The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended an anti-dumping duty of up to $577 per tonne for five years on imports of aluminum frames for solar panels from China. This recommendation follows an investigation conducted by the DGTR, which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
In its final findings, the DGTR determined that aluminum frames were being exported to India at prices below their normal value, constituting dumping. The DGTR noted that the dumping margin was not only above the de minimis level but also substantial. Furthermore, it observed that the dumping had significantly hindered the development of the domestic industry in India, as the volume of imports continued to rise even after the start of commercial production within the country.
The DGTR's report stated that the imports were priced lower than the target prices set by the domestic industry, preventing it from achieving a reasonable price. At the current prices, the domestic industry was projected to fall short of its performance targets.
In 2023, India initiated an investigation after Vishakha Metals filed a complaint requesting an anti-dumping investigation into imports of anodized aluminum frames for solar panels and modules from China. Vishakha Metals had also sought the imposition of an anti-dumping duty.
The final decision regarding the implementation of the recommended duty is pending with the finance ministry. Additionally, the DGTR's report highlighted that the domestic industry's capacity was significantly underutilised and that it failed to meet the projected capacity utilisation targets for 2021-22 during 2022-23.
