India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended imposing a significant anti-dumping duty of $733 per tonne on the European Union's Thiram fungicide. The five-year duty, as recommended, was instigated after Swarup Chemicals Pvt Ltd petitioned for the action with an aim to protect Indian manufacturers from injury because of undercutting EU imports. DGTR's probe found that Thiram was being dumped in the Indian market at below fair prices, injuring indigenous producers. The finance ministry's final order now hangs in the balance.
This is part of India's overall plan to shield its agrochemical sector and ensure a level playing ground for domestic players. The duty, if approved, will likely stabilize prices as well as encourage local industry, and send a strong message against protectionist trade practices.
Source: Deccan Herald, Economic Times