GCC states to consider abolishing steel and cement tariffs

Recovering construction industry prompts proposed elimination of the 5 percent customs duty on cement and steel from October onwards.

Six GCC member nations are considering elimination of the five percent customs tariff on imports of cement and steel, Emirates Business 24-7 reports.

At the request of member state Kuwait, finance ministers of the six GCC members will consider the tariff exemption on the two commodities, according to Mohammed Al Mazroui, the GCC's Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs.

An unnamed senior Gulf official said the expected removal of the tariffs could commence in October in a bid to ease supply of the critical materials, as the construction market begins to recover domestically, the report says.

From China Cement (2010-5-18)