India launches probe into alleged steel dumping from China, Indonesia and Vietnam

India has launched an investigation into alleged dumping of certain steel products from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, following a complaint from domestic industry players.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Commerce Ministry, has opened an anti-dumping probe into imports of “cold-rolled flat products of 300 and 400 series” from the three countries.

The Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) filed the application on behalf of local manufacturers, claiming that the alleged dumping has hurt domestic producers. They have sought the imposition of anti-dumping duties on these imports.

”On the basis of the duly substantiated application by the domestic industry, and having satisfied itself on the basis of prima facie evidence submitted by the domestic industry substantiating the dumping and consequent injury to the domestic industry, the Authority hereby initiates an anti-dumping investigation into the alleged dumping,” the DGTR said in a notification.

The DGTR will determine the existence, degree and effect of the dumping.

If it is established that the dumping has caused material injury to domestic players, the DGTR would recommend the imposition of the levy on imports of all these items.

The finance ministry takes the final decision to impose duties.

The DGTR is also probing dumping of a number of other goods from China, including wallpapers, borosilicate table and kitchen glassware, and nylon.

A similar investigation is underway against the dumping of medical examination rubber gloves from Malaysia and Thailand.

Anti-dumping probes are conducted by countries to determine whether domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in cheap imports.

As a countermeasure, they impose these duties under the multilateral regime of Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO). The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practices and creating a level playing field for domestic producers vis-a-vis foreign producers and exporters.

India and these countries are members of the WTO.

India has already imposed anti-dumping duties on several products to tackle cheap imports from various countries, including China.

With inputs from agencies