India initiates probe into alleged dumping of certain steel items from China, Indonesia, Vietnam

India has initiated a probe into an alleged dumping of certain steel items from China, Indonesia and Vietnam following a complaint by domestic players. The Commerce Ministry's arm, Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), has initiated the anti-dumping probe into the import of ‘Cold rolled flat products of 300 and 400 series’ from these three countries. Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) has filed an application on behalf of domestic players for the same.

The applicant has alleged that dumping has impacted them. They have requested the imposition of an anti-dumping duty on imports of these goods from these countries.

The DGTR in a notification, said on the basis of the duly substantiated application by the domestic industry, and having satisfied itself based on 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 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.

Earlier, DGTR recommended the imposition of anti-dumping duties for five years on imports of cold-rolled non-oriented electrical steel from China, in a bid to shield domestic producers from cheap inbound shipments.

The recommendation came as Beijing moved to curb overcapacity in its steel sector, which has driven down prices globally and triggered protectionist measures in several countries.

A government plan unveiled this month said China would strictly limit new steelmaking capacity and cut production between 2025 and 2026, partly by closing outdated furnaces.