India probes steel dumping allegations from China, Indonesia, Vietnam
India imposes anti-dumping duties to curb cheap imports, including China
India Launches Probe into Alleged Steel Dumping from China, Indonesia, Vietnam
New Delhi: India has launched an investigation into the alleged dumping of certain steel products from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, following a complaint from domestic steel manufacturers.
The probe has been initiated by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the Commerce Ministry’s regulatory arm responsible for investigating unfair trade practices such as dumping. The investigation focuses specifically on cold-rolled flat products of the 300 and 400 series imported from these three countries.
The Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) filed the application on behalf of domestic manufacturers, alleging that cheap imports have adversely affected the Indian steel industry. The association requested the imposition of anti-dumping duties to protect domestic producers from unfair competition.
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 investigation will examine whether these imported products are being sold at less than their normal value, determine the extent of dumping, and assess the impact on Indian manufacturers. If the DGTR finds evidence that dumping has caused material injury, it will recommend the imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports of these steel items.
The Finance Ministry ultimately has the authority to decide whether these duties are imposed. These measures are intended to ensure a level playing field for domestic industries and prevent unfair pricing from foreign competitors.
This is not the first time India has acted against cheap imports. The DGTR is simultaneously investigating several other products from China, including wallpapers, borosilicate table and kitchen glassware, and nylon. Similarly, an investigation is underway against medical examination rubber gloves from Malaysia and Thailand.
Anti-dumping probes are standard global trade measures. Countries use them to determine whether a surge in cheap imports is harming domestic manufacturers and whether protective duties are necessary. By imposing such duties, governments can help their industries remain competitive without resorting to blanket trade barriers.
India has already imposed anti-dumping duties on several products in the past, particularly from China, to curb the influx of inexpensive goods that undercut domestic production. These measures have been seen as critical for sectors like steel, chemicals, and plastics, which are vulnerable to price distortions caused by foreign competition.
For the Indian steel industry, cold-rolled flat products of the 300 and 400 series are particularly important, used across multiple sectors including automotive, construction, and manufacturing. A sustained surge in cheap imports from abroad could have long-term consequences, threatening the viability of local producers and impacting jobs.
By initiating this probe, the DGTR has signaled that it is closely monitoring the steel sector and is ready to act decisively to protect domestic interests. The investigation will take into account market data, import patterns, and the health of domestic producers before recommending any measures.
For domestic manufacturers, this move provides a ray of hope. While the process may take time, the DGTR’s probe represents a step toward ensuring that India’s steel industry can compete fairly in a global market.