SLAMERP hails Judgment on Off-the-Road (OTR) tire tax withdrawal in the US

Appreciates the effort by the Department of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade. Expresses confidence in the further growth of Exports to US. Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber products (SLAMERP) hailed the win over the first ever revocation of countervailing duty imposed in The United States (US) for a Lankan export; under a case filed by the Department of Commerce with the intent to facilitate the exportation of local value-added rubber exports, namely Off-the-Road (OTR) tires. The 11 th July 2018, marked the ruling by the US Court of International Trade, subjecting that the 0.95% countervailing duty attributed to the guaranteed price scheme on the import of OTR tires from Sri Lanka, was to be eradicated.

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This will bring about significant reinforcement to the tire industry, asserted SLAMERP Chairman Prabhash Subasinghe, “With respect to the regulations set up by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the removal of this 0.95% duty also eliminates a larger 2.18% countervailing duty on the imports of OTR tires from Sri Lanka to the United States”.

The US is considered a principal and colossal market for SLAMERP members classified under the segment of OTR tire exports, this judgement has brought about great consequence towards the development of this nation, on this note we take this opportunity to recognize the exceptional efforts and fortitude imparted by the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka and its officers, who’s dedication and commitment was instrumental in presenting the case on behalf of the country and the rubber tire industry of Sri Lanka, Mr. Subasinghe stated. We extend our appreciation and congratulate the Director General of Department of Commerce, Mrs. Sonali Wijeratne and her committee for this great achievement on behalf of our nation. We believe that with this decision, tire exports to US will continue to rise thereby establishing the benefit of increased product availability and value generation to consumers in the US.

SALMERP would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka and especially to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, along with the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade and Minister Malik Samarawickrama together with all the officials who extend their support to the rubber exports industry. SLAMERP also offers its appreciation to all who have been involved in the facilitation of this case in Sri Lanka and the US.