DGTR Initiates Anti-Dumping Probe into Aluminium Extrusions from Four Nations

India has initiated a suo motu anti-dumping investigation into imports of aluminium extrusion profiles, structures and articles from China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand following complaints of rising dumped imports and injury to domestic manufacturers.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issued the initiation notification, after examining representations submitted by the Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMAI), which represents 228 domestic manufacturers, along with import data available through the Trade Intelligence and Analytics (TIA) portal.

According to the DGTR, imports of the subject goods from the four countries increased during the period of investigation, accounting for approximately 90 percent of India's total imports of these products. The Authority also noted that the domestic aluminium extrusion industry is fragmented and comprises largely of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Nine domestic producers associated with ALEMAI had submitted representations seeking anti-dumping duty, while three producers subsequently provided summary cost information and estimates of dumping and injury margins. Considering the MSME structure of the industry, ALEMAI requested the Authority to initiate the investigation based on the information submitted by the association and its members, along with available import data.

The product under investigation covers alloyed and non-alloyed aluminium extrusion products manufactured through the extrusion process. These include solid, hollow and semi-hollow profiles, bars, rods, tubes and pipes, along with structures and finished articles made from extruded aluminium.

The scope also covers products used in architectural, industrial, transport, electrical and general engineering applications, including doors, windows, curtain-wall and façade systems, partitions, railings, heat sinks, lighting profiles, industrial framing, solar mounting structures, ladders, furniture, kitchen and wardrobe profiles, bicycle parts and formwork.

The DGTR has observed that structures and articles made from extruded profiles generally involve additional processes such as cutting, machining, welding or joining, without requiring additional primary manufacturing processes or raw materials. These products have therefore been included in the scope for the purpose of initiating the investigation, subject to further examination based on comments from interested parties.

The Authority has also noted that anti-dumping duty is already in force on imports of anodised aluminium frames for solar panels and modules originating in or exported from China, under Customs Notification No. 16/2024-Customs (ADD), dated September 27, 2024. Their treatment under the present investigation will be examined separately.

For the preliminary assessment, the DGTR constructed normal values for all four countries using the production cost information provided by three Indian manufacturers, with appropriate adjustments for reasonable profit and selling, general and administrative expenses. For China, the Authority has also referred to the applicable provisions concerning the determination of normal value under the anti-dumping rules.

Export prices were determined using transaction-wise import data obtained from the TIA portal, after adjustments for port expenses, bank charges, inland freight and commissions.

Based on this assessment, the Authority found prima facie evidence that the normal value of aluminium extrusion products in the four subject countries was higher than their respective ex-factory export prices. The estimated dumping margins were above the de minimis level.

On the injury front, the DGTR observed that the domestic industry had experienced a significant increase in imports, price undercutting and declining profitability. The available information also indicated losses, declining cash profits and return on capital employed, along with substantial underutilisation of production capacity.

The period of investigation covers April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, while the injury assessment will examine the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25, along with the period of investigation. The DGTR has adopted a 15-month investigation period, citing the predominantly MSME nature of domestic producers and the practical difficulties of preparing and verifying information for a shorter period that would not fully align with the financial year.

The Authority will seek information from domestic producers under Trade Notice 09/2021 and undertake sampling to determine the non-injurious price and injury margin.

The investigation has been initiated under Section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, read with Rule 5(4) of the Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995. The DGTR will examine the existence, extent and effect of the alleged dumping and recommend the amount of anti-dumping duty, if warranted, to remove injury to the domestic industry.

Interested parties, including exporters, importers, domestic producers and users, have been asked to register on the DGTR's SETU portal and submit their questionnaire responses and relevant information within 37 days from the date of transmission of the intimation letters.