INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta- Three associations asked the government to review the policy of importing lightweight steel with the enforcement of Anti Dumping Import Duty for zinc aluminium steel commodity (BJLAS) from China and Vietnam respectively 49 percent and 18 percent.

"We are worried that this policy will make BJLAS disappear in the market given the domestic production capacity is only 150,000 tons per year, while the BJLAS consumption is 350,000 tons per year," said Roll Former Indonesia (ARFI) Chairman Novia Budiman in a press conference in Jakarta , Wednesday (6/12/2017)

Present at a press conference Chairman of the Association of Light Steel and Lightweight Roof Indonesia (ASBARINDO), Dwi Sudaryono and Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Light Steel Producers (APBRI), Benny Lau.

Dwi added, if the price of BJLAS up 10-15 percent is still reasonable, but if later lost in the market because of the policy then the price could rise 20-30 percent, of course will affect the price of lightweight steel roof in the market.

"Especially for the 0.2 millimeter thick BJLAS that is widely used for roofing houses for government programs (a million house program) we hope that the policy should not interfere with the ongoing program," Dwi said.

Novia said that nearly 60 percent of lightweight steel roof consumption is lower middle consumers, it is feared that the price will increase consumers will switch back to using wood, certainly not environmentally friendly.

Benny Lau said the Anti Dumping Import Duty Policy is the result of the investigation of the Indonesian Anti Dumping Committee (KADI) based on the application of PT NS BlueScoope Indonesia as a supplier of BJLAS color raw materials in the country.

"We are worried that the enactment of such policies will result in many industries downstream, lightweight steel roof producers that are closed due to raw material shortages," Benny told media crews.

Benny asked the government to review the determination of Anti Dumping Import Duties especially PRC. The rise of imports in addition to the limited supply in the country, as well as the difference in price between domestic steel and imported steel.

According to him, if the government wants to maintain the domestic downstream steel industry, then the government should review this policy. Local raw material prices are not competitive, if forced, lightweight steel manufacturers will find it difficult.

Novia further dismissed the notion of PRC as the largest steel producer deliberately flooding the countries in Asia, especially Southeast Asia because of the excess supply. According to him, the country is currently limiting its heavy industry due to environmental issues.