India pursues anti-dumping duty on PET film imports

India's directorate general of trade remedies has launched an investigation into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film imports, examining whether foreign manufacturers are engaging in dumping practices that harm domestic producers. The move represents New Delhi's continued use of trade remedy mechanisms to shield its domestic industries from what it characterizes as unfair import competition.

The investigation follows India's recent successful anti-dumping case against jute imports, predominantly from Bangladesh, which resulted in punitive duties on the traditional fiber. That case was seen as contentious in the region, affecting a sector historically important to Bangladesh's economy.

Industry sources indicate that Indian PET film manufacturers have petitioned the government, alleging that international competitors, particularly from Southeast and East Asian countries, are flooding the Indian market with underpriced material. PET film is used extensively in packaging, labeling, and industrial applications across India's growing manufacturing sector.

The anti-dumping investigation is expected to take several months, during which Indian authorities will examine pricing data, production costs, and export volumes from major supplier nations. If dumping is established, India may impose duties ranging from temporary provisional levies to permanent tariffs on affected imports.