India initiates anti-dumping investigation into metallurgical coke imports

• India’s met coke imports decline to 2.5-year low in Feb’25
• Domestic met coke prices have risen by over INR 2,500/t ($29) since Dec’24

India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has launched an inquiry into met coke imports from key supplying nations, including Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan and Russia, following complaints from domestic producers about price undercutting and market distortions. BigMint received a copy of the circular dated 29 March, 2025.

What is the matter all about?

Domestic met coke manufacturers have raised an alarm over the surge in low-priced imports that they claim are being dumped into the Indian market at predatory prices which are below the cost of production. This has led to severe margin pressures on local producers, many of whom are struggling with high input costs, regulatory burdens, and fluctuating demand from the steel sector.

The anti-dumping investigation aims to assess whether these imports have caused material injury to the Indian industry and whether remedial measures such as duties or restrictions are warranted.

The government’s push for fair trade practices is in line with its broader strategy to strengthen domestic industries while ensuring compliance with WTO norms. If dumping is confirmed, the DGTR may recommend anti-dumping duties to create a level playing field for Indian producers.

India’s met coke imports decline to 2.5-year low

India’s metallurgical coke (met coke) imports saw a sharp decline of 64% m-o-m in February to 0.13 million tonnes (mnt) from 0.34 mnt in January, as per provisional data maintained with BigMint. Volumes have fallen to a two-and-a-half year low with similar levels last seen in June 2022. This significant drop in imports is largely due to the quota restrictions enforced by the Indian government in December 2024. These restrictions limit the import of low-ash met coke to 713,583 t per quarter for the first half of CY’25, with an exemption for met coke containing more than 18% ash, which protects domestic producers.

Industry reactions and price trend

“Currently QRs are still active on met coke imports till June. Anti dumping investigation process may take six-nine months. This is a welcome move. Domestic met coke prices have risen by INR 2,700/t since Dec’24 and its expected that closed domestic units may resume production”, said a merchant coke producer.

Indian met coke manufacturers have welcomed the investigation, citing the urgent need for safeguards against unfair competition. The potential imposition of anti-dumping duties could provide relief to domestic players by stabilising prices and reducing dependency on foreign supply.