In a move to safeguard domestic manufacturers from the influx of cheap Chinese imports, India has imposed anti-dumping duties on four Chinese products—vacuum flasks, aluminium foil, Soft Ferrite Cores, and Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid.
The decision follows investigations by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Commerce Ministry, which found that these products were being imported at below-normal prices, causing harm to Indian industries.
Details of the Anti-Dumping Duties
🔹 Soft Ferrite Cores (used in EVs, chargers, and telecom devices) – Up to 35% duty on CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value.
🔹 Vacuum Insulated Flasks – $1,732 per tonne duty imposed.
🔹 Aluminium Foil – Provisional duty up to $873 per tonne for six months.
🔹 Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid (used in water treatment) – Duty in the range of $276–$986 per tonne on imports from China and Japan.
The anti-dumping duties on Soft Ferrite Cores, vacuum insulated flasks, and Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid will be applicable for five years.
Why Are These Duties Imposed?
Anti-dumping probes are conducted to assess whether domestic industries suffer due to unfair trade practices, such as a surge in cheap imports. The World Trade Organization (WTO) allows member countries to impose countermeasures like these duties to ensure fair competition.
India has previously imposed anti-dumping duties on multiple Chinese products, as the country continues to tackle trade imbalances. In 2023-24, India’s trade deficit with China stood at a staggering $85 billion, making it a recurring concern for policymakers.
Bigger Trade Implications
China remains India’s second-largest trading partner, but the widening trade deficit has led to repeated government interventions. With these latest measures, India aims to create a level-playing field for domestic producers and curb market distortion caused by underpriced imports.
Will these duties effectively boost local manufacturing? That remains to be seen, but it’s a clear signal that India is getting tougher on unfair trade practices.
