potential for domestic producers to raise their prices, he added that not imposing the protective tariffs would come at a greater risk, namely that the local ceramic market would face an uncontrolled flood of imported ceramic goods.
The measure would not be implemented carelessly in a way that would benefit specific industrial groups, the ministerial official added.
“There’s no need to be skeptical, we have a control mechanism. The Business Competition Supervisory Commission [KPPU] will also monitor it," he said, as quoted by Bisnis.
Read also: RI may introduce import duties on fabrics, carpets next week
