The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has granted an extension until January 3, 2025, for the submission of responses to questionnaires in the ongoing anti-dumping probe related to calcium carbonate filler masterbatch imports from Vietnam. This decision was made after several stakeholders requested more time to meet procedural obligations.
This compound, which consists of calcium carbonate, polyethylene resin, and other additives, is widely utilized in the pharmaceutical sector for creating tablets, capsules, granules, and powders. It serves as a filler, diluent, and dry binder. This material is favored in pharmaceuticals due to its cost-effectiveness, non-toxic nature, and beneficial properties.
Previously, the DGTR had stipulated a 15-day deadline from December 4, 2024, for relevant parties such as producers, exporters, and importers to submit their responses.
Stakeholder appeals led to this timeline’s extension, now set for January 3, 2025, with the DGTR noting that no further extensions shall be granted, given the investigation’s urgency.
This inquiry, which began on September 30, 2024, seeks to assess whether these Vietnamese imports are detrimental to local industries by being sold at unfairly low prices.
The petitioners assert that imports are being obtained from Vietnam at significant discounts, harming domestic manufacturing sectors.
Preliminary findings suggest these imports might be negatively impacting local producers by undercutting prices and creating downward pricing pressures, with import volumes allegedly on the rise. As per the petition, over 90% of national production capacity for this material is managed by CMMAI and MMAI members, with most domestic manufacturers characterized as small-scale or unorganized. Initial analyses report that the dumping margin exceeds the de minimis levels.
The DGTR is set to continue examining claims of injury, market dynamics, and the causal links between alleged dumping tactics and the difficulties facing India’s internal industry. This analysis will decide whether implementing anti-dumping duties is necessary to shield local manufacturers from unjust competition.
The investigation’s findings are anticipated to significantly impact India’s trade regulations and safeguard domestic sectors against unfair market practices. Parties involved are encouraged to abide by the updated deadline to ensure their interests are fully represented.
For more details or inquiries, interested parties may contact the Joint Director General (Foreign Trade) at [email protected], as stated by C K Mishra, Joint Director General (Foreign Trade), DGTR.