The DGTR has released preliminary findings of its investigation into the imports of solar glass in India
Its investigation found proof of rising imports from China and Vietnam to have hampered the domestic industry from scaling up
The domestic industry claims it has enough capacity to cover almost 84% of the local demand
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended the Indian government to impose an anti-dumping duty (ADD) on textured tempered glass or solar glass imported into the country from China and Vietnam.
This investigation was initiated by the DGTR in February 2024 at the request of Indian solar glass producer Borosil Renewables Limited, which claims to account for almost 72% of the total production of such glass in India during the period of the investigation (POI).
The POI covers the 12-month duration from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, while the DGTR also considered the 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 periods.
The investigation relates to the import of textured toughened tempered glass with a minimum 90.5% transmission of thickness not exceeding 4.2 mm, including tolerance of 0.2 mm, where at least 1 dimension exceeds 1,500 mm. It includes both coated as well as non-coated glass.
It is also known as solar glass, solar glass low iron, solar PV glass, high transmission photovoltaic glass, and tempered low iron patterned solar glass.
According to the DGTR investigation, imports have dominated the entire market despite the presence of domestic industry. The dumped imports are undercutting the prices of the domestic industry and have had a ‘suppressing effect’ on the prices of the domestic industry.
During the POI, out of 795,555 metric tons (MT) of total solar glass imports in India, China alone shipped 659,732 MT, while Vietnam sent in 119,285 MT. The remaining demand was met by imports from other countries.
Imported products have continuously caused strain on the prices of the domestic industry, it adds, owing to which it has not been able to scale up production and was forced to export to dispose of the inventories.
According to the DGTR’s preliminary findings, the imports from the subject countries constitute around 98% of the total imports into the country and were highest during the investigation period. It believes the domestic industry suffered injury as a result of the dumped imports from the subject countries.
Domestic players also believe that the impact of the duties on the domestic industry will be only 2.52% which will be ‘insignificant.’ The local industry claims it has the capacity to cater to almost 84% of the entire Indian demand.
The DGTR has invited comments from all interested parties within 30 days from November 5, 2024 when it made its preliminary findings public.
This development follows the DGTR recommending the continuation of ADD on Chinese EVA manufacturers for an additional 5 years (see India Plans Continuation Of Anti-Dumping Duty On Chinese EVA).
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