Anand Sharma not game for revoking the rubber decision

Commerce Minister Anand Sharma has categorically made it clear that the slash in import duty for rubber cannot be withdrawn.

Various MPs from Kerala have been after him seeking some favour to save their skin. No MP can justify the reduced import duty. That is why they are doggedly after some authority to get the order revoked.

On Wednesday also the MPs surrounded the Commerce Minister and wanted him to do something.

But the Minister was vehement in his justification of the decision saying the import duty was cut on the advice of an expert committee.
Earlier, there were reports that Rubber Board had wanted no reduction in the import duty.

The decision in question is that for import of one lakh tonnes of natural rubber at 7.50 per cent. Earlier, the import duty was 20 per cent.

Anand Sharma has maintained that the import of one lakh tonnes would not have serious impact in the market.

However, the rubber growers are concerned about the decision which may mar their prospects. Now natural rubber is fetching more for them in the internal market compared to the prices ruling in the international market.