New Delhi, 13/08/2025: The domestic stainless steel industry has urged the government to take action against the inflow of cheap imported products, which are making it harder for local companies to compete. According to Jindal Stainless Managing Director Abhyuday Jindal, the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) has submitted a formal petition to the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) asking for anti-dumping duties on certain stainless steel products.
The request focuses on imports from a small group of countries that are allegedly selling stainless steel items in India at unfairly low prices. Jindal said the application was filed at the end of June, and the industry is now waiting for the DGTR to start its investigation. The DGTR, which operates under the Ministry of Commerce, is the main authority responsible for handling trade protection measures in India. These include anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, and safeguard measures to protect domestic industries from unfair foreign competition.
Jindal explained that DGTR typically takes two to three months to begin an investigation after receiving a petition. He also stressed that the current global trade situation makes quick action more important than ever. With the United States introducing new tariff measures and global markets facing uncertainty, Jindal believes it is necessary to act now to protect Indian producers.
He pointed out that the industry has been facing this challenge for years, with substandard products coming in from countries such as China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These imports, he said, are often priced below fair market value, harming the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers. “It’s definitely required to protect our borders and our homegrown companies,” Jindal added.
Data from market research firm BigMint shows that India’s stainless steel imports reached 1.73 million tonnes in the financial year 2024–25. China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea were the largest suppliers. With such high import volumes, the domestic industry is concerned about the long-term impact on local production, jobs, and investments.
The industry’s push for anti-dumping duties reflects a broader effort to strengthen India’s manufacturing sector against aggressive foreign pricing strategies. If the DGTR’s investigation confirms that dumping is taking place, duties could be imposed to raise the prices of these imports to a fair level, giving Indian producers a more even playing field.
For now, the industry is in a waiting phase, but with rising import volumes and global trade tensions, the demand for protective measures is likely to grow stronger in the months ahead.
