Government investigates surge in imports as trade body demands duties

The Indian government has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into the import of low-ash metallurgical coal (met coke) from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia. The probe follows a petition by the Indian Metallurgical Coke Manufacturers Association, which claims that imports have more than doubled over the past four years, impacting domestic producers.

According to the association, there is no significant difference in quality between imported and domestically produced met coke, a crucial ingredient in steel production. The trade body is advocating for anti-dumping duties to protect the domestic industry from unfair pricing practices.

In a prior move to regulate imports, India, the world’s second-largest crude steel producer, imposed quantitative restrictions in December 2024. The government capped imports of low-ash met coke at 1.4 million metric tonnes for the period between January and June 2025.

The investigation could lead to further trade restrictions if the government finds evidence of dumping, impacting steel manufacturers’ supply chains and pricing strategies.

 Source: Exim News