India imposes 10% safeguard duty on aluminum imports

PTI reported that India is contemplating 10% safeguard duty on imports of key aluminum products used in the automobile and machinery sector to protect the domestic industry against cheap shipments mainly from China, South Korea, Oman and Iran. Endorsing the industry's concern that the surge in aluminum imports is affecting domestic units, the Directorate General of Safeguards has recommended a flat 10% duty on items like aluminum, aluminum waste and scraps. The DGS said "On the basis of findings it is seen that increased imports of unwrought aluminum, aluminum waste and aluminum scraps have caused and threatened to cause serious injury to the domestic industry and producers." However, these recommendations will now go to an inter-ministerial standing board, chaired by Mr G K Pillai Commerce Secretary. The duty recommended is for 200 days. However, the standing board had last month sent back the investigation report by the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties for imposition of anti-dumping duty on steel products. (Sourced from Press Trust of India)