The government’s decision to impose a Rs. 200 per kilogram tax on the import of used clothing has drawn strong criticism from traders, who say the move has driven up prices at Landa Bazaars across the country.
According to market vendors, the new tax has led to an increase of Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500 in the prices of winter garments, making them unaffordable for low and middle-income buyers. Traders warned that the impact will be especially harsh on working-class families who rely on second-hand clothing during the cold season.
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They said imported used garments were already more expensive this year due to global price fluctuations and higher freight charges. With the new tax in place, importers are now forced to invest more capital per container, pushing retail prices beyond the reach of the average customer.
Traders said they are trying to keep prices as low as possible, but the added financial burden leaves little room to do so.
They urged the government to reconsider the tax, emphasizing that reducing duties on used clothing imports would provide much-needed relief to the public during the winter months and help sustain local trade activity.
