DGTR proposes two-year quantitative restrictions on soda ash imports to shield domestic manufacturers

Key facts

• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended safeguard measures in the form of quantitative restrictions on soda ash imports for two years, citing an 89 per cent increase in imports that threatens serious injury to domestic manufacturers.
• The application was filed by the Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI) on behalf of DCW Ltd, GHCL Ltd, Nirma Ltd, RSPL Ltd and Tata Chemicals, which had sought restrictions for four years.
• DGTR recommended a Year 1 import quota of 7,54,992 MT and a Year 2 quota of 7,92,740 MT, totalling 15,47,732 MT over two years.
• Country-wise Year 1 and Year 2 quotas: USA 1,59,388 MT and 1,67,357 MT; Turkey 1,28,697 MT and 1,35,132 MT; Iran/UAE 1,10,948 MT and 1,16,495 MT; Russia 70,289 MT and 73,803 MT; European Union 1,17,179 MT and 1,23,038 MT; Kenya 1,21,847 MT and 1,27,939 MT; China PR 46,487 MT and 48,811 MT; other countries 157 MT and 165 MT.
• Each country's annual quota will be allotted in four quarterly tranches, with imports in any quarter not exceeding that country's quarterly quota.
• Soda ash is used in sectors such as detergents and textiles, and imports rose 89 per cent in 2023-24, remaining at that level since.