India launches LLDPE anti-dumping investigation with revised scope

India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) from six Gulf and Southeast Asian countries, responding to mounting pressure from domestic producers over alleged injurious pricing practices.

The official notice, issued on 30 June 2025, named Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as target countries in the probe. The action follows a petition filed by the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturers’ Association (CPMA) on behalf of major local producers Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) and HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), with support from Reliance Industries Ltd.

In a significant shift from the original application, the DGTR has broadened the scope of the investigation to cover two tariff lines: HS codes 3901 10 10 and 3901 40 10. The latter was not part of the initial petition, indicating a more comprehensive effort to address potential circumvention or underreported volumes.

Notably, Singapore—initially listed in the petition—was excluded from the final investigation. While no formal explanation was given, market observers interpret the removal as either a reflection of evolving trade patterns or diplomatic considerations.

Domestic producers claimed that aggressive price undercutting by overseas exporters has undermined the viability of local production, even as India’s LLDPE capacity expanded following HMEL’s commercial launch in August 2023. The petitioners argue that suppressed import prices have eroded margins and distorted fair market dynamics.

The investigation will cover the period from 1 January to 31 December 2024, with an injury assessment spanning three financial years from 2021–22 to 2023–24, alongside the defined investigation period.

Interested parties—including exporters, importers, user industries, and foreign governments—have 30 days to submit responses and supporting evidence. Non-cooperation may result in the DGTR relying on best-available information to make its determinations.

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