Solar cell imports under scrutiny: Commerce ministry recommends anti-dumping duty on China; domestic manufacturers to be shielded for 3 years
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the ministry’s investigative arm, concluded in its final report that “Solar Cells whether or not assembled in Modules or made up into Panels” were exported to India at prices below the normal value, causing injury to domestic producers.“The authority recommends imposition of definitive anti-dumping duty on the imports… for a period of three years… as a percentage of the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value of the goods,” the DGTR notification said.
For some Chinese firms, the suggested duty is 23% of the CIF value, while for others it is 30%.The finance ministry will take the final call on the imposition of the duty.Solar cells, the main components in photovoltaic (PV) systems, convert sunlight into electricity.
These cells are mounted in panels or modules, forming the backbone of solar energy infrastructure in India.Besides solar cells, the DGTR has also recommended duties on imports of other products, including “Virgin Multi-Layer Paperboards” from China and Chile, ranging from $152.27 to $221.36 per ton; “Soda Ash” from Turkey, Russia, the USA, and Iran for five years; and “Calcium Carbonate Filler Masterbatch” from Vietnam at $31.58 to $75 per ton.Anti-dumping duties are designed to maintain fair trade practices and ensure a level playing field for domestic producers when foreign companies sell goods below market value.
India has previously imposed such duties on multiple products from China and other countries.The step comes as India continues to expand its renewable energy ambitions while grappling with a trade deficit of around $100 billion with China.
