India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of hot rolled flat products of alloy or non-alloy steel originating in or exported from China, Japan and Russia, following a petition filed by domestic steel producers alleging material injury from dumped imports.
The application was submitted by JSW Steel Limited, JSW Vijaynagar Metallics Limited and Jindal Steel Odisha Limited, with support from Tata Steel Limited and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). The applicants alleged that dumped imports from the three countries have caused material injury to the domestic industry and pose a continuing threat, requesting the imposition of anti-dumping duties.
The product under consideration covers hot rolled flat products of alloy or non-alloy steel, not clad, plated or coated, with a thickness of up to 25 mm and a width of up to 2,100 mm. The scope includes hot rolled coils and cut-to-length plates in both prime and non-prime condition, with various edge finishes and processing such as pickling, temper rolling, heat treatment, oiling and recoiling.
The investigation covers products classified under HS headings 7208, 7211, 7225 and 7226, although the DGTR noted that customs classification is indicative only and does not determine the scope of the investigation. Hot rolled stainless steel products are excluded from the investigation.
The domestic industry has also proposed a Product Control Number (PCN) methodology based on product type (alloy/non-alloy), thickness (up to and including 5 mm or above 5 mm), and width (up to and including 1,500 mm or above 1,500 mm).
The DGTR determined that the applicants, together with the supporting producers, represent a major proportion of India’s domestic production of the product under consideration. ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) was excluded from the definition of the domestic industry because of its relationship with Nippon Steel Corporation of Japan and its imports of the subject goods during the injury investigation period.
The period of investigation (POI) covers 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, while the injury analysis will examine data from April 2022 onward.
The applicants have also requested the retrospective application of anti-dumping duties, citing a history of dumping and the risk of further injury if measures are delayed.The DGTR said it found sufficient prima facie evidence of dumping, injury and a causal link to justify initiating the investigation, which will determine whether anti-dumping duties should be imposed on imports from the three countries.