Super Tax Recovery Sparks Alarm Across Export Industry

Industrial stakeholders and exporters have voiced strong reservations about the federal government’s decision to reclaim Rs217 billion from exporters under the super tax for the 2022–2026 period, warning that the move could deepen pressure on an already struggling industrial landscape.

Korangi Association of Trade and Industry President Muhammad Ikram Rajput stated that enforcing immediate recovery would intensify financial strain on manufacturers and exporters, potentially disrupting investment flows and threatening business sustainability.

He noted that following the imposition of the super tax, the cumulative tax load on industries has exceeded 50%, while soaring electricity and gas prices have sharply raised production expenses, eroding the competitiveness of Pakistani exports.

Rajput called on the government to reassess its recovery strategy and extend relief to the industrial and commercial sectors. He recommended that the pending super tax be recovered through instalments over a three- to four-year period rather than through a one-time collection.

Alternatively, he proposed measures such as requiring a 25% upfront payment while adjusting the remaining liability against outstanding export refunds to alleviate liquidity constraints faced by exporters.

He cautioned that failure to implement corrective measures could trigger factory closures, widespread job losses and far-reaching economic consequences.