API Expresses Concern with Illegal Imported Products
7 October 2015 20:28 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Textile Association (API) chairman, Ade Sudrajat, expressed his concern with illegal imported products that had deteriorated local industries’ competitiveness. Ade revealed that market share of local businesses had declined from 60 percent to 30.9 percent over the last five years.
“During the economic slowdown, we’re expecting lower energy prices, including those of diesel fuel, gas, and electricity,” Ade said at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, Oct 7, 2015.
The API visited the Presidential Office to express its concerns over the condition in the textile sector. According to Ade, the president will pay a special attention to illegal imported products.
Ade added that about 90 percent of products sold at the Tanah Abang Market were imported products. According to Ade, former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had managed to halt illegal textile distributions for a year.
In addition to issues with energy costs, Ade said the value added tax for cotton should also be reviewed. Ade explained that the raw material for textile had been imposed with value added taxes.
“The API wants cotton to be exempted or classified as strategic products,” he said.
ALI HIDAYAT