The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has terminated anti-dumping duties imposed on imports of Sulphonic Acid from China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Korea and Chinese Taipei, with immediate effect.

The decision follows a Sunset Review conducted by the Commission under Section 58 of the Anti-Dumping Duties Act, 2015 and Chapter VI of the Anti-Dumping Duties Rules, 2022, relating to imports of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (Sulphonic Acid) originating in and/or exported from the aforementioned countries.The sunset review was initiated on May 23, 2025, upon receipt of an application under Section 58(3) of the Act from M/s Tufail Chemical Industries Limited, Karachi, and M/s Ittehad Chemical Limited, Lahore, both domestic producers of Sulphonic Acid.

The product under review, classified under Pakistan Customs Tariff Heading No. 3402.3100, is used in the sulphonation of various substances, including paraffin, and is a key input in the manufacture of detergent powder, dishwashing liquids, and other industrial cleaning products.

The review was conducted on the basis of data covering a three-year period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024.

Based on the findings of the investigation, the Commission determined that there is no likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumping of Sulphonic Acid from the exporting countries if the anti-dumping duties are terminated.

In accordance with Section 58(3) of the Act and Chapter VI of the Rules, the Commission further concluded that the domestic industry is not likely to suffer material injury in the absence of the duties.

Considering the overall findings of the sunset review, the Commission concluded that termination of the anti-dumping duties would not lead to continuation or recurrence of injury to the domestic industry. Accordingly, the anti-dumping duties on dumped imports of Sulphonic Acid from the exporting countries have been terminated with immediate effect.

Source: Business Recorder