Pakistan imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on soda ash imports from Turkiye, Kenya

• Anti-dumping duty ranges from 5.58% on most Turkish exporters, 3.49% on selected Turkish producers, and 12.54% on all Kenyan exporters

The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on soda ash imports originating from Turkey and Kenya, following a preliminary investigation that found these imports had caused material harm to Pakistan’s local industry, according to a note by Topline Pakistan Research. 

The investigation was initiated on July 18, 2025, after applications were filed by two major domestic soda ash producers, Lucky Core Industries Limited (LCI) and Olympia Chemical Limited, both of which are significant players in the local market. The investigation focused on the period from FY22 to FY25 for injury, and FY24 to FY25 for dumping.

Last week, Turkiye’s Embassy formally lodged an objection with Pakistan’s National Tariff Commission regarding the ongoing anti-dumping investigation into soda ash imports, according to a report by The News. In early October 2025, Turkiye submitted its official position, disputing the allegations and referencing provisions of the international Anti-Dumping Agreement under global trade rules. The Pakistan Glass Manufacturers Association also submitted objections to the proposed measures.

Soda ash, a key input in industries such as glass, detergents, chemicals, paper, metallurgy, and purification plants, is predominantly produced by LCI, which holds around 60% of the market share, followed by Olympia Chemical with 30%, and imports making up about 10%. 

The NTC’s findings pointed to higher import volumes, price undercutting, price depression, and a decline in market share and capacity utilisation for the domestic industry. These factors put significant pressure on profitability, especially for LCI, whose soda ash business saw a 15% drop in FY25, along with a decline in gross margins from 31% in FY22 to 23% in FY25.

As a result, the NTC has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties for a four-month period, with rates set at 5.58% on most Turkish exporters, 3.49% on selected Turkish producers, and 12.54% on all Kenyan exporters. 

However, the duties will not apply to imports used in export-oriented products or foreign grant-in-aid projects.

A similar anti-dumping investigation was conducted in 2021, based on petitions from LCI and Olympia Chemical, but was terminated in 2022 without any duties being imposed.

The provisional duties could provide relief to Pakistan’s soda ash industry by offering some protection against unfair competition from imports. However, the final duty rates and any exemptions for export-oriented users will be crucial in determining the long-term impact on the industry.