India Launches Anti-Dumping Probes Into Seven Chinese Products, Including Key Drug Ingredients

India has opened seven anti-dumping investigations into Chinese products after domestic manufacturers alleged that low-priced imports were damaging local businesses or hindering the establishment of production.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Commerce and Industry Ministry, initiated the probes through separate notifications issued between September 23 and 28.

Four investigations concern pharmaceutical ingredients or intermediates. The others cover a resin used in rubber products, elevator guide rails and a chemical used to manufacture flexible foam.

Six probes concern imports from China alone. The investigation into 6-Amino Penicillanic Acid, or 6-APA, also covers supplies from the European Union.

Pharmaceutical Inputs Under Investigation

Lyfius Pharma Private Limited sought the investigation into Penicillin G and its salts. The substance is a starting material for several antibiotics and is also used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient.

The company alleged that dumped Chinese imports were materially delaying the establishment of domestic production.

Qule Pharma Private Limited made a similar allegation concerning 6-APA, an intermediate used to produce beta-lactam antibiotics. Its application covers imports from both China and the EU.

The two cases invoke “material retardation”, concerning alleged harm to the establishment of a domestic industry.

Amoxycillin Probe Finds Preliminary Evidence

Apitoria Pharma Private Limited, a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma, filed the application concerning Amoxycillin Trihydrate.

DGTR said Apitoria accounts for more than 35 per cent of Indian production. Together with Centrient Pharmaceuticals India, which supports the application, the companies account for over 60 per cent.

The authority said it found sufficient preliminary evidence of dumping, injury to domestic producers and a link between the two. It also said the apparent dumping margin exceeded the minimum threshold and was significant.

The investigation covers April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. These preliminary findings support opening the probe and do not constitute a final determination.

Separately, Morepen Laboratories Limited sought an investigation into Montelukast Sodium, an active pharmaceutical ingredient used in medicines for respiratory and allergic disorders. It alleged material injury from dumped Chinese imports.

Rubber, Elevator and Foam Industries Also Seek Relief

SI Group India Private Limited and Finorchem Limited requested the investigation into Para-tert-Octyl Phenol Formaldehyde Tackifier Resin. The product is primarily used in tyre manufacturing and other rubber products.

Saver India Riding Systems Company Private Limited sought the probe into T-Shaped Elevator/Lift Solid Guide Rails, which guide elevator cars and counterweights during vertical movement.

The seventh investigation concerns Copolymer Polyol with a hydroxyl value of 23.5 or more. Expanded Polymer Systems Private Limited filed the application.

The chemical is mainly used to produce flexible foam for mattresses and also has applications in automobile components.

Investigations Do Not Automatically Mean Duties

The pharmaceutical probes come amid a broader government effort to expand domestic manufacturing of critical drug ingredients.

Opening an investigation does not itself impose an anti-dumping duty. DGTR will examine dumping, harm to domestic industry and the causal connection before deciding whether to recommend duties to the government.

With inputs from ANI