SICMA urges FM Sitharaman for higher duty on cement and clinker imports

The cement industry contributes around Rs 30,000 crore to the government exchequer per year in the form of good and service tax

The South India Cement Manufacturers Association (SICMA) has asked Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to impose higher import duty for clinker and cement to India in the upcoming budget.

The association representatives met Sitharaman and indicated that the Indian manufacturers are unable to export to neighbouring countries as they have imposed anti-dumping duties on cement from India, while India is providing free access to imports.

"South India, with its large limestone deposits, has excess cement capacity. We, therefore, request the Finance Minister to impose higher import duty for import of clinker and cement," said N Srinivasan, president of SICMA. Sitharaman had met with