Anti-dumping duties to continue for 5 more years

ISLAMABAD: The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has decided to continue anti-dumping duties on imports of hydrogen peroxide from multiple countries for a further period of five years, effective September 2, 2025.

The duties will remain in place at previously ad valorem rates on imports originating from Belgium, China, Indonesia, Korea, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Thailand and Turkey.

The decision follows a sunset review conducted by the Commission under the relevant provisions of the Anti-Dumping Duties Act and Rules. The review report has been issued in accordance with Section 39(5) of the Act, Rule 43(2) of the Rules, and Article 12.2 of the WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement.

According to the NTC, the imposition of anti-dumping duties has led to significant growth in the domestic industry. Installed production capacity has increased, and local manufacturers have made notable investments.

The Commission noted that Sitara Peroxide Limited temporarily suspended operations in mid-2023 for balancing, modernisation and replacement (BMR), while Engro Polymers and Chemicals Limited recently established a new Hydrogen Peroxide manufacturing facility. These developments indicate improved financial strength and investment capacity within the domestic industry.

However, the Commission warned that removal of anti-dumping duties would likely result in a surge in dumped imports, adversely affecting domestic producers. It observed that such a scenario could lead to price undercutting, price depression and price suppression, ultimately impacting sales, production, market share and profitability.

The NTC concluded that termination of duties would likely cause a recurrence of injury to the domestic industry through: (i) increased volume of dumped imports; (ii) downward pressure on prices; (iii) decline in production, capacity utilisation, sales and market share; and (iv) negative impact on profits, inventories, return on investment (ROI), employment, cash flows and productivity.

The Commission further determined that there is a strong likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumping if the duties are withdrawn.

The sunset review was initiated upon an application filed by the domestic industry within the prescribed timeframe under Section 58(3) of the Act. The application met all legal requirements under Sections 24 and 58.

Under the law, anti-dumping duties cannot expire if their withdrawal is likely to result in continued dumping and injury to the domestic industry.

Based on its analysis and findings, the Commission concluded that expiry of the duties would lead to renewed dumping and injury. It has, therefore, decided to extend the anti-dumping duties on Hydrogen Peroxide imports from the exporting countries for another five years.—MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN