The commerce ministry proposal recommended imposing an anti-dumping duty of up to $677 per ton on imports of specific types of solar glass from China and Vietnam.
The Commerce Ministry proposal aims to protect domestic producers and ensure fair competition in the market.
The Findings
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), a department under the ministry of commerce, conducted a preliminary investigation and found that certain solar glass products, specifically textured toughened (tempered) coated and uncoated glass were being imported into India at prices below their normal value.
This practice, known as dumping, has harmed domestic manufacturers.
According to the DGTR’s notification, the imports have caused material injury to the Indian industry. As a result, the authority has recommended the imposition of a provisional anti-dumping duty on these products.
Impact on Domestic Industry
The domestic industry, including companies like Borosil Renewables Ltd, has made significant investments to manufacture solar glass in India, supporting the country’s push for self-reliance in the sector.
The recommended anti-dumping duties are seen as a necessary step to safeguard these investments.
The downstream industry is expected to experience minimal impact from the duties, with the potential cost increase being only 2.52%.
Experts have deemed the negligible effect on downstream businesses insignificant compared to the broader benefits of fair trade and protection for local manufacturers.
Duty Range
The proposed anti-dumping duties would range from $565 per ton to $677 per ton. While the DGTR has made its recommendation, the final decision to impose the duties rests with the ministry of finance.
Borosil Renewables Ltd, representing the domestic industry, prompted the DGTR’s investigation with a request.
Countries carry out anti-dumping investigations as a routine process to determine if cheap imports are damaging local industries.
If the investigation confirms injury to domestic producers, countries are allowed to impose
anti-dumping duties under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework to maintain fair trading practices.
Ongoing Anti-Dumping Efforts
The recommendation adds to India’s ongoing efforts to counter unfair trade practices.
The country has already imposed anti-dumping duties on several products imported from various countries. This includes imports from China, aimed at safeguarding its domestic industries.
As reported by ndtvprofit.com, he proposed duty on solar glass imports is another step in protecting India’s self-sufficiency and ensuring a level playing field for local producers.
