In the wake of China announcing incentives on steel exports, Indian government said that it would impose anti dumping and safeguard duties on import of the alloy from China, if the domestic companies demanded for the same.
Mr GK Pillai commerce secretary told reporters that “We are examining this. We will initiate action if Indian steel companies lodge a formal complaint.”
Mr Pillai said that the Chinese move to promote its steel exports definitely strengthen the case for anti dumping and safeguard duties on import of such products.
Indian steel companies, including SAIL, JSW and Essar Steel, have been demanding imposition of anti-dumping and safeguard duties to check the surge in cheap imports of steel.
Earlier in May, the safeguard board headed by Commerce Secretary had sent the proposal for the duty back to the directorate stating that the views of the user industries should also be incorporated.
Directorate General of Safeguards, in its recommendation to the inter- ministerial board on safeguard, has sought the imposition of 25% safeguard duty on imports of items like hot-rolled coils, sheets and strips, shipped below USD 500 per tonne to India.
Source : The Statesman and PTI