The Finance Ministry has imposed definitive anti-dumping duty on caustic soda imports from Saudi Arabia, US, Iran and Japan.

This duty will be valid for five years, unless revoked earlier.

The revenue department move follows the Designated Authority’s recommendation in its final findings of its sunset review notified in August this year.

The Finance Ministry has imposed the same level of duties as recommended by the Designated Authority in the Commerce Ministry.

Caustic soda is an inorganic, soapy, strongly-alkaline, odourless liquid widely used in diverse industrial sectors, either as a raw material or as an auxiliary chemical.

It finds application in manufacture of pulp and paper, newsprint, viscose yarn, staple fibre, aluminium, toilet and laundry soaps, detergents, dyestuffs, drugs and pharmaceuticals besides petroleum refining.

SUNSET REVIEW

The Alkali Manufacturers’ Association of India had filed the petition seeking continuation of anti-dumping duty on Caustic Soda imports.

The Designated Authority had in September 2011 initiated sunset review on continuation of anti-dumping duty on imports of caustic soda from Saudi Arabia, US, France, Iran and Japan.

However, the Authority had in its final findings in August this year excluded France from the levy and recommended that duty be imposed on other four countries.

The Finance Ministry has imposed ‘nil’ duty in the case of imports from Japan. For imports from the US, the duty level has been pegged at $55.96 per dry metric tonne.

For caustic soda produced by Saudi Petrochemical Company (SADAF) and exported by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), the duty has been pegged at $130.60 per dry metric tonne.

The revenue department has imposed ‘nil’ anti-dumping duty on caustic soda produced by SADAF and exported by Shell Trading (M.E), Dubai.

For all other producers from Saudi Arabia and exporters from any country, an anti-dumping duty of $133.60 per dry metric tonne has been imposed.