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India launches antidumping investigation against met coke imports

India launches antidumping investigation against met coke imports

A government notification states that India launched an anti-dumping investigation at the request of an industry group over imports from Australia, China and Russia of met coke (low-ash metallurgical or met coal).

In a March 29 notice, the Commerce Ministry said that the Indian Metallurgical Coke Manufacturers Association requested an investigation into the imports. These imports have more than doubled in the last four years due to concerns about local companies.

According to the notification, the trade body said that there was no difference between the quality of met coke imported from abroad and the domestically produced version, which is a crucial ingredient in steelmaking.

The association has also reiterated their demand for anti-dumping duty on imports from these countries.

India, which is the second largest producer of crude iron and steel in the world, implemented quantitative restrictions with country-specific quotas for imports of low ash met coke. The overseas purchases were limited to 1.4 millions metric tons between January and June.

The curbs, however, have worried big steel producers who are concerned with the quality of met coke produced locally. ArcelorMittal Nippon has recently sued India in the matter. A court also denied JSW Steel and Trafigura requests for certain shipments.

In February, it was reported that the government could extend its restrictions past June due to steel companies' unwillingness to purchase met coke from local producers.

In its announcement of the investigation, the commerce ministry asked all interested parties to provide their comments. Sethuraman N.R., Editing by Savio d'Souza

(source: Reuters)