Economic Boycott In Full Swing: Indian Buyers Force Pakistan Exporters To Recall Their Cement Exports

The central government’s decision to impose 200 per cent duty on Pakistani goods in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack has started taking its toll on Pakistan’s exporters and traders, especially those dealing in cement.

The Indian Importers have asked the Pakistani cement exporters to recall their containers which were destined for India, reports Dawn.

“The industry has started receiving messages from Indian buyers to recall containers. Some exporters have started recalling their shipments,” a cement exporter was quoted in the report as saying.

According to the exporter, around 600-800 containers loaded with cement are currently at Karachi port, high seas or at Colombo and Dubai. He said that Indian government’s decision to allocate Rs 5,000 crore rehabilitation fund for Kerala in the aftermath of last year’s devastating floods was set to help the Pakistani cement exports, that according to him hovers between $70-80 million annually, to India.

“However, after the Pulwama attack, the situation has reversed. Our exports will remain in jeopardy till the next government takes control of India by June this year after the general elections,” he said.

Meanwhile, other sectors in Pakistan are also bearing the brunt after the terror attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama last week.

“We usually export chuarray (dry dates) worth $145 million (210,000 tonnes) to India which are in demand during religious ceremonies and weddings. However, now exports won’t be possible following the attack. Indian buyers are also worried,” Patron-in-Chief All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), Waheed Ahmed was quoted in the report as saying.