The trader community has expressed strong concern over the government’s recent decision to impose a Rs. 200 per kilogram tax on imported used clothing. They warned that this move has caused a sharp increase in the prices of winter wear at Landa Bazar, making affordable clothes harder to find for ordinary citizens.
According to traders, the new tax has led to a price jump of Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500 on warm clothing items. They said that even before the tax, prices of imported used garments were already high this year due to global inflation and shipping costs. The latest duty has only added more financial pressure on both importers and buyers.
Traders at Landa Bazar explained that the tax has significantly increased their import expenses. Importers now have to invest more capital in shipments, making the overall cost of goods at the container level much higher. Many dealers said that some clothing items have now gone beyond the purchasing power of the average consumer.
Business owners fear that the rising costs will reduce sales, especially as lower-income families depend heavily on Landa Bazar for affordable winter clothing. They also warned that the market could see a decline in demand if prices continue to climb through the cold season.
Industry representatives have urged the government to reconsider the newly imposed duty. They believe reducing or removing the tax would help stabilize prices and make essential winter wear accessible to poor and middle-class citizens.
Traders also pointed out that Landa Bazar plays a vital role in meeting the clothing needs of millions of Pakistanis each winter. However, the new policy threatens that role by making second-hand garments too expensive for most households.
In other related news also read Govt Imposed Taxes on “Landa Bazar Clothes” in Pakistan.
Experts say that a review of the policy is necessary to balance revenue generation with public relief and market stability.
