India launches anti-dumping investigation on stainless steel imports

India has initiated a new anti-dumping probe targeting stainless steel imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, after domestic manufacturers raised concerns over unfair pricing. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, began the investigation based on a complaint filed by the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA).

India has launched a fresh round of anti-dumping investigations to protect domestic manufacturers from unfair trade practices, with stainless steel products from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam coming under the scanner. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the investigative arm of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, initiated the probe following a complaint lodged by the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) on behalf of local producers.

The petitioners, including major industry players such as Jindal Stainless (JSL) and Steel Authority of India (SAIL), provided detailed data showing that cold-rolled flat stainless steel sheets and coils from the three countries were being imported at prices below the cost of production. They argued that such dumping practices had severely impacted domestic producers by eroding market share, suppressing prices, and leading to significant financial stress across the sector.

Official trade data highlights the scale of the issue. Imports of stainless steel products under investigation were valued at approximately US$710 million in the financial year 2024–25. Industry representatives claim that unchecked imports at dumped prices could jeopardize investments, employment, and the long-term viability of India’s stainless steel sector, which is striving to expand in line with growing infrastructure and manufacturing demand.

The DGTR’s role in such cases is to assess whether imports are indeed being dumped below their normal value, and if so, whether these imports are causing material injury to the domestic industry. If the investigation confirms dumping, DGTR recommends the imposition of anti-dumping duties to restore fair competition. These duties are subsequently notified and enforced by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under the Department of Revenue.

The stainless steel probe is part of a broader set of investigations currently underway. The DGTR has also initiated inquiries into alleged dumping of melamine and wallpaper from China. Melamine is commonly used in laminates, adhesives, and coatings, while wallpaper imports have been rising in India, creating competitive pressures on local manufacturers.

Separately, the DGTR has recommended anti-dumping duties on soda ash originating from or imported via the United States, Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Soda ash, a vital raw material in industries such as glass manufacturing, detergents, soaps, water treatment, and various chemical processes, has seen price distortions due to aggressive overseas pricing. Depending on the manufacturer and country of origin, the proposed duties range from US$17 to US$113 per metric tonne.

In addition, DGTR has proposed duties on copolymer polyol, a key raw material used in producing polyurethane foams for furniture, bedding, and automotive applications. The recommended duty on imports of copolymer polyol ranges between US$173 and US$255 per metric tonne, aimed at protecting domestic chemical producers from injury caused by low-priced imports.

These actions underscore India’s determination to provide a level playing field for domestic industries against unfair trade practices. With manufacturing identified as a cornerstone of India’s economic growth strategy, protecting sectors from predatory pricing is seen as critical to sustaining investments, jobs, and innovation. The outcomes of the ongoing investigations will play a key role in shaping India’s trade protection policies in the coming months.