NEW DELHI: The commerce ministry has suggested to impose anti-dumping duty of up to USD 1.87 per sq mt on certain types of Chinese tiles, with a view to protect domestic players from cheap imports.
The ministry's investigation arm - Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) in its final findings has concluded that there has been significant increase in the volume of dumped imports of vitrified tiles from China.
Gujarat Granito Manufacturers Association and Sabarkantha District Ceramic Association along with 24 producers of vitrified tiles in India had asked to initiate this probe.
DGAD in a notification has recommended imposition of anti-dumping duty on imports of "glazed/unglazed porcelain/vitrified tiles in polished or unpolished finish with less than 3 per cent water absorption" to remove the injury to the domestic players.
The suggested duty was ranged between USD 0.79 per sq mt and USD 1.87 per sq mt.
While DGAD recommends the duty, Finance Ministry imposes it.
Countries initiate anti-dumping probes to determine if the domestic industry has been hurt by a surge in below-cost imports. As a counter-measure, they impose duties under the multi-lateral WTO regime.
These duties also ensure fair trade by providing a level-playing field to the domestic industry.
They are not a measure to restrict imports or cause an unjustified increase in the cost of products.
Unlike the safeguard duty, which is levied in a uniform way, anti-dumping duty varies from company to company and country to country.
Source: newindianexpress.com