India Extends Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese PET Resin Imports

The Indian government has prolonged the anti-dumping tariff on imports of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) resin originating from or exported by China for an additional five-year timeframe. This administrative action applies to imported resin maintaining an intrinsic viscosity of 0.72 decilitres per gram or greater.

This policy implementation succeeds an exhaustive sunset review managed by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). The investigative body determined that removing current trade barriers would inevitably trigger accelerated or persistent dumping of Chinese chemical supplies, inflicting severe financial harm on domestic manufacturers.

Background of the Review

Initial protective levies were established in March 2021 to counter low-cost Chinese industrial resin inbound shipments. With those original measures approaching their legal expiration, the DGTR initiated a comprehensive review on September 23, 2025. The regulatory review proceeded under Section 9A(5) of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, alongside Rule 23 of the Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995.

Concluding its detailed market disruption inquiry, the DGTR rendered its definitive determinations on March 20, 2026. The agency formally advocated for a multi-year extension after confirming that predatory pricing hazards and market vulnerabilities remained unresolved.

DGTR’s Key Findings

The trade authority verified that dumping margins and economic injury levels linked to Chinese exporters remained both positive and substantial. Freight volumes from China expanded at an aggressive pace despite active regulatory barriers. Inbound goods consistently undercut domestic market prices, presenting an imminent threat of price suppression for local manufacturers if protections lapsed.

Evaluating these market signals, the department confirmed that terminating the tariff regime would invite systemic economic damage across the domestic production landscape.

The official directive levies a precise tariff of USD 200.66 per metric tonne on incoming PET resin shipments holding an intrinsic viscosity rating of 0.72 decilitres per gram or above. This financial penalty triggers whether items arrive directly from mainland Chinese ports or cross through intermediate international transshipment points.

The designated merchandise corresponds to specific customs tariff codes.

The mandate explicitly clears bottle-grade PET resin and recycled PET resin from any associated tariff obligations under this regulatory framework.

Five-Year Validity

The anti-dumping framework remains legally binding for five years from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette, unless the administration alters, revokes, or supersedes the decree early. Importers must clear these liabilities in Indian currency, calculated using prevailing exchange rates authorized under the Customs Act, 1962.

Future Outlook

The extension of these trade barriers signals India’s tightening stance on manufacturing autonomy and supply chain resilience. By locking in protectionist measures through 2031, domestic petrochemical producers gain a stable investment runway to expand capacity without facing aggressive capital erosion from external cross-border pricing strategies.

FAQs

What is the specific anti-dumping duty imposed on Chinese PET resin?

The Central Government has established a fixed anti-dumping duty of USD 200.66 per metric tonne on specific Chinese PET resin imports.

Which types of PET resin are excluded from this tariff notification?

The trade order expressly excludes bottle-grade PET resin and recycled PET resin from the scope of these anti-dumping measures.

How long will this trade enforcement action remain active?

The protective anti-dumping measures are slated to stay in place for a duration of five years from their official publication date, unless altered or canceled sooner by the government.