India launches anti-dumping investigation into coke imports

India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of low-ash coke from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, and the Russian Federation. Reuters reports this with reference to government data.

The investigation was launched following a complaint from the Indian Coke Association. They expressed concern that these imports have more than doubled over the past four years. The association emphasized that there is no difference in the quality of imported and domestic coke. The organization also reiterated its demand to impose anti-dumping duties on imports from the mentioned countries.

In the notification on the investigation, the Ministry of Commerce asked interested parties to provide their comments on the matter.

Last December, India announced the introduction of temporary restrictions on imports of low-ash metallurgical coke. According to a government decree, they will be in effect for six months starting from January 1, 2025. The decision was aimed at protecting domestic producers from a significant increase in imports of this product.

The new rules establish quotas for coke imports for countries: in the first half of 2025, the total volume of supplies is limited to 713.58 thousand tons per quarter.

However, these restrictions have worried major steelmakers, who are concerned about the quality of local coke. AMNS India recently filed a lawsuit over the issue, while the court rejected JSW Steel and Trafigura’s request to allow certain supplies.

As GMK Center reported earlier, the reluctance of steel companies to buy from local coke producers may prompt the government to extend the restrictions beyond June.