India launches anti-dumping probe into Chinese cold-rolled stainless steel flat products

India launches anti-dumping probe into Chinese cold-rolled stainless steel flat products

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into cold-rolled flat stainless steel imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This move follows a complaint from domestic producers like JSL and SAIL, who allege that imports from these countries are being dumped below cost, causing significant losses to the Indian industry .

The Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) submitted the complaint to the DGTR on behalf of domestic manufacturers of cold-rolled flat stainless steel products. The association, which includes Jindal Stainless (JSL) and Steel Authority of India (SAIL), presented data supporting their petition .

The investigation comes at a time when imports of the stainless steel products under scrutiny stood at around $710 million in 2024–25, according to official data. The DGTR has also initiated separate investigations into imports of melamine and wallpaper from China, and recommended anti-dumping duties on soda ash and copolymer polyol .

This development is part of a broader trend of global trade tensions. The European Commission (EC) has announced a proposal to revise steel import quotas in Europe, aiming to protect the European steel industry in the face of global overcapacity. The EC plans to reduce current quotas by 50% and raise the tariff to 50% above a certain quota. This move is expected to come into effect on 1 January 2026 .

The anti-dumping probe in India is expected to have implications for global steel markets. The DGTR's investigation will determine whether anti-dumping duties need to be imposed on the imported stainless steel products. If the duties are recommended and subsequently notified, they could help level the playing field for domestic producers .