India Probes Dumping of Resorcinol Imports From China and Japan

India has officially launched an anti-dumping investigation into the import of Resorcinol, a critical chemical intermediate, originating from China and Japan. The move follows formal complaints alleging that predatory pricing from these nations is undermining the stability of India's domestic manufacturing sector.

The Catalyst: Complaint by Atul Ltd

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) initiated this investigation following a substantiated application filed by Atul Ltd. The domestic manufacturer alleged that a surge of low-priced Resorcinol shipments from China and Japan is causing significant material injury to Indian producers.

Upon reviewing the prima facie evidence submitted, the DGTR determined there was sufficient cause to launch a formal probe. The investigation will focus on three critical dimensions: determining whether dumping is actually occurring, measuring the extent of this dumping, and assessing the direct impact these imports have had on the domestic industry's health.

The Strategic Importance of Resorcinol

Resorcinol is far more than a basic industrial chemical; it is a vital component in several high-growth manufacturing sectors. Its primary application is as an intermediate in the production of tyres and various rubber products, where it plays a crucial role in resin bonding.

Beyond the automotive and rubber industries, the chemical is essential for:

• Specialized wood adhesive resins.
• The pharmaceutical industry.
• Dye manufacturing.
• Cosmetic preparations.

Because Resorcinol is a key input for the tyre industry—a sector central to India's automotive manufacturing ambitions—any disruption in the availability of fairly priced domestic chemicals could have ripple effects across the supply chain.

Regulatory Roadmap and WTO Compliance

The investigative process is now in the hands of the DGTR, which will evaluate whether the influx of cheap imports has created an uneven playing field. If the investigation concludes that domestic producers have suffered material injury, the DGTR will recommend the imposition of anti-dumping duties.

DGTRが技術的な調査を行う一方で、これらの関税を課す最終的な権限は財務省にあります。こうした措置は、不公正な競争から国内産業を保護するために加盟国が貿易救済措置を実施することを認めている世界貿易機関（WTO）のルールに準拠しています。インドには、自国の産業基盤を守るために、中国やその他の国からの様々な製品に対してこれらの関税を活用してきた歴史があります。

主なポイント

• 調査の対象: Atul Ltdによる不当な価格設定に関する申し立てを受け、DGTRは中国および日本からのレゾルシノール輸入について調査を行っています。
• 幅広い産業への影響: レゾルシノールは、タイヤ、ゴム製品、医薬品、接着剤の主要成分であり、重要な産業中間体です。
• 関税賦課の可能性: 調査によってインドの製造業者への実質的な損害が確認された場合、財務省は公正な市場競争を確保するために、アンチダンピング関税を課す可能性があります。