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India's Trade Watchdog Recommends Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Electrical Steel Imports

India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has proposed imposing anti-dumping duties on cold rolled non-oriented electrical steel imports from China to protect domestic manufacturers from unfairly priced shipments. This strategic move aims to level the playing field for Indian producers and address the challenges posed by cheap imports.

Key Findings of the DGTR

The DGTR’s investigation revealed that Chinese cold rolled non-oriented electrical steel was exported to India at prices below normal value, constituting dumping. This practice harms local industries by flooding the market with low-cost products, undermining fair competition. To counter this, the DGTR recommended anti-dumping duties of $223.82 per tonne for certain Chinese firms and $414.92 per tonne for others, to be enforced for five years.

Why Anti-Dumping Duties Matter

Anti-dumping measures, permitted under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, are designed to safeguard domestic industries from the adverse effects of unfairly priced imports. By imposing these duties, India aims to:

  • Protect local steel producers from financial losses.

  • Ensure fair market competition.

  • Reduce the trade deficit with China, which currently stands at approximately $100 billion.

India has a history of implementing similar duties on various products from China and other countries to shield its industries from predatory pricing.

China’s Steel Overcapacity and Global Impact

The recommendation aligns with China’s efforts to address overcapacity in its steel industry, which has driven down global steel prices and prompted protectionist measures worldwide. China, the world’s largest steel producer, has exported record volumes of steel in 2025, with shipments between January and July on track to exceed the previous annual peak set in 2015.

A recent Chinese government plan outlined measures to curb steel production between 2025 and 2026, including:

  • Limiting new steelmaking capacity.

  • Closing outdated furnaces to reduce excess supply.

The Chinese steel sector faces a significant supply-demand imbalance, with excess production outpacing effective demand, according to official statements. These efforts aim to stabilize global steel prices and mitigate trade tensions.

Next Steps for India

While the DGTR has made its recommendations, the final decision rests with India’s finance ministry. If approved, the anti-dumping duties will be imposed for five years, providing relief to domestic steel producers and reinforcing India’s commitment to fair trade practices.

Conclusion

India’s proposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese electrical steel imports reflect a broader strategy to protect its industrial base and address trade imbalances. As global steel markets navigate challenges like overcapacity and price volatility, such measures are critical for ensuring economic stability and supporting local industries. Stay tuned for updates on the finance ministry’s final decision and its impact on India-China trade relations.

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