India Imposes Provisional Anti-Dumping Duties On Solar Glass From China And Vietnam

New Delhi, Dec 6 (KNN) The Ministry of Finance has announced provisional anti-dumping duties on textured, tempered, coated, and uncoated solar glass imported from China and Vietnam. 

The decision comes after a comprehensive preliminary investigation conducted by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) in February, which uncovered evidence of dumping practices in the solar glass market.

Preliminary findings revealed that solar glass was being exported to India from China and Vietnam at prices below fair market value. 

The investigation determined that these imports significantly increased both in absolute terms and relative to domestic production and consumption, causing substantial material injury to the Indian domestic glass industry.

The provisional anti-dumping duty will remain in effect for six months, with duty rates varying depending on the producer and country of origin. 
Importers will be required to pay the duty in Indian currency, with the exchange rate calculated according to a separate Ministry of Finance notification.

The investigation was initiated following an application by Borosil Renewables, which argued that the imported solar glass is substantially equivalent to domestically produced products. 

Borosil highlighted similarities in physical and chemical attributes, manufacturing processes, functions, pricing, distribution, and tariff classifications.

Solar glass, also known by various technical names including low iron solar glass and photovoltaic glass, is a critical component in solar modules and solar thermal applications. 

This product plays a crucial role in renewable energy infrastructure, making the trade protection measure significant for India's domestic manufacturing sector.

This is not the first time India has taken such action. In 2022, DGTR had previously recommended extending anti-dumping duties on textured tempered glass imported from China by two years, demonstrating a consistent approach to protecting domestic industrial interests.

The government's move aims to create a more equitable trading environment, providing domestic manufacturers with protection against what it considers unfair trade practices and ensuring a level playing field for Indian solar glass producers.

(KNN Bureau)