Close-up of the texture of stainless steel.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended a three-year safeguard duty on imports of certain flat steel products. The move comes after a sudden jump in shipments raised concerns about serious damage to Indian steelmakers, according to a PTI report.

In its final findings, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies has reportedly said imports of these steel products had risen sharply in recent months. To protect local producers, it has proposed a phased duty: 12 per cent in the first year, 11.5 per cent in the second, and 11 per cent in the third.  In April, the government imposed a temporary 12 per cent duty for 200 days.

DGTR has considered both the current damage to Indian producers and the threat of further injury before finalising the duty. However, it also recommended price thresholds, saying no duty should apply if imports are above certain levels. These include US $675 per tonne for hot-rolled coils and sheets, and US $695 per tonne for hot-rolled plates. US $824 per tonne for cold-rolled coils and sheets. US $964 per tonne for colour-coated products, and US $961 per tonne for metallic-coated steel coils.

What prompted DGTR’s recommendation is the Indian Steel Association’s complaint about the rising imports of non-alloy and alloy flat steel harming domestic manufacturers.