GOVT CONSIDERS REIMPOSING ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON TILES FROM CHINA

NEW DELHI: The Centre is considering reimposing anti-dumping duty on imports of various types of porcelain and vitrified tiles from China to protect the domestic industry, primarily micro, small and medium enterprises, two officials said.

In order to save the domestic tiles industry from cheaper imports from China the government had imposed up to $1.87 per sq. mt anti-dumping during in 2016 for five years, which will expire on March 28, they said requesting anonymity.

“It is suspected that the Chinese firms will again resort to dumping if the tariff measure is withdrawn. Hence, the government may re-impose antidumping duty on Chinese tiles after completing the due procedure. Probe is on and a decision will be taken soon,” one of them working in an economic ministry said requesting anonymity. US authorities had also taken action against massive dumping of Chinese tiles in their country in 2019, he added. The US commerce department in September 2019 found large-scale imports of ceramic tile from China at unfairly subsidised rates and had imposed duties up to 220%.

“Over 240 domestic tiles manufacturers have alleged that the expiry of antidumping duty will lead to dumping of the products from China that will cause serious injury Indian MSMES. They have asked the government to continue levying duties on imports of the goods either originating in China or exported from the country,” he said.