The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the investigation arm of the commerce ministry, has recommended the imposition of an anti-dumping duty for five years on imports of glass fibre from China, Bahrain, and Thailand. The move is aimed at protecting domestic manufacturers from the impact of cheap imports.
In its final findings, DGTR concluded that the product has been exported to India at prices below its normal value, leading to dumping. The recommended duty falls in the range of USD 194 per tonne to USD 394 per tonne.
The DGTR notification stated: “The authority recommends imposition of anti-dumping duty” on glass fibre imports from the three countries for a period of five years. However, while DGTR makes the recommendation, the finance ministry takes the final call on its implementation.
Separately, DGTR has initiated a sunset review probe into the continued need for anti-dumping duty on 2-Ethyl Hexanol, a chemical used in the adhesive industry. This chemical is imported from the European Union, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the US. The review was requested by Andhra Petrochemicals Ltd, which filed the application to examine whether the duty should remain in force.
Anti-dumping investigations are conducted by countries to assess if a surge in cheap imports is harming domestic industries. If proven, anti-dumping duties are imposed as a countermeasure under the global trade framework regulated by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
India has already imposed several anti-dumping duties on various products to curb the impact of low-cost imports, particularly from China, ensuring fair trade practices and a level playing field for domestic producers.