50 parties registered as ‘interested parties’ against DG safeguard’s decision of imposing 20% provisional safeguard duty on HRC imports.
In a recent development in Safeguard duty case on hot rolled products, DG Safeguards (DGS) have issued a list of petitioners, supporters and new interested parties in the case.
On 15 Sept’15, Indian government announced imposition of 20% provisional safeguard duty on hot rolled products for 200 days. This move was taken by the government in light of increased cheap HRC imports especially from China, Japan, Korea and Russia.
The petition for the same was filed by India’s three major steel giants, SAIL, JSW Steel and Essar Steel (all three companies contribute to 50% of total HRC production in India).
On 18 Sept’15, India (being a member of WTO) informed the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards about the safeguard duty investigation against steel imports in India.
As a part of process, DG Safeguard have to further consider the views of affected parties, review facts/figures submitted by interested parties. Thenafter, decision regarding extension or suspension of provisional duty shall be immediately informed to WTO.
Thus, DGS have notified in their investigation that any interested party can submit a request to DGS within next 30 days from the date of initiation.
There is a section of Indian steel industry, which showed their agitation against safeguard duty on HRC. This includes end users like CRC, pipes/tubes and white goods manufacturers. As per these industry players, China and other exporting countries are now anticipated to export steel in the form of pipes, tubes and CRC at cheaper rates.
In its concluding step, WTO’s Committee on Safeguards will monitor and study the findings, reports and reviews submitted by the affected member. Following which it will issue final decision on whether safeguard duty shall be continued beyond 200 days or shall be suspended.
List of Interested Parties attached
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