India Imposes Anti-dumping Duties On Three Chinese Products

India has announced the imposition of anti-dumping duties on three Chinese products, including hydraulic rock breakers, in an effort to shield domestic industries from low-cost imports. This decision follows an investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Ministry of Commerce, which concluded that the dumping of these goods was adversely affecting domestic players.

The DGTR launched the investigation after receiving complaints from domestic manufacturers about the influx of cheaply priced imports from China. Based on the findings, the Department of Revenue has issued three separate notifications enacting these duties.

Hydraulic rock breakers, essential for demolition, excavation, mining, and boulder-breaking activities in the construction and mining sectors, will face duties ranging from 4.55% to 162.5% of their CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) value in US dollars. Notably, similar duties have also been imposed on rock breakers imported from Korea. According to the notification, "The anti-dumping duty imposed on these breakers shall be effective for a period of five years, unless revoked, superseded, or amended earlier."

In addition, a duty of USD 741 per lakh prices has been levied on imports of 'Easy open ends of tin plate, including electrolytic tin plate, measuring 401 diameter (99MM) and 300 diameter (73MM) in dimension' from China for the same duration. These tin plates are widely used in the packaging industry for consumable goods and beverages.

Anti-dumping investigations are typically initiated to determine whether domestic industries are suffering due to a surge in below-cost imports. If evidence of such harm is found, countries can impose duties under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) framework to ensure fair competition and provide a level playing field for domestic manufacturers. It is important to note that these measures are not intended to restrict imports or unduly increase product costs but to promote fair trade practices.