New Delhi, Nov 9:
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended imposing quantitative restrictions on soda ash imports for two years to safeguard domestic manufacturers against a surge in foreign shipments.
In its final findings, the trade watchdog proposed an annual import ceiling of 754,992 tonnes during the first year, expanding by 5 percent to 792,740 tonnes in the second year to facilitate progressive market liberalization. The investigation was initiated upon a petition filed by the Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI) representing domestic producers including Tata Chemicals, Nirma, GHCL, DCW, and RSPL.
The DGTR observed that soda ash imports rose 89 percent in 2023–24, absorbing nearly 85 percent of incremental domestic demand while landed prices slid 39 percent. The proposed quotas allocate 159,388 tonnes to the United States, followed by Turkey, Kenya, the European Union, and the UAE-Iran corridor in quarterly tranches, with specific exemptions for export-oriented units under the Advance Authorisation Scheme. The recommendations currently await formal notification from the Union government.