India could save Rs 28,540 cr through anti-dumping duties: C-DEP report

Timely implementation of pending anti-dumping duty recommendations could help India save nearly Rs 28,540 crore annually in foreign exchange, support domestic investments worth around Rs 70,000 crore and strengthen the country’s manufacturing base, according to a new report by the Centre for Domestic and Economic Policy (C-DEP). The report argues that anti-dumping duties should be viewed not merely as protective measures but as instruments for ensuring fair competition and fostering long-term industrial growth.

The report, titled ‘Impact of Anti-Dumping Duties in India’ highlights that the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended anti-dumping duties on 56 product categories that are yet to be implemented.

According to the study the delay in enforcing these recommendations has resulted in an estimated annual economic loss of Rs 11,938 crore to Indian industry.

The report states that implementation of the pending measures would reduce dependence on imports and create opportunities for expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities. It adds that such action would help create a more balanced and sustainable industrial ecosystem by enabling Indian producers to compete on fair terms.

The findings assume significance at a time when India is aggressively expanding manufacturing capacity across key sectors, including steel, infrastructure, railways, defence and renewable energy. The report notes that a stable and equitable trade environment is essential for sustaining long-term growth and attracting investments into these sectors.

According to C-DEP, anti-dumping duties play a critical role in addressing unfair trade practices and ensuring a level playing field for domestic manufacturers. The report particularly underscores the importance of these measures for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which often struggle to compete against imported goods sold at artificially low prices.

The study also points out that India’s use of trade remedies remains relatively moderate when compared with global standards. Anti-dumping duties imposed in India typically range between 5 and 12 per cent, while the average duration of application stands at 6.97 years, significantly lower than the global average of 11.19 years.

The report also draws attention to the strategic importance of sectors such as steel, which serves as a foundational input for infrastructure development, transportation networks, energy projects, construction and manufacturing activities. Ensuring fair competition in such sectors, it argues, is vital for strengthening India’s industrial self-reliance.

Rajamani Krishnamurti, President of the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) said sustained investment, technology upgradation and the creation of globally competitive domestic capacity were essential for maintaining India’s manufacturing momentum. He stressed that this could only be achieved through a fair and predictable trade environment that provides domestic industry with a level playing field.

The report recommends the timely implementation of DGTR-backed measures alongside transparent and evidence-based assessments to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, encourage investment and strengthen India’s long-term industrial resilience.