India launches anti-dumping probe on stainless steel imports from China, Indonesia and Vietnam
Large steel factory warehouse
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of cold-rolled flat stainless steel from China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Officials took this step after the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) filed a detailed complaint highlighting harm to local producers.
ISSDA counts major Indian players among its members, including Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL) and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). These companies argued that rising imports are cutting into their business and weakening the domestic market. The probe will review the impact over four financial years, covering FY22 to FY25.
The investigation focuses on stainless steel products with at least 6 per cent nickel content. These products appear in many forms such as coils, strips, sheets, plates, circles and a range of other variants. The wide scope makes the case important for producers, traders and consumers.
According to the DGTR notification, investigators found prima facie evidence that imports from the three countries involve dumping. They also pointed to injury within the domestic industry. Furthermore, the authority stated that a clear link exists between the dumped imports and the harm faced by Indian producers.
Domestic companies argued that inflows of cheap material are driving down Indian prices. Consequently, they say their profitability has suffered. They also claimed that their share of the market has fallen sharply across the injury period identified in the probe.
India’s stainless steel capacity stands at about 7.5 million tonnes, based on industry estimates. However, the current capacity utilisation rate is only 60 per cent. This situation shows that Indian producers cannot use their full capacity. Imports, priced below fair value, have added to the strain.
Therefore, the result of this investigation will hold major importance. Both Indian manufacturers and foreign exporters will closely track the DGTR’s next moves as the process continues.
