Domestic ceramic makers exhort the government to impose an additional duty on ceramic imports with an eye to discouraging bringing in such costly items from abroad.
The Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA) have sought quick steps to help protect the home industry.
Last month, the association placed the demand to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in this regard.
BCMEA data shows 70 ceramic tableware, tiles and sanitary ware industrial units have been established across the country with domestic and foreign investment involving over Tk 140 billion.
The industry is meeting 85-per cent domestic demand for such household articles, according to the association.
According to a BCMEA source, finished ceramic tiles, tableware and sanitary ware are being imported at an annual value of more than Tk 13.46 billion, simply cornering local producers.
In such a situation, the BCMEA has proposed to increase the minimum tariff value, including additional tax, to discourage the import of foreign ceramic goods to lower pressure on foreign exchange.
If the proposal is accepted, it adds, the hard-earned foreign exchange will be saved and additional revenue from the unnecessary sector be created.
The domestic market size of ceramic products was an estimated Tk 350 billion in the calendar year 2019, according to the association.
The sector earned $68.97 million by exporting such products in the fiscal year 2018-19, discloses the Export Promotion Bureau.
Manufacturers ship products to different countries, including the UK, the US and Canada as well as other European and Latin American countries.
