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The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has postponed the oral hearing in its high-stakes anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of resorcinol from China and Japan. Originally slated for March 4, 2025, at 3:00 PM (IST), the hearing is now rescheduled for March 7, 2025, at the same time.
Initiated in January 2025, the investigation targets allegations that resorcinol—an essential chemical used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in treating skin disorders like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other dermatological conditions—is being dumped into the Indian market at unfairly low prices. The primary concern centres on potential material injury inflicted upon the domestic industry, particularly affecting local manufacturers.
At the forefront of the complaint is Atul Limited, India's leading producer of resorcinol. The company contends that unfair pricing practices by exporters from China and Japan are undermining its market position and harming the domestic industry. According to the petition filed under the provisions of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and the Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995, Atul Limited argues that it is the sole producer of the like article in India and that its minimal engagement in import activities makes it vulnerable to aggressive pricing by foreign competitors. The investigation period also includes historical data from 2021-2022, during which Atul Limited reported only negligible imports for trial purposes.
The DGTR’s preliminary review has validated Atul Limited’s petition under Rule 5(3) of the Anti-Dumping Rules, thereby establishing the company as a representative of the domestic industry. An updated roster of stakeholders has been released, listing key players such as domestic producers: Atul Limited, along with other local chemical manufacturers, exporters/producers: Sumitomo Chemicals Co. Ltd. and Songwon Industrial Group, importers/users: Techno Waxchem Pvt. Ltd. and several trading corporations.
Stakeholders from diverse segments, including industry associations and trading bodies, have been identified and categorized. Interested parties have been instructed to submit non-confidential versions of their submissions in a prescribed format, detailing their party status, submission nature, and filing date.
The postponement of the oral hearing, while a procedural adjustment, carries significant implications. If the DGTR ultimately determines that dumping is occurring, the imposition of anti-dumping duties could recalibrate the competitive landscape. These duties are designed to counteract the adverse effects of unfair trade practices, thereby providing a level playing field for domestic manufacturers.
Moreover, the decision to postpone may reflect the DGTR’s intent to ensure that all stakeholders, especially those who believe they have been omitted or incorrectly categorized, have sufficient time to update and refine their submissions. Affected parties are advised to check Annexure-I of the DGTR notification for the complete list of stakeholders and to notify the Authority within seven days if any discrepancies are noted.
As the investigation unfolds, market watchers and industry insiders will be closely monitoring the developments. The rescheduled hearing on March 7, 2025, is expected to offer deeper insights into the complexities of the case. Analysts predict that the outcome could lead to substantial shifts in trade policies and potentially set precedents for future anti-dumping measures in the chemical sector.
DGTR’s final determination could have far-reaching implications for both domestic manufacturers and international exporters involved in the resorcinol market.
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