LCCI concerned over imposition of Rs50/kg charge on export cargoes

LAHORE: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, has expressed serious concern over the imposition of a Rs 50 per kilogram charge on export cargo by Gerry’s Dnata, terming the move unjustified and harmful for Pakistan’s already struggling export sector, and called for its immediate and permanent abolition.

In a statement, the LCCI President said that the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan (ACAAP) has conveyed serious concerns to him regarding the sudden and unilateral imposition of the charge, highlighting that the decision has created widespread anxiety among freight forwarders, cargo agents and exporters across the country.

He said that such measures, introduced without prior consultation with stakeholders, risk disrupting export operations and increasing the financial burden on the business community.

Faheem ur Rehman Saigol said that exporters are currently operating under extremely challenging conditions, including high energy tariffs, rising transportation expenses, volatile global demand and increasing compliance costs. He added that any additional financial burden in the logistics chain would directly translate into higher export costs, making Pakistani products less competitive in international markets.

He noted that traditionally, ground handling arrangements are managed between airlines and their appointed handlers, and exporters should not be subjected to unilateral charges at the cargo handling stage.

He said that imposing additional fees without industry consultation sets an unhealthy precedent and may create uncertainty within the trade and logistics ecosystem.

The LCCI President emphasized that Pakistan’s export sector requires facilitation, stability and policy consistency rather than additional cost pressures. He said that improving trade facilitation and reducing logistics costs are essential for achieving sustainable export growth and enhancing foreign exchange earnings.

Faheem ur Rehman Saigol urged Gerry’s Dnata and the concerned airlines to immediately review the decision and abolish the imposed charges permanently in the larger interest of exporters and the national economy.

He stressed that all operational or pricing changes affecting export cargo must be introduced through dialogue and consensus with trade bodies and industry representatives.

He further stated that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry will formally take up the matter with the relevant authorities, airlines and stakeholders to ensure protection of exporters’ interests and to prevent the imposition of unilateral measures that could adversely impact trade activities.

The LCCI President reaffirmed that LCCI remains fully committed to safeguarding the business community and will continue to raise its voice on issues affecting exporters, trade facilitation and the overall economic environment.

He also appreciated ACAAP for timely highlighting the concerns of the freight forwarding sector and assured that the Chamber would work closely with all stakeholders to reach a constructive and sustainable resolution of the issue.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026