On June 28, 2021, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (“DGTR”) initiated anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of Electrogalvanized Steel from Korea RP, Japan and Singapore. Electrogalvanized Steel is majorly used in automotive applications, electronic appliances, air conditioning, consumer electronics, construction, furniture, etc.

NITYA Comments: 

Imposition of anti-dumping duty on Electrogalvanized Steel will adversely impact the manufacturers of the above-mentioned products, resulting in higher input costs and consequent higher final cost of the finished products. 

The importers and users of Electrogalvanized Steel should participate before the DGTR and strongly oppose imposition of anti-dumping duty. 

The Domestic Industry Applicant before the DGTR, American Precoat Speciality Private Limited, has alleged that cheap imports of Electrogalvanized Steel are causing injury to it and thus, there is a need for protection. Interesting to note that the said Applicant has started commercial production only in July 2019 and thus may not have sufficient capacity to cater to domestic demand. 

In the past couple of years, the Government is actively looking into the user industry interest and general public interest, while deciding on imposition of anti-dumping duty. In many cases, the Government is not imposing measures, provided user industries participate before the Authority and provide strong reasons for non-imposition. 

Next Steps: 

Interested parties intending to oppose the investigation should register as an interested party before the DGTR and file initial submissions & questionnaire response within 37 days from initiation date, i.e., August 04, 2021.