The Government of India has withdrawn the anti-dumping duty previously imposed on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) imports from China, bringing immediate relief to importers and downstream industries such as paints, plastics and coatings. The decision follows a directive issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in compliance with an order of the Calcutta High Court.

The CBIC instructed customs authorities across the country to stop the levy and collection of the duty with immediate effect, effectively nullifying the earlier notification that had introduced anti-dumping measures on Chinese TiO₂ imports.

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Court ruling prompts withdrawal

The withdrawal stems from a September ruling by the Calcutta High Court, which quashed the anti-dumping notification issued in May 2025. The court found procedural deficiencies in the investigation conducted by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), particularly concerning the disclosure of non-confidential information to interested parties.

In its judgment, the court held that the investigation failed to meet the requirements of natural justice, as affected stakeholders were not provided with adequate access to relevant data needed to defend their interests. The matter has been remanded to the DGTR for reconsideration in line with legal requirements.

Background to the duty

India had imposed anti-dumping duties on titanium dioxide imports from China earlier this year following complaints from domestic producers alleging unfair pricing and material injury to the local industry. The measures were intended to remain in place for five years, with varying duty rates applied to specific exporters.

However, the Indian Paint Association challenged the legality of the investigation process, leading to the court’s intervention and the eventual withdrawal of the duty.

Industry and value-chain pressures

The global titanium dioxide market is undergoing structural adjustment, shaped by persistent overcapacity and the impact of tariffs and trade barriers in multiple regions. Rapid capacity expansion in China has created surplus supply, while trade defence measures in several markets have altered traditional trade flows. These dynamics are forcing producers and consumers alike to reassess sourcing strategies and competitive positioning across the value chain.

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Impact on industry

The removal of the anti-dumping duty is expected to lower input costs for industries heavily dependent on titanium dioxide, particularly paint manufacturers, who had raised concerns over rising raw material prices. Importers will now be able to source TiO₂ from China without the additional duty burden, potentially improving margins and price competitiveness.

At the same time, the DGTR’s mandate to revisit the investigation means the regulatory outlook remains uncertain. A fresh, procedurally compliant inquiry could still result in the re-imposition of duties if dumping and injury are substantiated.

Outlook

While the withdrawal provides immediate market relief, the decision underscores the growing scrutiny of trade remedy investigations in India and reflects wider shifts in the global titanium dioxide market. Stakeholders across the value chain are likely to closely monitor regulatory developments as the future trade status of TiO₂ imports remains subject to further review.

Source: European Coatings