Saudi PP makers seek reversal of India’s ADD on polymer imports

24 November 2010 10:49  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--Saudi Arabia’s polypropylene (PP) producers are trying to get India to reverse its decision to impose anti-dumping duties (ADD) on polymer imports from the Middle Eastern country, an industry source said on Wednesday.

India had slapped a final ADD ranging from $28.49-323.50/tonne (€21.37-242.63/tonne) on PP imports from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Singapore.

Saudi Arabian producers, along with commerce ministry officials, were in talks on Wednesday with Indian government officials on the ADD imposition, said the source familiar with the discussions.

“Saudi producers are hoping the Indian government will reverse or at least dilute the ADD after listening to their arguments so that they won’t have to appeal to the World Trade Organisation (WTO),” the source said.

Official comments from the parties involved could not be obtained.

There was little likelihood of the Indian government revoking the ADD duties, a source close to an Indian PP producer said.

“It’s too late, the final duties have already been announced. Indian producers would welcome it if the Saudi government takes the issue to the WTO, as the Indians have a strong case,” he said.

"I think they are probably trying to pressure the Indian government by talking of going to the WTO, but it won't work. They won't be able to justify the 30% subsidy on propane feedstock that they enjoy," said a source close to another Indian producer.

One of the affected PP producers was not inclined to contest India’s ADD, said a source close to company.

“The company will see whether Indian buyers are willing to absorb the ADD before deciding on its future strategy in India,” he said.

India’s final tariff on polymer imports from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Singapore would be in place for five years from 30 July 2009, when the provisional antidumping duty was by the government, according to an official notification.

The final duties were much lower than the provisional tariffs announced.

Among the producers affected by the ADD duties on PP products are Singapore-based ExxonMobil Chemical Asia Pacific, Basell International Trading FZE, Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Company and Saudi Polyolefins Company.

($1 = €0.75)

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By: Prema Viswanathan
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