India eyes ADD on caustic soda imports from four origins

MUMBAI (ICIS)–India plans to impose anti-dumping duty (ADD) ranging between $8.32/tonne and $88.61/tonne on caustic soda imports from Japan, Iran, Qatar and Oman, according to a Ministry of Commerce statement.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended the ADD imposition after its investigation showed a case of dumping that had adversely affected the domestic industry.

“The authority recommends imposition of definitive anti-dumping duty for a period of five years, so as to address the injury to the domestic industry,” the DGTR said in its notification on 16 December.

The dumping investigations were launched in December 2020 following a complaint by industry body Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI), DGTR said

Grasim Industries, Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd (GACL), DCW Ltd and SIEL Chemical Complex, which together account for nearly 44% of the total domestic production, participated in the investigation, it added.

The period of investigation was from October 2019 to September 2020. For the purpose of injury investigation, the period also covered three fiscal years from 2017-20.

The department of revenue in the Indian Ministry of Finance is currently reviewing the ADD and will decide on imposing it within three months.