Inclusion of LED Lights in 2016-2017 Budget may encourage local aluminium market in Pakistan

The Pakistani government might include financial incentives for LED lights and solar panels in its annual federal budget 2016-2017, as the government aims to slash energy consumption while turning to alternative energy sources, according to a report by local media Business Recorder.

Globally, the LED lighting market is projected to grow 45% per year throughout to 2020, and LED lights produced is expected to reach $63.1 billion from the existing $13.6 billion, the report added.

Markets will move towards 100% replacing incandescent and traditional lights with LED bulbs, due to declining prices and increased interest from market channels to promote LEDs to consumers. There are four local LED manufacturers that are making 5.5W to 500W LED streetlights, LED tube lights, LED downlights, LED panel lights, LED bulbs, LED X-ray illuminators, flood lights, and projection lights. Some manufacturers have installed a fully automated Siemens SMT or LED assembly line to make millions of LED light bulbs, downlights, and streetlights annually.

To encourage the development of the local industry, it has been proposed to allow the following inputs under Fifth Schedule at 5% for local LED lighting manufacturing: aluminum housing/ shell for LED light fixture, metal clad printed circuit boards MCPCB for LED, LED chips of all wattage and powers (SMD, COB, 3528, 5050, 3014 and more), LED drivers of all wattages, lenses for LED lights, aluminum sheet for LED fixtures, and aluminum alloy and Teflon wire for power supply.