India to probe chemical imports from S Korea

After complaints by the domestic industry of severe injury to them, the government has decided to probe the increase in imports of phthalic anhydride from South Korea. This chemical is used to make dyes and insecticides, from South Korea. A notification issued by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) reveals that the complaint was made by IG Petrochemicals Ltd and Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd. DGTR has stated that it considers a matter appropriate for investigation when there is prima facie evidence to justify the action. The body will determine if the imports have caused or is threatening to cause serious injury to the domestic industry as alleged. If this is found to be true, the directorate will recommend imposition of safeguard duty on the imports to provide a level playing field to the domestic industry. This duty is permitted under the global trade rules of the WTO.