India probing alleged export subsidisation of a chemical by 3 countries

Following a complaint by a domestic firm, DGTR has started the probe to examine whether subsidy programmes of these countries for exports of saturated fatty alcohols are impacting domestic industry

India has initiated a probe into alleged subsidisation by Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand on exports of a chemical -- used in making of personal care products such as shampoo, soap and detergents -- here which is impacting the domestic industry, according to a notification.

Following a complaint by a domestic firm, the commerce ministry's investigation arm Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has started the probe to examine whether the subsidy programmes of these countries for exports of saturated fatty alcohols are impacting the domestic industry.

VVF India Ltd has filed an application before the directorate alleging subsidisation of this alcohol from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The company has requested for initiation of an anti-subsidy probe for levy of countervailing duties on the imports from these countries.

The company has alleged that producers and exporters of the product in these countries have benefited from subsidies provided by their respective governments at various levels.

In a notification, the directorate said there is prima facie evidence of existence of "countervailable subsidies" on production and/or export of the goods in these countries and such subsidised imports are causing material injury to the domestic industry through their volume and price effects.

"In view of the above position, the authority hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged subsidisation and consequent material injury and threat of injury to the domestic industry," it has said.

It would to determine the existence, degree and effect of alleged subsidisation.

If it is established that subsidies by these nations are impacting the domestic industry, DGTR will recommend the amount of countervailing duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the injury to the domestic industry.

Under the global trade rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), a member country is allowed to impose anti-subsidy or countervailing duty if a product is subsidised by the government of its trading partner.

These duties are trade remedies to protect domestic industry. Subsidy on a product makes it competitive in price terms in other markets. Countries provide this to boost their exports.

These three countries are important trading partners of India and they all are members of this Geneva-based multilateral organisation - WTO.