Enforcing Anti-Dumping Duty can save India Rs. 28,540 crore annually: C-DEP report

The C-DEP Research and Centre for WTO Studies under India’s Ministry of Commerce released a report titled *Impact of Anti-Dumping Duties in India*, analyzing the economic effects of dumping on domestic industries. The study, presented by Pritam Banerjee, estimates that implementing anti-dumping duties on evaluated products would save INR 28,540 crore (USD 3 billion) yearly in foreign exchange and spur domestic investments worth INR 70,000 crore. The report warns that dumped imports cause annual economic losses of INR 1.54 lakh crore, projected to rise to INR 2.68–2.70 lakh crore by 2030, threatening 24,000–42,000 jobs. Sectors like chemicals, polymers, and textiles—representing over INR 2 lakh crore in turnover—face severe disruption from predatory pricing, particularly from China. Analysis of 56 cases where duties were not imposed shows negligible inflation impact, with median consumer price increases below 0.023 percent. Even for 21 pending anti-dumping cases, inflation effects remain under 0.01 percentage points, proving duties do not harm end consumers. The report underscores the catastrophic impact on MSMEs, with shutdowns in sublimation-transfer paper, phone back covers, and nylon filament yarn due to non-implementation. Conversely, timely duties in sectors like cable ties and ceramic ware have preserved domestic capacity and attracted investments. India’s anti-dumping practices are aligned with global norms, with shorter average durations (6.97 years vs. global 11.19 years) and lower rates than the U.S. or China. The report urges immediate adoption of DGTR-recommended duties to protect domestic industries, reduce forex outflows, and mitigate job losses.