Import predatory pricing weakens cement production

According to PPC Head of Business Unit Tuelo Botlhole said even though the current capacity means that the country imports less than 20%, import predatory pricing is weakening the manufacturing resolve. “We should be at a level of self-sufficiency to bolster employment creation, increase capacity, and enrich the industry value chain.

Companies who export at predatory pricing should be hit by border tariffs in order to protect our economic contribution of manufacturing,” he said. Currently, there are three local players who Botlhole believes should be given priority, a move aimed at empowering the local cement manufacturing sector. He said through Botswana Cement Manufacturers Association local players have positioned themselves to work with relevant government structures to ensure that demand is met internally.