India initiates anti-dumping investigation into copper data cable imports from China

• Birla Cable, Sterlite allege Chinese imports undercutting prices
• Probe covers Apr’24-Mar’25 for products under HS Code 854449

India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of copper data cables from China, following a petition filed by Birla Cable Limited and Sterlite Technologies Limited. The application was filed under the provisions of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, and the Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995.

The investigation covers structured copper data cables such as CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT 6A, CAT 7, CAT 7A, and patch cords, including both shielded and unshielded variants. These products, widely used in networking, LAN infrastructure, telecommunications, and audio-video transmission, are classified under HS Code 854449.

The applicants alleged that large volumes of low-priced imports from China have caused material injury to the domestic industry by undercutting prices, depressing profitability, and reducing market share. Evidence submitted indicates that dumped imports have been entering the Indian market below the cost of sales and fair value, adversely impacting domestic producers’ returns on capital and profitability.

The period of investigation (POI) has been set from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, with injury analysis covering FY’22 to FY’24, along with the POI. The applicants argued that China should be treated as a non-market economy, requiring normal value to be constructed on the basis of the domestic cost of production, duly adjusted with expenses and profit margin.

On comparing the constructed normal value with export prices (adjusted to ex-factory level), the Authority found prima facie evidence of significant dumping margins.

Given the rise in Chinese imports, their impact on prices, and the consequent decline in profitability of Indian producers, the Authority has found sufficient grounds to initiate an investigation. If confirmed, the probe may lead to the imposition of anti-dumping duties on copper data cables from China to safeguard the domestic industry.