India opens probe into rubber chemicals imports from China, Japan

New Delhi — India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of resorcinol, a key chemical used in tire and rubber manufacturing, originating in or exported from China PR and Japan.

In an 18 June announcement, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) said the probe followed a petition by Atul Ltd, which it said was “the sole producer” of the material in India.

Atul, according to DGTR, has alleged that dumped imports of the product were causing material injury to the domestic industry and has sought the imposition of anti-dumping duties on the product.

“The applicant has submitted prima facie evidence regarding significant volume of imports from the subject countries, price undercutting, price suppression and price depression caused by the subject imports,” said the trade authority.

Atul has also submitted that “profitability, cash profits and return on capital employed have deteriorated during the injury period,” DGTR added.

The Indian trade authority said there was “sufficient ground” to initiate an investigation into the existence, degree and effect of alleged dumping.

The investigation will examine imports over the period 2022-23 to 2025-26 (provisional), with a detailed injury assessment covering the preceding three years and the investigation period.

Resorcinol is widely used as an intermediate in the production of tire and rubber goods, as well as in resin bonding and other industrial applications.