India set out on an anti-dumping investigation on the imports of PVC paste

India has initiated an anti-dumping probe concerning the import of e-PVC, specifically polyvinyl chloride paste grades, from six countries: China, South Korea, Malaysia, Norway, Taiwan, and Thailand. This investigation by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) was sparked by complaints from an undisclosed domestic e-PVC manufacturer.

The producer argues that the local industry is bearing the brunt of alleged dumped imports from the aforementioned nations. This has purportedly curtailed the scope for domestic players to elevate e-PVC prices substantially, thereby hindering margin recovery. The scenario has resulted in heightened stock levels due to the influx of more affordably priced e-PVC imports.

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To delve deeper, the MCI has outlined its plan to scrutinize e-PVC imports into the country from April 2022 to March 2023. Additionally, the MCI will examine the injury periods spanning from April 2019 to March 2023, broken down annually.

Tentatively, India currently has a production capacity of 80,000 tons per year for e-PVC. There are anticipations of a spike in this figure by 40,000 tons annually by the year's close, credited to a fresh production line scheduled for launch in November.

It's vital to differentiate e-PVC from general-purpose PVC grades. While the latter is usually produced via the suspension polymerization technique, yielding a more rigid texture, e-PVC resin is derived through an emulsion or dispersion polymerization procedure, bestowing it with fluid-like attributes. This variant of PVC finds its primary utility in sectors like flooring, vinyl tiles, artificial leather, and various other products. However, it's worth noting that the ongoing investigation will not encompass PVC blending resin, PVC co-polymer paste resins, battery separator resins, and PVC grades with a k-value below 60.

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According to the article by Procurement Resource, India has begun an anti-dumping investigation into imports of e-PVC from six countries, following complaints from an anonymous domestic producer. Allegedly, these imports are affecting the domestic industry, preventing price elevation and margin recovery.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) plans to analyze e-PVC imports from April 2022 to March 2023, and assess the injury periods from April 2019 to March 2023. India's current e-PVC production is 80,000 tons/year, expected to increase by 40,000 tons by year-end due to a new production line. Unlike general-purpose PVC, e-PVC resin is made through a different process and has fluid-like properties, used mainly in flooring, vinyl tiles, and more. Some PVC categories will be excluded from this investigation.