India’ Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated a sunset review on imports of certain iron and steel (alloy or non-alloy) seamless tubes, pipes and hollow profiles originating in China. Domestic manufacturers allege that dumping by Chinese producers has continued with a significant increase in volume despite the imposition of anti-dumping duty (AD), thereby injuring the local industry.
The probe was initiated on the complaint filed by ISMT Limited and Jindal Saw Limited. The scope of the investigation largely includes seamless tubes, pipes and hollow profiles made of iron and steel (excludes cast iron and stainless) either hot-finished or cold rolled/drawn with an external diameter of more than 355.6mm or 14 inches originating in China or exported from the country. Manufacturers claim that the dumping of these products will continue if the existing duties expire.
The period of investigation is April 2019 to September 2020, while the injury period will cover the preceding three years from 2016-2019
In December 2016, India imposed definitive AD on imports of subject goods from China for a period of five years, which is scheduled to expire on May 16, 2021. The duties were levied based on sufficient evidence to reduce the injury inflicted on the domestic producers.
Seamless tubes are resistant to corrosion and are used to strengthen microstructures and enhance product life, while casing/tubing, line pipes are used in the oil and gas industry. Boiler pipes are used for boilers, heat exchangers, condensers and other mechanical structures deployed in the engineering sector, railways and other industries.
Maharashtra Seamless, ISMT, Jindal Saw, Bharat Heavy Electrical and Remi Metals are the domestic producers of the subject goods. Maharashtra Seamless, ISMT and Jindal Saw together constitute 92pc of India’s domestic production of these products.