Asia Pulp & Paper Requests $50 Million Limit on Coated Paper Imports

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP), the global pulp, paper, packaging and tissue manufacturing company has committed to importing certain coated papers manufactured in Indonesia and no more than $50 million dollars worth annually – only 2.5% of the current $2 billion dollar coated paper U.S. manufacturing market. 

In remarks during an International Trade Commission (ITC) hearing, APP's counsel, Frank Morgan informed the commissioners that, if current duties were allowed to expire on certain coated paper imports, it would commit to a $50 million dollar ceiling from Indonesia and no products under this ITC order would be imported from China.

The ITC review of products in question include coated paper and paperboard in sheets suitable for high quality print graphics using sheet-fed presses, having a GE brightness level of 80 or higher and weighing not more than 340 grams per square meter.

Morgan says though no U.S. law would prohibit importing additional coated paper, there is a stringent system of checks and balances in place both within APP and within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for record keeping, accuracy and transparency.

In addition, Morgan stated he would be back before the ITC in the future and report on APP's commitment.  'The Indonesian paper industry is aware that the Commission will remember what it says here today and what it does subsequently and that the Commission will hold it accountable on that basis.'

After the hearing, APP's trade director, Arvind Gupta said if able, it would be a methodical return to the market. 'Regaining sales is not like turning on a light switch. It could take years, but we would fully commit to the American market and abide by our promise to deliver both a quality product and on a limited import schedule.'

Gupta also had a positive outlook on the future of U.S. paper related jobs if duties were lifted. 'Not only is there no conceivable adverse impact on U.S. producers or jobs at an import ceiling of $50 million per year, but long-term it would have the opposite effect – possible U.S. job creation.'

APP's vice president of government and corporate affairs, Michael McManus added that the strong geo-political relationship the United States shares with Indonesia is conducive to the current tariff being lifted. 'Indonesia has been a key supporter of the U.S. and with the largest Muslim population in the world, a loyal ally in the war on terror and a peaceful nation.  It is in the best interests of the United States and Indonesian governments to allow these duties to expire.'

For more information, please contact:
Adam Goldberg 
Davis Golberg & Galper 
E: [email protected]  
T: 202-321-7569

ABOUT APP

Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) is a trade name for a group of pulp and paper manufacturing companies in Indonesia and China. The APP Group of companies is one of the world's largest vertically integrated pulp and paper companies, with an annual combined pulp, paper, and converting products capacity of over 18 million tons. APP-Indonesia and APP-China currently market their products in more than 120 countries across six continents. The majority of APP's production facilities are Chain-of-Custody certified by SVLK, LEI and PEFC.

APP launched its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2020 in June 2012 and its Forest Conservation policy in February 2013, to further improve its environmental performance, biodiversity conservation, and protection of community rights. More information can be found at www.asiapulppaper.com

SOURCE Asia Pulp & Paper Group

Related Links

http://www.asiapulppaper.com