Anti-Dumping Measures Announced by Indian Authorities
Article Focus Summary:
- Product: Glufosinate and its salts (a non-selective herbicide)
- Action: India imposing anti-dumping duties
- Countries involved: China (exporter), India (importer)
- Policy relevance: Trade remedy regulation
- Impact: On international trade, herbicide market dynamics, and regulatory landscape
On May, 2025, India’s Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) officially issued Notification No. 09/2025-Customs (ADD), confirming the imposition of an anti-dumping duty of USD 2,998 per metric ton on glufosinate and its salts originating from or imported from China. This measure follows the final affirmative findings of an anti-dumping investigation concluded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on February 10, 2025. The duty will remain effective for a period of five years, starting from the date of its publication in the official gazette.
Product: Glufosinate and its salts (a non-selective herbicide)
Action: India imposing anti-dumping duties
Countries involved: China (exporter), India (importer)
Policy relevance: Trade remedy regulation
Scope of the Anti-Dumping Action
The measure applies to glufosinate and its salt falling under the following Indian Customs Tariff Headings:
- 3808 91 93
- 3808 91 99
- 3808 93 91
- 3808 93 99
- 3808 99 12
- 3808 99 91
- 3808 99 99
This action is part of India’s broader strategy to safeguard domestic producers from material injury caused by unfairly priced imports.
Background and Investigation Timeline
India’s anti-dumping investigation was launched on June 29, 2024, following a formal petition by leading domestic firms: UPL Limited, Arysta LifeScience India Limited, Swal Corporation Limited, United Phosphorus (India) LLP, and UPL Sustainable Agri Solution Limited. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) initiated the probe under Indian trade law regulations.
- Period of Dumping Investigation (POI): January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023
- Injury Investigation Period: April 2020 to December 2023
The DGTR concluded that glufosinate from China was being exported at prices significantly below fair market value, thereby undercutting Indian producers and adversely affecting their production, profitability, and market presence.
Impact on Chinese Exporters
China is a dominant global supplier of glufosinate, with key exporters including Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Co., Ltd., Shandong Weifang Rainbow Chemical Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang Yongnong Chem. Industry Co., Ltd.
In 2023, China exported approximately 1,296 metric tons of glufosinate and its salts to India. The newly imposed anti-dumping duty—equivalent to around CNY 21,700 per ton at current exchange rates (1 USD = ~7.24 CNY)—is expected to:
- Reduce the price advantage of Chinese products in the Indian market
- Encourage Indian buyers to consider alternative suppliers or boost local sourcing
- Trigger a re-alignment in China’s export strategy towards other emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe
Indian Industry Response
Indian agrochemical manufacturers have expressed strong support for the duty. UPL Limited and its affiliates highlighted that Chinese imports had been consistently suppressing domestic prices, limiting investment in capacity expansion and innovation.
The imposition of duties is anticipated to:
- Enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers
- Promote self-reliance in herbicide production
- Encourage long-term capital investment in India’s agrochemical industry
Export and Market Perspective
Glufosinate is a widely used non-selective herbicide, often viewed as an alternative to glyphosate. India remains one of the fastest-growing markets for post-patent herbicides due to increasing agricultural demand and regulatory shifts.
Major Exporters:
- China
- Germany
- United States
Key Importing Countries:
- India
- Brazil
- Vietnam
With the Indian barrier now in place, global trade flows for glufosinate may shift, potentially benefiting other suppliers such as Germany’s BASF or the U.S.-based Bayer CropScience, while reshaping competitive dynamics in Asia.
