Domestic paper makers seek protection from cheap Chinese, Korean imports

They fear that with factories remaining shut during peak season, China may resort to dumping; Indian manufacturers want govt to levy customs duty on imports

Indian paper manufacturers have urged the government to levy customs duty on various paper products to prevent their dumping from China, ASEAN and South Korea to protect domestic mills from closure.

The seven-week nationwide lockdown has halted production, distribution, and sales of all marketable commodities and paper is no exception.

The lockdown was introduced during the peak demand season for the paper industry, when students appear for examinations. During this period, there is a spurt in the demand for writing and printing paper and other items of stationery.

“With factories remaining shut during the lockdown period and demand of writing and printing paper