Anti-Dumping Investigation concerning imports of Aluminium Foil 80 micron and below from China PR, Indonesia, Malaysia a
To be published in the Gazette of India, f,rtraordinary, Part I Section I
F.No 6/21l2020-DGTR
Government of India
Ministry of Commerc€ & Industry
Department of Conrmerce
Director General of Trade Remedies
Date: l8th Junc 2021
NOTIFICATIO
FINAL FINDINGS
OI Case No. - I8/2020
Subject: irinal Findings-Anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of
.Aluminium foil 80 microns and below originating in or exported from China PR, NIalal'sia, Thailand and Indonesia. F.No. 0612112020-DGTR: Having regards to the Customs Tariff Act 1975, as amended tiorn time to time and the Customs Tariff (ldentification, Assessment and Collection of AntiDumping Duty on Dumped Articles and for Determination of Injury) Rules 1995, as arnended fiom time to time thereof:. Whereas M/s Hindalco lndustries Ltd., M/s Raviraj Foils Ltd., and M/s Jindal India Ltd., (hereinafter referred to as the 'applicants' or 'applicant companies' or "domestic industry)" have jointly filed a duly substantiated application belore the Designated Authodty, in accordance with the Act and the Rules, alleging dumping of 'Alurniniurn Foil 80 Microns and below' (hereinafter referred to as subject goods or product under consideration or PUC). originating in or exported from China PR, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand (hereinafter referred to as the subject countries), alleging dumping of subject goods and consequent injury to the domestic industry and requested for lelry of anti-dumping duty on the imports of the subject goods from the subject countries. 2. And whereas, the Authority on the basis of sufficient evidence submitted by the applicants to justifu initiation ofinvestigation issued a public notice vide Notification No. 06/2112020
- DCTR dated 20th June 2020, published in the Gazette of lndia, Extraordinary, initiating the subject investigation in accordance with the Rule, to determine the existence, degree and effect ofalleged dumping and to recommend the amount of anti-dumping duty. which, if levied, would be adequate to remove the injury to the domestic industry. A. B..\CKGROUND OF THE CASE
B. PROCEDT'RE 3. Procedure described herein below has been followed with regard to the subject investigation: a. The Authority notified the Embassies/Representatives ofthe subject countries in India about the receipt of the anti-dumping application before proceeding to initiate the investigations in accordance with sub-rule (5) of Rule 5 supra. b. The Authority issued a public notice dated 20th June 2020, published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary, initiating anti-dumping investigation conceming imports of the subject goods from the subject countries. c. The Authority sent a copy of the initiation notification to the embassies ofthe subject countries in India, known producers/exporters from the subject countries, known importers/users in India, other Indian producers, and the domestic industry as per the addresses made available by the applicants and requested them to make their views known in writing within 30 days of the initiation notification. d. The Authority provided a copy of the non-confidential version of the application to the known producers/exporters and to the Embassy of the subject country in India in accordance with Rule 6(3) ofthe Rules supra. e. The Embassy of the subject countries in India was also requested to advise the exporters/producers fiom their countries to respond to the questionnaire within the prescribed time limit. A copy of the letter and questionnaire sent to the producers/exporters was also sent to them along with the names and addresses of the known producers/exporters from China PR, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. f. The Authority sent Exporter's Questionnaire to elicit relevant information to the following known producers/exporters in the subject countries in accordance with Rule 6(4) ofthe Rules: i. Dingsheng Aluminium Industries Hong Kong Trading, China ii. Dong Cuan Kai Yuan Plastication, China iii. Hangzhou Dingsheng Imp Exp Co Ltd, China iv. Henan Minglai Technology Development Co Ltd, China v. Jiangsu Dingsheng New Materials JoinlStock Co. Ltd, China vi. Jiangsu Fengyuan Aluminium Master Technology Co Ltd, China vii. Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Material Co Limited, China viii. Kunshan Aluminium Co Luoyang Longding Aluminiutr Industries Co Ltd, China ix. Peixian Fengluan Irnport and Export Trade Co. Ltd., China x. Zhengzhou Mingtai Industry Co, Ltd, China xi. PT Alumindo Light Metal, Indonesia xii. PT Starmas Intl Aluminium Industry, Indonesia xiii. PT Beesco Indonesia xiv. PT Intibumi Alumindotama Industry, Indonesia xv. Ezy Metal Enterprise, Malaysia
xvl. xvii. xviii. xix. xx. xxi. xxii. xxiii. MH Megah Maju Enterprise, Malaysia Modal Gagasan Plt, Malaysia Uacj Foil Malaysia SDN BHD, Malaysia Loften Thailand Co Ltd. Malaysia Thai Ding Li New Materials Co, Malaysia Propack Pacific Pte Ltd, Malaysia Toyal Thailand Co Ltd. Malaysia Varopakom Public Company Ltd, Malaysia g. In response, the following producers/exporters from the subject countries exporter's questionnaire in the prescribed format: i. Thai Ding Li New Materials Co., Ltd ii. Dingheng New Material Co., Ltd iii. Hagzhou Dingsheng Import and Export Co Ltd iv. Dingsheng Aluminium Industries (Hong Kong) Trading co Ltd v. Jinagshu Dingsheng New Material Joint Stock Co Ltd vi. Shangqiu Yangguang Aluminium Material Co Ltd vii. Kunshan Aluminium Co Jiangsu Zhongii Lamination Materials Co. Ltd. viii. Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Matrial Co (HK) Ltd ix. Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co Ltd x. Varopakom Public Company Limited xi. Loften (Thailand) Co., Ltd. xii. Hangzhou Five Star Alum'inium Co Ltd filed h. The Authority sent questionnaires to the following known importers/users of subject goods in India calling for necessary information, in accordance with Rule 6(4) of the Rules: i. Indomax Industries ii. Jil Pack (lmporter) iii. Dadra Eximp Private Limited iv. Samsung lndia Electronic Pvt Ltd v. Paharpur 3P Private Limited vi. The tndian Flexible Packaging and Folding Carton Manufacturers Association (IFCA) vii. Essel Propack Ltd viii. Huhtamaki PPL Ltd ix. Uflex Ltd x. Silver Foils Pvt. Ltd. xi. Rockdude Impex Private Limited xii. Paramount Universal Private Limited xiii. Veeram Natural Products P\4. Ltd. xiv. Graco Foils xv. Dalfo Flexipack P\4. Ltd. xvi. Nagreeka Indcon Products (P) Ltd -1
xv . xviii. xix. xx. xxi. xxii. xxiii. xxiv. xxv. xxvi. xxvii. xxviii. xxix. xxx. xxxi. xxxii. xxxiii. xxxiv. xxxv. xxxvi. xxxvii. xxxviii. xxxix. xl. xli. xlii. xliii. xliv. xlv. xlvi. xlvii. xlviii. xlix. Unistone Panels Pvt Ltd G M Alloys Pvt. Ltd. Jewel Packaging P!t. Ltd. Blue Star Ltd. Banco Products (lndia) Ltd. R S Foils Pvt. Ltd. Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Dalal Packaging Betts India Private Limited Cadbury India Limited Ansa Print Pack Pv't. Ltd. Green Pack Foils Pvt. Ltd. Claxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Hitachi Home & Life Solutions (lndia) Ltd. Jhaveri Flexi Laminate Pvt. Ltd. Jain Packaging Pvt. Ltd. Cadilla Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Pfizer Limited K A Alu Foil Nipra Industries Prt. Ltd. Positive Packaging Industries Ltd. The Paper Products Ltd. Polycom Associates Supermak Industries Rainbow Plastics India Ltd. Ranbaxy Laboratori es Ltd. Koch-Glitsch India Limited Swastik Flexipack Pvt. Ltd. Alutop Co. Ltd. Hindustan Latex Limited Dama Laminates Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. Technova Tapes lndia Pvt. Ltd. Foilpack industrigs Climate Systems India Ltd. l. li. i. In response following importers filed importer questionnaire response: i. Indomax Industries ii. Jill Pack iii. Dadra Eximp Private Limited iv. Unistone Panels Pvt Ltd j. Following users filed user questionnaire response i. Samsung lndia Electronic Prt Ltd 4
i ii. Paharpur 3P Private Limited The tndian Flexible Packaging and Folding Carton Manufacturers Association (IFCA) Essel Propack Ltd Huhtamaki PPL Ltd Uflex Ltd Silver Foils Pvt. Ltd. Rockdude tmpex Private Limited Paramount Universal Private Limited Veeram Natural Products Pvt. Ltd. Graco Foils Dalfo Flexipack P,1. Ltd. Nagreeka Indcon Products (P) Ltd lv. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. xii. xiii. k. The Authority, upon request, granted extension till l5th August, 2020 to the exporters to file the questionnaire response and another extension was gtanted till 22'd August, 2020. l. The Authority directed the parties to share the non-confidential version of their response with the list ofinterested parties The parties exchanged the non- confidential version of the response with other interested parties through email. m. Further information was sought fiom the applicants and other interested parties to the extent deerned necessary. Verification of the information provided by applicant domestic lndustry by way oftable study, to the extent deerned necessary, was carried out by the Authority. Only such verified information with necessary rectification, wherever applicable, has been relied upon for the purpose of the Final Findings. n. Investigation was conducted on for the period from 0l" April 2019 to 3l't March 2020 (12 months) (hereinafter referred to as the 'Period of llvestigation' or 'POI'). The injury analysis covered the period fiom 0l't April 2016 - 31'' March 2017, 0l't April 201'7 3 l't March 201 8, 0l't April 201 8 - 3 I't March 2019 and the POI. o. Request was made to the Directorate General of Commercial intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S) to provide the transaction-wise details of imports of subject goods for the past three years, and the period of investigation, which was received by the Authority. The Authority has, relied upon the DGCI&S data for computation of the volume of imports and its analysis after due examination ofthe transactions. p. The Non-injurious Price (NIP) based on the optimum cost of production and cost to make & sell the subject goods in India based on the information fumished by the domestic industry on the basis of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Annexure III to the Anti-dumping Rules has been worked out so as to ascertain whether Anti-Dumping duty lower than the dumping margin would be sufficient to remove injury to the Domestic Industry. q. In accordance with Rule 6(6) of the Rules, the Authority provided opportunity to all interested parties to present their submissions orally in the oral hearing held on 24s February 2021 which was attended by various parties. The interested parties who presented their views at the oral hearing were advised to file written submissions of
their views expressed orally. The interested parties were also provided opportunity to offer rejoinder submissions to the views expressed by opposing interested parties. r. The Authority has considered all the arguments raised and information provided by all the interested parties at this stage, to the extent the same are supported with evidence and considered relevant to the present investigation. The submissions made by the interested parties during the course of this investigation, wherever found relevant, have been addressed by the Authority, in this Final Findings. s. lnformation provided by the interested parties on confidential basis was examined with regard to sufficiency ofthe confidentiality claim. On being satisfied, the Authority has accepted the confidentiality claims wherever warranted and such information has been considered as confidential and not disclosed to other interested parties. Wherever possible, parties providing information on confidential basis were directed to provide sufficient non-confidential version ofthe information filed on confidential basis. t. A Disclosure Statement containing the essential facts in this investigation which would have been formed the basis of the Final Findings was issued to the interested parties on 07.06.2021 and the interested parties were allowed time up to 14.06.2021 to comment on the same. The comments on Disclosure Statement received fiom the interested parties have been considered, to the extent found relevant, in this Final Findings Notification. u. Wherever an interested party has refused access to or has otherwise not provided necessary information during the course of the present investigation, or has sigrificantly impeded the investigation, the Authority has considered such parties as non-cooperative and recorded the findings on the basis of the facts available. v.'***'inthisFinalFindingsrepresentsinformationfumishedbyaninterestedparty/any other party on a confidential basis and so considered by the Authority under the Rules. w. The exchange rate for the POI has been taken by the Authority as I US$ - Rs. 71.65. C. PRODT'CT T\DER CO\SIDERA-TIO\ ,{\D LIKE ARTICLE C.l Submissions made bv the Domestic industrv The following are the submission made by the domestic industry with regard to product under consideration and like article: The product under consideration in the present petition is "Aluminium Foil whether or not printed or backed with paper, paper board, plastics or similar packing materials of a thickness of 80 micron and below (with pennissible tolerances)" excluding the following: a. Aluminium Foil of thickness ranging from 5.5 micron to 80 microns originating from China PR. b. Alu Alu Laminate: Alu Alu Laminate of 40 - 50 mic in AA8079 & AA8021, is a multi-layered opaque larninate where Aluminium foil and is backed with plastic film on both side with adhesives; for use in packing capsules/tablets. c. Ultra Light Gauge Converted: Aluminium foil having thickness of 5.56 mic to 7 micron which is backed with kaft paper & scrim, or glass cloth, whether plain or 4 6
ll printed for use in insulation, spices packing, thermal fluid lines covering and tea bags application. d. Aluminium Foil Composite: Aluminium foil laminated with or backed with Kraft paper and glass scrim or glass cloth with or without poly ethylene, whether printed or not printed. Aluminium foil laminated with or backed with Kraft paper however is within the scope of the product under consideration and proposed measures. e. Aluminium Foil for capacitors width below 500 mm: Aluminum foil for capacitors is an Aluminum foil of 5 micron gauge with width belorv 500 mm 99.35Yo puity, for use in electrical equipment such as radios, televisions, telephones, computers, microwave ovens, electrical welders, magnetos, elechonic testing equipment, copy machines, air conditioners, automobiles, fluorescent lights, mercury vapour street lamps, power transmission equipment, electric motors, control units, and similar articles. f. Etched or formed Aluminium Foils: Aluminium Foi[ meant to be used in the manufacture of Electrolytic Capacitor. g. Aluminium composite panel: Aluminium composite panel is a non-aluminium core (often PE) bonded between two thin layers of aluminium, for use in facade cladding and signage. h. Clad with compatible non clad Aluminium Foil: A corrosion-resistant Aluminium sheet formed from Aluminium surface layers metallurgically bonded to high- strength Aluminium alloy core material for use in engine cooling and air conditioner systems in automotive industry, such as radiator, condenser, evaporator, intercooler, oil cooler and heater. i. Aluminium Foil for beer bottle: Aluminium Foil of 10.5 micron with rough surface and perforated whether printed or not; to be used in beer bottle. j. Aluminium-Manganese-Silicon based and/or Clad Aluminium-Manganese- Silicon based alloys, whether clad or unclad: with post brazing yield strength greater than 35 MPA, falling under tariffheading 7607 for use in heat exchangers including radiators, charge air coolers, condensers, oil coolers, heater cores, evaporators, heat ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and parts thereof. The product under consideration is classified under subheading 7607 of the Customs TariffAct760711,76071110,76071190,760719,76071910,76071991,76071992, 760719 93,760719 94.760719 95,7607t9 99,760720,76072010 and 76072090. The customs classification is indicative only and is not binding on the scope of the product under consideration. PCN The Applicants proposed for the adoption ofProduct Control Numbers (PCNs) on two broad categories as bare foil and converted foil for fair comparison between different types ofproducts. Bare foil is plain foil and converted foil is backed with, paper, kraft, polythene etc. 7 111.
l,. Exclusion requests- With regard to exclusion requests made by the interested parties, the domestic industry has submitted as follows: Batterv Foil a The domestic industry is capable of manufacturing battery foil and has been regularly supplying the same to esteemed customers such as BHEL. Documentary proof of the same was enclosed with the written submissions. Hindalco's Al LiB Battery foil has been tested & qualified against highest standards of foil performance as per Space applications (VSSCiISRO, BHEL) & also the auto applications. Hindalco is manufacturing Aluminium battery foils in lndia and actively partnering LiB manufacturing revolution for EVs / various other applications. The company is working actively with all battery manufacturers, who are setting up plants in India under the guidance of NITI Aayog to fulfil the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat". Color Coated Alurninium Foil As stated during the oral hearing and the written submissions, the domestic industry agrees for exclusion ofcolor coated aluminium foil. Aluminium Foil below 5.5 micron d. The product scope in the previous investigation did not include aluminium foil below 5.5 micron because domestic industry could not produce the same. Jindal has already started commercial production of Aluminium foil below 5.5 micron. Jindal has already provided invoices for merchant sales for below 5.5 micron and production capability ofJindal cannot be doubted. e. The fact that Hindalco and Raviraj do not produce Aluminium foil below 5.5 micron does not mean that the below 5.5 micron is not produced by the domestic industry. It is not necessary that all the producers should be able to make all kinds ofproduct. f. As far as product not being shown on the website is not a criteria for exclusion of any product and that does not mean that the product is not being manutactured by the domestic industry. g. Just because Uflex does not know about Jindal producing aluminium foil below 5.5. micron does not mean the product is not being manufactured. The applicants have filed detailed data before the authority and the authority has verified the same. The applicants will provide any other information needed to be subrnitted to aid the complete verification process. SRC Foil h. SRC foil is not a new product in the market and Hindalco has been producing the same since ages. They are producing it in sufficient quantities. The applicants are producers of the subject goods and their business involves selling subject goods. Total imports of SRC is almost 7,290 MT in the POI and demand for SRC is much more than that in the market and that demand is being fulfilled by the domestic industry only. Adhesive Tape b c 8
VI '11. l',I11. l1(. i. The domestic industry does not currently manufacture adhesive tape. Even though the domestic industry can produce this product type, the domestic industry has no objection to exclusion of the same from the product scope of the present investigation, considering that the Designated Authority has applied a test ofactual production as the criteria. Authority has applied a test of actual production as the criteria. There is neither a prescription nor a proscription for defining a product under consideration. The WTO has held that there is no legal mandate with regard to what shalI be product under consideration. Analysis ofpast findings ofvarious investigating authorities shall show that there is no legal requirement of (a) intemal homogeneity within the product under consideration, (b) inter-se substitutability of various tlpes of the product under consideration. The WTO Panel report in the matter of Farmed Salmon held that "any enterprise that produced any form ofthe like product should be considered, at least in the first instance, a "producer" of the like product, and as such, part ofthe domestic industry." The Panel did, however, envisaged some circumstances which may not be suffrcient to consider an entity as a'lroducer" of the product however such circumstances are case specific. While it is appreciated that any activity cannot be treated as "production", the "sufficient activity''needs to be adjudged on an individual case basis. Substantial activity takes place from converting FRP to Aluminium foil. The Authority had considered in the case of SDH transmission that if substantial transformation is made to raw material to be come a final product, then such activity is considered as "production". The producers, namely, Raviraj and Jindal, are carrying out activities which result, in a substantial transformation ofthe inputs, i.e. Aluminium Foil Stock into a distinct and different final product, i.e., Aluminium Foil. The facts of the cases, Oxo Alcohols Industries' Association $ Designatetl Authority [200] (130) ELT 58], Cold Rolled Flat Products oJ Stainless Steel .front China PR, Korea, the European Union, South Al'rica, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the United States of America, and Anti-dumping investigation concerning imports oJ Hot Rolled Flat Products of Stainless Steel of ASTM Grade 304 t4,ith all its variants, originating in, or exported from European Union, Korea RP, South lf ica, Tairan and USA cited by the other interested parties are different than the present case. The goods produced by the domestic industry cannot be excluded fiom the product scope. Products not being manufactured by the domestic industry has already been excluded from the product scope. The party has referred to the case without even showing how it applies to the present case. Ouality Issue It is denied that domestic foil is not a like product to imported foil owing to high number ofpinhole counts in the former. The exported goods also have large number ofpinholes and there is no BIS for how many holes should be there in the tbil. This issue was raised in the previous investigation as well and the Authority was of the view that the applicants are selling the subject goods as per the govemment prescribed standards only. ()
x x1 xl1. x111. xlv. 11. lll c.2 Submissions nrade bv the othcr interested oarties 5. The following are the submission made by the other interested parties with regard to product under consideration and like article: The users/importers, in their response have not identified any technical/ physical dift-erence between the imported and domestic goods. Contrary to that, the domestic industry has received appreciation and quality approval certificates from the customers. Quality is not a criterion to treat a product as dislike article under Anti-dumping law. Difference in quality is not a sufficient justification for exclusion of a product as has been held by the Designated Authority and upheld by the Hon'ble CESTAT in the matter of DSM Idemitsu Limited Versus Designated Authority. As far as the rejection rate of domestic industry is concemed, it has come down to a significant level. The rejection rate of domestic industry is low and the statements made by the users/ importers are exaggerated. Hindalco produces all kinds of foil which are used in either food packaging or pharmaceutical or high end battery cars. Even if Hindalco and Raviraj do not produce the same, it is sufficient that one of the applicants produces the subject goods. Hindalco produces SRC and house foil more than their captive consumption and cater to the domestic market. SRC and House foil is being produced by the other Indian producers also. There are other producers in the domestic market who produce SRC and house foil, other than Hindalco. The Indian capacity for SRC and house foil is suflicient to cater to the domestic demand. It is not true that Hindalco will have a dorninating position. A lot of emphasis is put on the fact that there are several process involved in producing aluminium foil fiom foil stock and it is done with an intention to protect irnport of foil stock. Foil stock is Aluminium foil ofhigher micron, if foil stock is excluded from the product scope, the entire PLIC can be vitiated. Petitioners cannot ask for exclusion of certain goods being imported. Foil stock is a semi-tinished stage of the PUC. The Authority has initiated an antidumping investi-eation conceming imports of flat rolled products. Raviraj and Jindal lndia who are petitioncrs in the earlier investigation as well as present investigation along with Hindalco, have been excluded irom this case since they are importers of Foil Stock from the subject country. In light of this, the Authority should not have ilitiated the present investigation. The Authority in final finding in "Anti-dumping investigation conceming imports of Seamless tubes, pipes & hollow profiles ofiron, alloy or non-alloy steel originating in or exported from China PR"; Anti-dumping inl'estigation conceming imports of "Hot- Rolled flat products of alloy or non-alloy steel" originating in or exported fiom China PR, Japan, Korea RP, Russia, Brazil and Indonesia, held that processors cannot be producers. USITC in Aluminium Foil fiom China, Investigation Nos. 701- TA-570 and 731-TA- 1346 (Final) and European Commission Regulation (ELl) 2015/1081 of 3 July 2015 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain Aluminium foils 1' l0
originating in Russia, concluded that other producers engaged only in processing activities did not qualify to be considered as domestic industry. The petitioners have deliberately and mischievously explained the production process of the PUC from the intermediate stage of rolling the foil stock to foil which is essentially a conversion or down-gauging operation and does not qualify as manufacturing activity. Only manufactured products can be included as per Para 3.10 and 3.14 of the Manual of DGTR. Though the subject good are classified under Chapter 76 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, it is merely indicative and for the Anti-Dumping duty to be levied the same must be recommended in accordance with product description and usage. Exclusion request- Following exclusions have been requested by the opposing interested parties: a. Battery Foil- None of the Indian producers were able to develop Battery foils as per the technical and mechanical standards mentioned by UFO,iIJFOM. Battery foil are specialized foils which cater to the needs of Li-lon battery manufacturers around the world are used in the manufacture of high-performance rechargeable Li-lon batteries, primarily used for electric vehicles and certain other electronic appliances such as smartphones, laptops etc. No lndian producers manufactures foils of 15 microns thickness with quality/specifications required for Battery foils which distinguishes UFOMtuFO from the PUC. b. No technical specitication for Battery foil sold has been provided the petitioners. UACJ Foil Malaysia Sdn Bhd has provided the mechanical and chemical specifications of 'Battery Foils'produced by the company and compared the same with foils manufactured by the Petitioners. The battery foils' manufactured by UACJ Foil Malaysia Sdn Bhd and foils manufactured by Petitioners are not like articles. c. Aluminium foil below 5.5 micron- Hindalco and Raviraj does not produce Aluminium Foils below 5.5 microns and the same has been stated on their website. PCN wise data submitted by the applicants show that ULG below 5.5 production of two companies, i.e. Hindalco and Raviraj is Nil. Jindal has also produced some quantities only in the POI. Thus, unless it is proved that they have produced and sold commercial quantity of ULG below 5.5 micron Aluminium foil, the same should be excluded from the product scope. Jindal's ability to produce commercial quantities of the PUC during the POI is doubtful. Hence, Aluminiurr Foil of less than 5.5 microns was imported into India during the investigation period in significant quantities. d. The Authority must call for specific capacity for AL Foil Below 5.5 Mic and their actual production and sales during the POI and the same should be compared with demand for the product in the country during the POl. e. Aluminium Foil Adhesive TaDes- Adhesive tapes are value added products which has Aluminium Foil as one oftheir constituent materials. which are specifically use for binding cluster pipes in refrigerators and to enhance heat dissipation. The vl vii ll
domestic industry does not produce such Adhesive tapes, which alone suffices to exclude this product {iom the purview of the PUC. t-. House foils and Semi Ri d Container SRC - House foil and SRC foils should be ( \ 111 1X excluded from the scope ofPUC as they are being produced in insufticient volumes and supplied in some small volumes in the market after depriving the users from adequate material. The producers are not focussed on manufacturing these two types of foil. They are being sold in some quantities in the domestic market so as to seek inclusion of these types into the scope of PUC. Jindal Aluminiurn Ltd. intimated 2 buyers about its inability to supply SRC at the required quantity due to (a) overbooking of capacity and (b) supply issues due to fire at their factory. Authority must determine product exclusions as per the recent mafter of DMAC. g. In India 2 t)?es(thickness) of HHF are mainly so1d, one is 10.5 Micron, second is I 8 micron. First one having 90% of the market share. I 8 micron some are making, 10.5 nobody is making. Reason being rolling to 10.5 micron takes too much time and production is very less. So, if a plant has 500 tonne capacity for SRC. it caq only produce 100 tonnes of HHF if run at full capacity. Imposing ADD on it will create a severe scarcity and hamper consumets directly. h. After application of ADD, it would be impossible to compete with the dominant player, Hindalco, in the downstream market. Hence, exclusion ofHouse and SRC foil llom the scope ofPUC is essential to avoid this situation. Particularly. Hindalco has been manufacturing SRC but that is only for Captive Consumption and during POI did not sell any SRC material in lndia to any manufactue of SRC. It would play a tronopoly role after ADD is irnposed as it would supply material to Alchaw Metprint Ltd. who does Job Work for it. i. Color coated .Aluminium foil- The domestic industry does not manufacture color coated aluminium foil. This fact was accepted by them during the oral hearing also. ln the earlier ADD investigation, the Hon'ble CESTAT upheld the represcntation by Unistone and Indomax and upheld that color coated aluminium foil is not being produced by the domestic industry, thus should be excluded from the product scope. Accordingly, color coated aluminium tbil should be excluded from the present investigation as rvell. DGTR Manual at para 3.10 notes that, lnere competence without any production or merchant sales may not be sufficient to include an itern in the definition of the PUC. The PUC should include those items, which are produced and commercially sold in the domestic market by the respective domestic industry. The Hon'ble CESTAT inOxo Alcohols Industies' Association vs Designated Authoritlt [2001 (130) ELT 58J held that if the products are not manufactured by the domestic industry, the import of same product cannot cause injury to domestic industry and therefore such product should be excluded from the lery of anti-dumping duty. Reliance was also made on various Anti-Dumping investigations which included imports of Cold Rolled Flat Products of Stainless Steel .from the Peoples Republic of China, Republic ofKorea, the European Union, South A.fi'ica, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the United States of America, and Anti-dumping investigation conceming imports x. l2
xl xll xlll xlv. x,. xvl. of Hot Rolled Flat Products of Stainless Steel of ASTM Grade 304 with all its vdriants, originating in, or exportedfrom European Union, Korea RP, South Af ica, Tairran and USA. The import of 5.3 micron foil down gauges the composite laminated structure, reduces carbon footprint and consumption of plastics; hence, is the need of the industry. Authority is requested to direct the petitioners to submit the details of their production offoils below 5.5 micron for verification as the largest user, Uflex, has no information regarding supply of the same. Ouality Issue 6.3 micron foil is used for flexible packaging laminate as a barrier material to protect food contamination. The product produced by domestic industry is not like article to the imported product for the reason of having high number of pinhole count. Due to this quality issue, even after imposition of duty,6.3 micron foil would be imported and should be excluded fiom product scope. The Authority should consider quality issues, like air pockets in foil, flatness, oxidation etc. with the users while determining the product scope. ln another ADD matter of DMAC, imports of a specific type were allowed as Indian producers were not supplying such specific type required by the specific segnent ofusers. Foil supplied by the domestic industry has a lot of quality issue like air pocket in the foil ro1l, flatness, free flow, oxidation, contamination ofthe foil etc. and due to that the rejection rate of the domestic industry is very high. The Authority kindly decide the product scope base on the quality and quality supplied by the domestic industry. Authority may have an objective examination of acrual imports, especia'lly in case of exclusions while defining PUC. The non-confidential version has no information of transaction-wise import data for excluding the products leading to withholding crucial information. Authority may require relevant test reports and videos of testing done on domestic products to establish the facts that the goods are not suitable for their specific uses and have a range ofquality issues like pin-holes, thickness, not capable of rvorking on high speed machines. C.-3 Examination by the Authoritr" 6. Number of interested parties has raised number of issues with regard to the scope of the product under consideration in the present case. Interested parties have sought exclusion of a large number of product types from the scope of PUC on the grounds that the domestic industry is not capable ofproducing the product type or supply the product in the desired product type, or the quality of the product produced and supplied by the domestic industry is different. The arguments of interested parties have been examined after calling relevant information from the parties and examine the same during the desk verification. 7. The product under consideration as noted in the initiation notification is "Aluminium Foil whether or not printed or backed with paper, paper board, plastics or similar packing l3
materials of a thickness of 80 micron and below (with permissible tolerances)" excluding
the following:
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Aluminium foil of thickness ranging from 5.5 micron to 80 micron originating in
China.
Alu Alu Laminate- Alu Alu Laminate of 40 - 50 mic in AA8079 & AA802l, is a
multiJayered opaque laminate where Aluminium foil and is backed with plastic
film on both side with adhesives; for use in packing capsules/tablets.
Ultra Light Gauge Converted- Ultra Light Gauge Converted is an Aluminium foil
having thickness of 5.5 6 mic to 7 mic which and is backed with kraft paper &
scrim, or glass cloth, whether plain or printed for use in insulation, spices packing,
thermal fluid lines covering and tea bags application.
Aluminium Foil Composite- Aluminium foil laminated with or backed with Kraft
paper and glass scrim or glass cloth with or without poly ethylene, whether printed
or not printed. Aluminium lbil laminated with or backed with Kraft paper however
is within the scope of the product under consideration and proposed measures.
Aluminum foil f<rr capacitors width below 500 mm- Aluminum foil for capacitors
is an Aluminum foil of 5 micron gauge with width below 500 mm 99.35% purity,
for use in electrical equipment such as radios, televisions, telephones, computers,
microwave ovens, electrical welders, magnetos, electronic testing equipment, copy
machines, air conditioners, automobiles, fluorescent lights, mercury vapour street
lamps, power transmission equipment, electric motors, control units, and similar
articles.
Etched or formed Aluminium Foils- Etched or formed Aluminium Foils is
Aluminium Foil meant to be used in the manufacture of Electrolyic Capacitor.
Aluminium composite panel- Aluminium composite panel is a non-aluminium core
(often PE) bonded between two thin layers of aluminium, for use in facade cladding
and signage.
Clad with compatible non clad Aluminium Foil- Clad with compatible non clad
Aluminium Foil is a corrosion-resistant Aluminiun sheet formed from Aluminium
surf'ace layers metallurgically bonded to high-strength Aluminium alloy core
material for use in engine cooling and air conditioner systems in automotive
industry; such as radiator, condenser, evaporator, intercooler, oil cooler and heater.
Aluminium Foil for beer bottle- Aluminiurn Foil of 10.5 micron with rough surlace
and perforated whether printed or not; to be used in beer bottle.
Aluminium- Manganese- Silicon based and/ or clad Aluminium- Manganese-
Silicon based alloys, whether clad or unclad- with post brazing yield strength
greater than 35 MPA, falling under tariff heading 7 607 for use in heat exchangers
including radiators, charge air coolers, condensers, oil coolers, heater cores,
evaporators, heat ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and parts
thereof.
x
8. The product under consideration is classified under subheading 7607 ofthe Customs Tariff
Act760711,760'7Ill0 76071190,760719,76071910,760719 91,760719 92,760719 93,
l.+
760719 94, 760719 95,760719 99, 760720, 76072010 afi 76072090. The customs classification is indicative only and is not binding on the scope of the product under consideration. 9. The Authority notes that the subject goods are being imported in various microns. The applicants had proposed product control numbers (PCN) in order to make PCN to PCN comparison. Considering the parameters that impact the associated cost and prices ofthe product, and after taking into account the submissions made by the various interested parties, the Authority notified a PCN methodology vide communication no 06121/2020- DGTR, dated l4th September, 2020. The PCN methodology adopted in the present investigation is as follows: Sn Type of Foil Micron Range Bare/converted I Alu Alu Stock 45-60 micron Bare ) I Ionrc Foil 9 -18 micron 3 Light Gauge (LG) 7-18 micron Medium Gauge (MG) 20-60 micron Semi Rigid Container (SRC) 33 - 80 micron 6 Ultra Light Gauge Bare 5.5 - <7 micron 7 Ultra Light Gauge Bare Below 5.5 micron 8 Cigarette Foil Below 7 micron 9 SRC Converted 33 - 80 micron Converted 10. Medium Gauge (MG) Converted 20-60 micron ll Home Foil Convened 9 -18 micron ll Light Gauge (LG) Converted 7-18 micron 10. The product under consideration is manufactured from foil stock. Foil stock is flat rolled a'luminium (FRP) and is produced by rolling ingot. In other words, Aluminium Flat Rolled products (FRP) are rolled further into foils. The essential difference between the two is in thickness. The FRP have thickness greater than 80 microns. It may be rolled into foil or consumed as it, or printed/laminated (also called backed) with paper, board, plastic or other packaging materials. Aluminium foils may be printed either by the producers or by converters or by end consumers. A significant investment is involved to roll FRP into tbils. I I . With regard to the contention that petitioners have misled the Authority by explaining that Aluminium foil is produced from foil stock/FRP directly, it is noted that this is the settled principle and has been recognized by the Authority in the past in previous anti-dumping investigation against China where the product scope was aluminum foil 5.5 to 80 micron. The Authority had applied the same principle in the safeguard investigation which was concluded in 2009. ln the present case Aluminium foil is the product scope and the input material for the same is FRP. Thus, applicants are free to import input material and that does not interfere with the eligibility of the producers. 12. The product under consideration in the present investigation is "Aluminium Foil" and the domestic producer of Aluminium foil is the tranufacture ofthe like article. The production activity needs to be seen in this context. For instance the Authority in the anti dumping investigation conceming imports of Stainless steel flat products, where hot rolled and cold l5 4.
rolled stainless steel products were part ofthe scope ofthe PUC, did not consider producers ofcold rolled producers as producers ofstainless steel flat products as, such producers were either importing hot rolled flat products or were purchasing the same from the other domestic producers, it could lead to double counting of production and the value addition was less. At the same time, the Authority in the Cold Rolled Flat products case, which concluded its sunset review in January 2021, considered producers in unorganized sector (who were manufacturing from the stage of Hot rolled) as domestic producers. Thus, producer needs to be defined based on the product defined in the investigation. It is not important that all the producers need to be backward integrated. 13. The product under consideration is Aluminum foil having thickness of 80 microns or below. Since the part of the product is already attracting duty from China, the product already attracting duty has been excluded for the purpose ofpresent investigation. 14. Different types of Aluminum foil are comparable in term of essential producl characteristics including physical, production technology, manufacturing process, plant & equipment, functions & usage, etc. While different aluminurn foils have different specific end applications, it is noted that all aluminum foil essentially performs the same function. Dit'ferent categories/types are intended to meet different end-user requirements. The design ofthe alurninum foil differs as per the end -use requirements. However, the operations and machinery necessary for manufacturing are essentially the same for producing different kinds of aluminurn foi[. Different types of aluminum foils constitute one article and it would not be appropriate to exclude product t)?es, if the domestic industry is manufacturing the like a(icle to the product being imported into tndia. 15. The Authority considered the exclusion requests of the interested parties. The opposing interested parties have requested for the following exclusions and the Authority has examined all the exclusion request hereinunder: l. ii. iii. iv. Battery Foil Aluminium foil below 5.5 micron House foil and SRC foil Adhesive tapes Color coated Aluminium tbil Battery foils - As regards exclusion ofbattery foil, it is noted that the interested parties have claimed that battery foil is a specialised kind of foil and the domestic industry is unable to manufacture battery foil in the desired specification. However, the domestic industry has submitted documentary evidence to show production and sale of battery foil. Hindalco has submitted that its Battery foil has been tested & qualified against highest standards of foil performance. Hindalco is manufacturing Aluminium battery foils in India and actively partnering LiB manufacturing revolution for EVs i various other applications. l6 t.
1l lll Aluminium foil below 5.5 micron - As regards the exclusion of Aluminium foil below 5.5 microns, it is seen that Jindal India had started manufacturing Aluminium foil below 5.5 micron since 2019 and they sold their first commercial quantity in December 2019. Jindal has also submitted various invoices indicating the total commercial quantity sold during the period ofinvestigation. Thus, the Authority has verified that Jindal India has produced and sold commercial quantity of Aluminium foil below 5.5 microns, during the period of investigation. As regards the fact that Hindalco and Raviraj are not producing ULG below 5.5 micron, it is seen that it is not necessary that each and every constituents ofthe domestic industry should produce and supply each and every type of product. In fact, in a situation where a large number of producers are producing and selling a product which has a large number ofproduct types, it is quite natural that every producer tends to focus on some product types and none of the producers could wish to produce entirety of the product range. Thus, where the domestic industry is already manufacturing a tlpe of subject goods, that cannot be excluded from the scope of product under investigation. Accordingly, the request for exclusion of Alutriniurn foil below 5.5 micron cannot be accepted. SRC and House foil - As regards exclusion ofSRC and House foil, it is noted that the product tlpes are imported into lndia and the domestic industry is producing and supplying the like article to these product type. In fact, SRC and house foil is being manufactured by all three petitioning companies and they have submitted invoices to substantiate the same. The other interested parties have not given any 1ega1 or factual basis for justifuing exclusion of these two tlpes of foil from the product scope. The opposing interested parties have contended that since the domestic industry is not producing these types in sufficient quantities and are not focussed on producing these tlpes, it should be excluded from the product scope. It is seen that the opposing interested parties have not submitted any evidence on record to show that the domestic industry is not capable ofproducing these types of subject goods and is not selling in the domestic market. It is seen that the domestic industry is capable ofproducing these types of aluminium foil and also supplying these tlpes to the domestic market. Further, in any case, it is noted that this kind ofproduct type is produced and supplied by more than one producer- In case possible demand supply gap does not justift exclusion of particular product type. 17 A producer/exporter which has not exported the subject goods to India during the POI has sought exclusion ofbattery foils for Lithium Ion batteries used in manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles. The producer agrees that presently there is no production of electric vehicle batteries in India. Consequently, there was no demand for such battery foils in India during POI. The domestic industry has submitted invoices of their sales ofsuch battery foils to BHEL which was utilized in space applications having a higher technical threshold. This establishes the capability of the dometic industry to manufacture the product in case of demand. Therefore, the Authority does not to exclude such a product from the scope of PUC.
iv. Aluminium Foil Adhesive Tapes - Aluminium Foil Adhesive Tapes - As regards exclusion of adhesive tapes, the domestic industry has contented that they are capable ofproducing this tlpe but not producing the same at present. It is noted that since adhesive tapes are not being produced by the domestic industry at present and there were no production of the same in the POI as well, the same can be excluded from the product scope. Post the issuance of disclosure statement, certain interested party have requested that the adhesive tape be appropriately redefined. Accordingly, Adhesive tape is defined as "Adhesive tape is Aluminium foil (< 80 mic) single side or both sides coated with adhesive for use as tape". Color coated aluminium foil - As regards exclusion ofcolor coated aluminium foil, the same lvas excluded in the previous investigation on the ground that the domestic industry is not manufacturing the same. Since the fact remains same for the present investigation also, color coated aluminium foil to be excluded from the product scope. Color coated Aluminum foil is defined as "aluminium foil with either PE(polyester) coating ofPVDF(flourine Carbon), coating falling under CTH 7607". . 16. Several opposing interested parties have made claim that the product quality being supplied by the domestic industry is not good and the number ofpinholes are very high as compared to the number ofpinholes in the imported product. It is noted that this concern was raised during the previous anti dumping investigation against China also and the Authority held that there is no standard prescribed by BIS with regard to maximum pinholes in an aluminium tbil. If the govemment has prescribed certain standards of a product and the product supplied by the domestic industry conform to such standards, the consumers cannot contend that the product tlpe produced by the domestic industry does not meet the desired standards. It is also noted that nothing substantial has been provided by the interested parties to demonstrate difference in quality ofthe product supplied by the domestic industry and imported into India. In fact the domestic industry has submitted evidence to show that the rejection rate has declined significantly. 17. As regards the contention that the domestic industry does not have sufficient capacity to meet the dernand of ULG in the country, the authority notes while there may be a demand supply gap in the Country, the concem raised by the domestic industry is about dumping of the product in the market. Foreign producers can certainly fi1I the gap in the Country by bringing the product at a fair price. Demand supply gap does not justifu dumping of the product in the Country. 18. In view of the foregoing, para 7 and 15 the scope of product under consideration for the purpose ofpresent investigation is as follows as read with para 7 and 15: "Aluminium Foil whether or not printed or backed with paper, paper board, plastics or similar packing materials of a thickness of 80 micron and below (with permissible tolerances)" excluding the fol'lowing: i. Aluminium foil of thickness ranging from 5.5 micron to 80 micron originating in China. ii. Alu Alu Laminate 18
iv. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. Ultra Light Gauge Converted Aluminium Foil Composite Aluminum foil for capacitors width below 500 mm Etched or formed Aluminium Foils Alurninium composite panel Clad with compatible non clad Aluminium Foil Aluminium Foil for beer bottle Aluminium- Manganese- Silicon based and,/ or clad Aluminium- Manganese- Silicon based alloys, whether clad or unclad Adhesive tapes Color coated aluminium foil The Application has been filed by N4./s Hindalco Industries Ltd., M/s Raviraj Foils Ltd. & Mis Jindal India Ltd. Applicants have neither irnported subject goods from subject countries nor are related to any producer or exporter of subject goods. The applicants thus constitute eligible domestic industry within the meaning of Rule 2(b) and that the application satisfies the requirement of standing under Rule 5(3) of the Rules. A number ofother domestic producers have filed letter supporting the application fi1ed. The applicants, along with supporters account for 82% of share of the total domestic production. The supporters have, post oral hearing, filed a letter declaring their production, sales, capacity and capacity utilization. That itselfis sufficient to understand the intention of the supporters. They have disclosed all critical information before the Authority. x1 xii 19. After considering the information on record, the Authority holds that there is no known difference in product under consideration exported fiom subject country and the product produced by the Indian industry. The subject product produced by the domestic industry are comparable to the Product under consideration in terms of characteristics such as physical & chemical characteristics, functions & uses, product specifications, distribution & marketing and tariff classification of the goods. The two are technically and commercially substitutable. The consumers are using the two interchangeably. The Authority holds that the subject product produced by the applicant domestic industry is like article to the Product under consideration, in accordance with the AD Rules. D. DONTESTIC INDUSTRY AND STANDING D.l Suhnrissions made bv the Domestic Industrv 20. Following submissions have been made by the domestic industry with regard to scope and standing of the domestic industry: ll 111. l9
1V
vl
vn
vr 11.
l
xl
x
Disclosure of such information will validate the standing and injury claimed by the
domestic industry.
The previous anti-dumping investigation was filed with regard to the same product
scope and the applicants of the present case were applicants in the previous
investigation as well. The Authority treated them as an eligible domestic industry under
Rule 2 (b).
The allegation that Raviraj and Jindal are merely downgauging the product thus they
are merely processors and cannot be called as producers of the subject goods, cannot
be accepted. The product can be produced from foil stock/FRP (ranges from 80-300
micron). While Raviraj and Jindal produces subject goods from the stage of aluminium
stock, Hindalco is producing tbil from its own ingot. However, both are the producers
ofthe subject goods.
Aluminium foil and foil stock/F'RP are two distinct product and it gets established from
the fact that there is a separate anti dumping investigation ongoing considering the
product scope as FRP. The Authority has considered two different product scope in two
different investigation. The Authority in past. during the safeguard investigation had
considered FRP and tbil under one investigation, but as two different products, and
analysed every information separately for Alumin'ium foil and FRP.
The European Commission had also conducted investigation on imports of certain
aluminium foil originating in Armenia, Brazil and the People's Republic of China. The
production process of subject goods was recognized as follows "Aluminium foil is
manufactured by rolling aluminium ingots or foil-stock to the desired thickness".
The WTO Panel report in the matter of Fanrted Salmon held that "any enterprise that
produced any form ofthe like product should be considered, at least in the first instance,
a "producer" of the like product, and as such, part of the domestic industry." The
Authority had considered in the case of SDH transmission that if substantial
transformation is made to raw material to be come a ftnal product, then such activity is
considered as "production". Tl.re producers, narnely, Raviraj and Jindal, are carrying
out activities which result, in a substantial transfonlation ofthe inputs, i.e., Aluminium
Foil Stock into a distinct and different final product, i.e., Aluminium Foil.
It is entirely immaterial rvhether the producer is backu'ard integrated. For instance, in
the matter of PTA, while one producer had its own raw material, one was purchasing.
That does not nlean that the company buying raw material is not producing PTA, as it
is not backward integrated.
The reference made to copper pipes and tubes case is incorrect. The said case also
excludes producers who are importing mother tube and drawing the pipes and tubes and
in this case mother tube is also the product under consideration.
Facts of the previous anti-dumping investigation of Aluminium Foil originating in
China PR and present investigation is nol the same as regards eligibiiity of Raviraj.
Raviraj, in the present case has not imported the subject goods from the subject
countries. Thus, it qualifies to be the domestic industry in the present investigation.
The careful reading of the tinding of Intemational Trade Commission, USA in
Aluminium Foil from China, Investigation No 701-TA-570 and 731-T4-1346 and EU
Regulation 2015/1081 of3 July 201 5 suggests that all kinds ofproducers/ whether roller
xll.
20
x111. or not, manufacturing any type of aluminum foil r.vere treated as domestic producers of the subject goods. The opposing interested parties had a chance to oppose such determination after the final findings were issued in the 2017 case but none ofthe partis raised this issue during the oral hearing or before the CESTAT. The determination of the Authority in the previous case, and rightly so has attained finality. 21 . Following submissions have been made by the other interested parties with regard to scope and standing of the domestic industry: iii. v M/s Hindalco is the only integrated producer of the alumir.rium foil stock and foils, and the Raviraj Foils Ltd., Jindal India Ltd. and other applicant producers are mere converten or processors of imported foil stocks into foils by downgauging the foil stock and they are not engaged in the production of subject goods in tenns of Rule 2(b) ofthe AD Rules. A producer who is not engaged in manufacturing of 'like article' and merely engaged in ancillary work with minor value additions, does not constitute a domestic industry. Reliance is placed on an application filed by the domestic industry in an investigation conceming copper pipes and tubes basing which the CVD investigation has been initiated on 25.9.2020 vide File No.04/10/2020-DGTR. Conversion offinal product from penultimate stage with no significant value addition does not constitute manufacturing. The alleged dumped article and the input material at the penultimate stage in such cases both fall within the scope of PUC. The Authority found that Raviraj Foils benefitted from the dumping and disqualified them from being a constituent of the domestic industry as they imported the subject goods from China PR and sold them in the domestic market without giving any plausible reasons for importing the product when the company was engaged in the production of the same. Raviraj and Jindal India are importing foil stock and therefore cannot claim the status of domestic industry. Moreover, after importing FRP from subject countries, claiming unfair competition fiom imports ofPUC is inappropriate. The Authority may examine the standing of the domestic industry as it has been noted in an AD investigation of Aluminium Foil originating in China PR under Para 46 of Final Findings No. 14106/2015-DGAD (Mar. 10,2017) that Raviraj Foils is not an appropriate constituent of the domestic industry as volume of imports by the company increased after POI. Authority erroneously continued the AD investigation as Jindal is only a converter and not a producer. Authority ought to review the continuation of imposed duty in the 2017 case and withdraw the same ab initio as the duties have been imposed based on a wrong detennination of domestic industry. In anti dumping investigation conceming import of Hot-rolled Flat products ofstainless steel from China PR, it was stated that at least a 35o% value addition to an end product v t 21 D.2 Submissions made bv other interested parties
tx is required to constitute a separate product. The essential difference between Aluminium Foil Stock and Foil is only ofthickness, which amounts to an average value addition ofnot more than 267o which is not significant to qualifu as a separate product. The supporters have not complied with the Trade Notice No. 1312018 dated27.09.2018, where the Authority provided two annexes to be filled by the supporters. None ofthem have followed that and have simply filed one page letter in support. Absence of such information affects the product scope, standing and material injury to the domestic industry. No supporting producer's questionnaire response has been filed, hence, data pertaining to other lndian producers cannot be considered and the investigation should be tenninated on this sole count. D.3 Eramination b the Authori tv X 22. Rule 2 (b) of the AD rules defines domestic industry as under: "(b) "domestic industry" means the domestic producers as a ,,-hole engaged in the marutfacttrre of the like arlicle and any actit'ity connected therewith or those whose collectiye output of the sdid drticle constitlrtes a major proportion of the total domestic production of that article except when such producers are related to the exporters or importers of the alleged dumped article or are themselves importers thereof in suclt case the term 'domestic industry' may be construed as referring to the rest o.f the producers ". 23. The application was filed by M/s. Hinda'lco Industries Ltd., M/s Raviraj Foils Ltd. and M/s Jindal India Ltd. and was supported by M/s Creenberry Foils India Ltd, M/s PG Foils Ltd., M/s Alutech Packaging Pvt Ltd, M/s R S Foils Pr.t Ltd and M/s Shree Venkateshwara Electrocast. Further, there are a ferv other producers of the subject goods, apart from the applicants and supporters- 24. As per the Anti-dumping Rules, the Authority is required to examine whether (a) domestic producers expressly supporting the application acsount for more than twenty five percent of the total production of the like article by the domestic industry; and (b) the application is supported by those domestic producers whose coliective output constitute more than fifty percent ofthe total production ofthe like article produced by that portion of the domestic industry expressing either supporl for or opposition to the application. The applicants constitute 50.27o ofthe total dornestic production and with suppo(ers; applicants constitute 82.83% of the total Indian production. 25. The Authority considers that none of the applicants needs to be excluded from the scope of domestic industry since neither they have imported the subject goods from the subject countries during the period of investigation, nor are they related to any exporter or importer ofthe subject goods. The fact that Ravi Raj imported certain quantities ofthe subject goods in the previous anti-dumping investigation has no relevance in the present case because as per the facts established in the present case, Raviraj has not imported the subject goods from the subject countries during the period of investigation. 22
- As regards the contention that since Raviraj and Jindal are mere processors of the subject goods and they manufacture aluminium foil by merely downgauging Aluminium foil of higher micron. it is noted that as obserwed above, subject goods can be manufactured either through Ingot or through flat rolled product (FRP). A backwardly integrated producer manufactures the subject goods from the stage oflngot, like Hindalco is one such producer. Whereas subject goods can be manufactured from foil stock/FRP as well and Jindal and Raviraj manufactures the subject goods from foil stock. Foil stock is a distinct product from Aluminium foil and this gets established by the fact that Authority. at present, is undertaking a separate anti-dumping investigation concerning durnped imports of foil stock. Also, in the previous anti dumping investigation, where the scope of the subject goods was similar to the present investigation and the same applicant companies filed an anti dumping application. The Authority already treated the applicant companies as eligible domestic producers of the subject goods. Raviraj was excluded frorn the scope of the previous investigation on account that they imported certain quantities ofthe subject goods fiom the subject country during the period of investigation and that is not the case in the present investigation, thus there is no ground to exclude Raviraj from the scope of domestic industry or to treat Jindal and Raviraj as ineligible domestic producers.
- As regards the contention that the supporters have not filed the information in compliance rvith the Trade notice no 13/2018 dated 27.09.2O18, it is seen that all the supporters, post oral hearing filed information with regard to their production, sales, capacity and capacity utilisation. lt is noted in this regard that the applicant companies, even rvithout any support, account for major proportion. E. ISSUES OF CONFIDENTIALITY E.l Submissions made bv the domestic industrv
- The following submissions have been made by the domestic industry with regard to confidentiality: The questionnaire responses filed by the parties are grossly deficient and violates the norms of confidentiality. The opposing interested parties, i.e., the exporter, importer and users completely ignored the requirements set up for them in the trade notice l0/2018 dated 7th September 2018, and several users like Huhtamaki, Essel Propack, Paharpur 3P, Uflex etc. have not filled any details in any of the costing format, information regarding PUC, sa1es, cost, purchases, imports etc. The applicants are severely handicapped in advancing its arguments in view of excessive confidentiality that has been resorted by the responding exporters/producers. The non-confidential version ofthe response filed by the opposing interested parties do
23 28. The Authority after examining the information on record and submissions made by the interested parties has determined that M/s Hindalco, I\4/s Jindal lndia and M/s Raviraj Foil constitute "domestic industry" within the meaning ofRule 2 (b) and the application satisfies the criteria standing in terms of Rule 5 (3) ofthe Rules.
lv. vl IV not permit a reasonable understanding of the substance of the information filed on confidential basis. The trade notice cannot be selectively binding of the Domestic industry alone, but instead it is binding on all the parties irrespective of type of response being filed by them. Moreover, the domestic industry has given reasoning for not providing certain price information on actual basis and has duly provided non-confidential summary of the same to enable the other interested parties to understand the data. Domestic industry has declared al1 the necessary information and has claimed only sensitive information as confidential. The application was accompanied with confidentiality summary which explained the reason for claiming certain information confidential. NIP is one of the most sensitive infonnation. Also, the issue of non-disclosure of NIP has caused serious prejudice to the interested parties have already been settled by the CESTAT in its recent order in the matter of AIA Engineering vs Union of India. The DGTR had given guidelines to the parties to file and share non confidential version of submissions with the other parties through ernail to serve the purpose of"public fi1e". The interested parties ignored this guideline and failed to adhere to the stipulated time limit. It was only after the sending repeated mails and getting two extensions that the interested party finally shared the questionnaire responses. The domestic industry comprising ofthe 3 producers, Raviraj Foils, Hindalco Industries and Jindal lndia has not complied with the specific requirement in the Trade Notice No. l0/2018 dated 07.09.2018 and the reasoning given by the domestic industry that the reporting of actual figures as required under Trade Notice will lead to disclosure of business sensitive information to the domestic producers inter-se and to other interested parties questions the rationale of the Trade Notice itself. The domestic industry has also failed to provide non-confidential summaries that permit a reasonable understanding of the substance in the Petition, as required under Rule 7 of the AD Rules and Article 6.5 of the tfTO ADA. The methodology for arriving at the final non-injurious price for the domestic industry, compared with the landed value of imports to arrive at the injury margin is not disclosed, leaving alrbiguities on how the final non-injurious price was arrived at. The Authority may direct the domestic industry to provide information along with a non-confidential sunmary of the same as the information filed already is grossly deficient and its non-confidentiai version violates the requirements under Rule 7 ofthe Rules and Trade Notice No. 1/2013 (Dec. 09, 2013) issued by DG. The domestic Industry has also failed to comply with the confidentiality requirements- Despite request transaction wise import data has not been provided. The Authority should take note of the CESTAT Decision in Exotic D6cor Pl't. Ltd. vs Dssignated Authority. The production and sales volume of individual petitioners as well as other E,2 Submissions made by other intere$ted parties 30. The following submissions have been made by other interested parties with regard to confidentiality: 21
vll. Indian producers have been kept confidential, further, non-confidential disclosure of perfonnance indicators has not been made. The Authority should properly examine these confidentiality claims as per Honble Supreme Court decision in Sterlite Industries (lndia) Ltd. v. Designated Authority 2003 (158) E.L.T. 673 (S.C.). No confidential disclosure has been made on the performance parameters of the domestic industry and the same should be disclosed as per Sterlite Industries (lndia) Ltd. v. Designated Authority (2003 ( 158) E.L.T.673 (SC)) and Rule 7 of AD Rules. The domestic industry has no locus to raise the claim regarding excessive confidentiality of other interested parties, when its own confidentiality claims are excessive in nature- E.3 Eramination bt' rhe Aulhq$l 31. Various submissions have been made by the applicant as well as other interested parties during the course ofthe investigation with regard to confidentiality, to the extent considered relevant by the Authority, have been examined below. 32. With regard to confidentiality of information, Rule 7 of the Rules provides as follows: "Confdential Information: (1) Not**ithstanding an))thing contained in sub-rules (2), (3) and (7) ofnile 6, sub-nle (2) gfrule 12, sub-n e (4) of rule l5 and sub- nle (4) ofrule 17, the copies of applications received under sub-rule (l) of rule 5, or anlt other information provided to the designated authorit!^ on a confidential basis by any Party in the course of investigation, shall, upon the designated authoity being satisfed as to its confdentialitlt, be treated as such by it and no such information shall be disclosed to any other party vithout specific authorization of the party providing such inJbrmation. (2) The designated authority may require the parties providing information on confidential basis to furnish non-confidential summary thereof and if, in the opinion of a party providing such information, such information is not susceptible of summary, xtch party may submit to the designated authority a statement of redsons wh-v- nrmmarisation is not possible. (3) Non'ithstanding anythitrg contained in sub'n e (2), if the designated authori) is satisfied that the request .for confidentialitv is not h'arranted or tlrc supplier of the information is either unwilling to make the information public or to authorize its disclosure in a generalized or summary form, it may disregard such itormation. " 33. Information provided by the interested parties on confidential basis was examined with regard to sufficiency of the confidentiality claim. On being satisfied, the Authority has accepted the confidentiality claims wherever warranted and such information has been considered confidential and not disclosed to the other interested parties. Wherever possible, parties providing information on confidential basis were directed to provide sufficient non confidential version of the information filed on confidential basis. The Authority made available the non-confidential version of the evidence submitted by various interested parties through circulation of email. 25
F.l Suhmission made bv the Domestic Industn Imposition of duty will nol impact the demand supply gap. In fact the domestic industry has recently expanded capacity and there will other producers who will make expansion. The domestic capacity is sufficient to meet the demand of the country, thus there is no question of demand supply gap. The argument that no ADD should be recommended on PUC as domestic suppliers would increase the foil price disproportionately, lacks reasoning and logic. The industry was incurring losses earlier because of unfair imports. Imposition ofduty is likely to lead to some increase in selling price. It has not been established how the price increase has not followed the movement of input costs. The investigation has been initiated for price correction and for providing a level plalng field. The importers/use$ have unduly benefited themselves from dumped imports for a long period. The users should demonstrate how imposition ofduty is going to affect its prices and to what to extent. Without providing any reasoning or evidence, such claims should be rejected by the Authority. The users have not demonstrated how the ADD will impact them. The Annual report of Hindalco in not the true representative performance of the company in aluminum foil segrnent. The Chairman of the company speaks for the company as a whole. Similarly, the figures mentioned in the annual report represents company as a whole. Hindalco is a multi-product company, thus Hindalco's annual repod cannot be relied on the map the performance of the company. The companies have submitted their data before the Authority and it will be seen that the domestic industry has suffered material injury. The contention of the other interested parties that 'the move of the Indian companies including Hindalco, increasing the aluminium prices in line with intemational price movements is not justified' is not a justification for not taking action against dumped imports. There is no verifiable evidence put on record to show that the manufacturing process and technology of Hindalco and subject countries producers are different. Also, it is a well settled principle oflaw that the domestic induslry needs to be seen as it exists. The Hon'ble Tribunal in the matter of Nippon Zeon Co. Ltd uerrus Designated Authority held the same. Change in technology does not render the products as different as has been considered by the Authority in past several cases such Cold Rolled Flat products. The other interested parties are free to analyze import data and submit it before the authority. The Authority will in any case call its orvn imports and make due analysis in the findings. ll llt. I /. vl \ ll. vlll. 26 F, i\IISCELL.,\EOUS STiBIIISSIONS 34. The follorving rniscellaneous subrnissions have been made by domestic industry:
F,2 Submissions madc bt' other interested parties 35. The following miscellaneous submissions have been made by other interested pafiies: 1X x vl 11. 1ll. lV '11 The Authority has prima facie evidence regarding dumping and injury to domestic industry as per Para 15 of the Initiation Notification. However, the same is not 'sufficient evidence' in accordance with Rule 5(3) of the AD Rules. Moreover, the authority did not determine 'accuracy' and 'adequacy' ofinformation as per Article 5.3, Article 3.5 of AD Agreement and does not fulfil standards laid down by the WTO Panel in Mexico-Pipes and Tubes, US- Softwood Lumber from Canada, Cuatemala - Cernent II. Aluminium Foil is an eco-friendly altemative to plastic bags and imposition of AD Duty will further worsen the demand-supply gap for the subject goods. No ADD should be recommended on the PUC as domestic suppliers would increase the foil price disproportionately, impacting the users heavily. Last ADD imposed on China PR for foils between 5.5 micron to 80 microns resulted in domestic suppliers increasing price from Rs. 35 to Rs. 40 per kg, which was a substantial rise and users had to bear duties which such product was not available at adequate quantity and desired quality. Domestic industry is trying to block all competitive sources of procurement for user industries so that they can increase product costing and monopolize the market which would cause injury to flexible packaging industry in India. The information provided by the domestic industry with respect to sorting oftransaction wise imports data clariffing how the exclusion has been considered is not at all suffrcient. The contentions against Loften is not at all true and should be rejected by the Authority. It is contended that Loften group was founded in August 2000, in China and now they have expanded to Thailand. This is wrong. Loften Thailand has no ownership held by any Chinese entity and that was the case applicable even in the POI which alone is relevant- As per the domestic industry FRP and Aluminium foil are two different products because there is an ongoing investigation on FRP. This means that Hindalco is seeking protection on both, input material and frnished goods. The global caster technology is efficient and widely followed whereas Hindalco uses Hot Milling technology. Hindalco's incompetence cannot be used to burden the users \rlll. 27 Jindal has three manufacturing plants and one ofthem caught fire in September 2017 the plant was shut for a period from September to December 2017. During that period all the other plants were completely operational. Unforh.rnately, the domestic industry never got an opportunity to capture the market share emptied by Chinese imports. It was completely taken over by present set of subject countries. Detailed submission made in written submission is referred to and relied upon.
x tx xl. xl1 with additional duties. A product-wise production, total number of hours used and available should be examined. Authority must determine other factors as per Para (v) of Annexure II to AD Rules. One of the units of Jindal Ltd. was shut down for a considerable period due to fire, which led to considerable loss and this information has been suppressed. China's market share of90% in the base year has come dorvn to 50% and this gap has been filled-in by domestic industry. Further, petitioner's high price despite decline in metal prices indicates their dorninant position. Hindalco does not have the raw material i.e. foil stock to supply it to the downstream industries and when they themselves are importing due to capacity issue. There should be no restriction on imports for users also. An interested party Shanghai Shenhuo Alurrinium Foil Co., Ltd), which is a producer/exporter of subject goods has claimed that they have undergone a name change and is now referred as Shanghai Sunho Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd. They have also attached the requisite approval they have received for the same fiom the Chinese Authorities. 37. With regard to the submissions made by interssted parties that the domestic industry is trying to block all the competitive source of procurement and imposition of duty will lead to monopoly of the domestic industry, it is noted thal the purpose of the anti-dumping law is to create a level playing field for production and consumption of the goods in the Indian market by protecting domestic production of the goods against unfair trade practices of producers from other countries. lt is also noted that existence and sustainability of a domestic production base is important for general economic development which has to be protected against inj urious dumping. In any case, imposition of anti-dumping duties does not create a situation of monopoly as the imports from other suppliers including those from the subject courtries are not prevented from competing in the Indian market. However, the Authority has examined the cost and price behaviour of the domestic producets in this finding in an objective manner to arrive at the conclusion on injury and causal link to address the concems of the consumer industry. 39. With regard to unreliable data presented by the domestic industry, it is noted that none of the other interested parties have submitted analysed import data to show discrepancy in the F.3 Examination bv the Authori 36. The Authority has noted all the miscellaneous submissions by all other iaterested parties and has examined all aspects ofthe submissions. 38. With regard to the contention that imposition of dury will lead to disproportionate price increase of the subject goods, it is noted that the anti-dumping investigation has been initiated on the ground that the domestic industry is selling the subject goods below the cost ofsale due to presence ofdumped imports in the market, thus, in case duty is levied, it will only provide a fair priced market to the domestic industry where they can sell the subject good at least above the cost of sa1e.
import data filed by the domestic industry. Horvever, the Authority has called for the import
data and has analysed imports independently.
G. DETERNI INATION OF NORi\IAL VALUE. EXPORT PRICE AND DUNIPING
}I.\RGI
41. Under Section 9A(l )(c) of the Act, normal value in relation to an article means:
(i) the comparable pice, in the ordinary course qf trade, for the like article when
destined for consumption in the exporttng country or lerritory as determined in
accordance v'ith the rules made under sub-section (6): or
(ii) u'hen there are no sales of the like article in the ordinary course of trade in the
domestic market of the exporting country or territory, or when because of the
partiaidr market situcttion or low volume of the sales in the domestic market of the
exporting country or territory, such sales do not permit a proper comparison, tlre
normal value shall be either
(a) comparable representath'e price of the like article when exported from the
exporting country or teritory to an appropriate third co ntry as determined in
accordance with the rules made under sub-section (6); or
(b) the cost oJ' prodr.tction of the said drticle in the country of origin along with
reasonable additionfor administrative, selling and general costs, andfor profits,
as determined in accordance v'ith the rules made under sub-section (6):
Provided that in the case of import ofthe article from a country other than the country
of origin and u'here the article has been merely transhipped through the country of
export or such arttcle is not produced in the country of export or there is no
comparable price in the country ofexport, the normal value shall be determined with
reference to its price in the country of origin.
G.2
Subnrissions made the Domcstic Industn
42. The following are the submissions made by the domestic industry with regard to normal
value:
i.
The responding exporters must establish that the elements of costs referred for
determination of normal value are appropriately reflected in the records kept by such
exporters or producer under investigation. In the event ofnot appropriate match ofsuch
records, the Authority shall reject the claim ofindividual dumping margin.
ii.
The Authority should follow para 1 to 6 of Annexure I to the rules for determination of
normal value only if the responding Chinese are able to demonstrate that their costs and
prices can be adopted. The Authority should follow para 7 of Annexure I to the rules
for determination ofnormal value for Chinese producers.
29
40. The authority accepts to change name ofthe ofShanghai S[enhuo Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd,
to Shanghai Sunho Aluminium Foil Co., Zrd based on request received.
G.l Nornral Value
lIl.
I '.
'1
Vll
vlll
t.
\1.
The Domestic industry has not been able to gather information on prices of subject
goods in market economy third country and thus even constructed value in such third
market economy was not possible. Further, the domestic industry does not have any
information on export ofsubject goods from any market economy third country to other
country.
Normal value has been determined on the basis ofbest estimates ofcost ofproduction
ofsubject goods in the subject countries considering cost ofproduction in India along
with associated selling, general and administrative expenses, and reasonable profit.
The producer in Thailand has benefited from Chinese raw material, thus, domestic
selling prices or cost of production in these countries cannot be considered for
determination of normal value.
These prices does not represent comparable price in the ordinary course oftrade for the
like article. The Designated Authority is not bound to adopt the cost of production of
the exporter without satisfaction whether the same reasonably reflect the cost associated
with production and sale of the product under corrsideration.
The reference has been made to the findings issued in "Rubber Chemicals viz. MBT
CBS TDQ PVI and TMT imports fiom China and PX 13 6PPD from China and Korea
RP", wherein, the authority was of the opinion that since Korean producers were
exporting raw material fiom China at unfair prices, their cost records did not reasonably
reflect cost ofproduction and hence liable to be rejected.
The approach adopted by the Authority was upheld by the Hon'ble Tribunal [Kumho
Petrochernicals Co. Ltd. Vs. Designated Authonty, reported in2015 (322) E.L.T. 514
(Tri. - Del.)1, and was subsequently affinned by the Hon'ble Supreme Court as well
[Kumho Petrochernicals Co. Ltd. v. Designated Authority - 2016 (342) E.L.T. A48
(s.c.)1.
The other interested parties do not want the authority to use higher ratio in the
determination of the constructed normal value. The applicants content that the
Authority may consider the practice being follorved by the DGTR in determining the
constructed normal value. The applicants do not have any further comments on this.
The sole obligation on the Designated Authority is to determine individual dumping
margin and not individual normal value. This has been confirmed by WTO in US-Japan
Hot Rolled products and also by the Indian Supreme Court in the matter relating to
certain catalysts and thereafter in the matter relatiltg to PTA.
Provisions relating to determination of SGA and profit under Annexure-l clearly
provide that SGA and profit can be determined on the basis of information relating to
other producer from the same country in ce(ain situations. This establishes that the
constructed normal value is not always solely based on the data pertaining to the
producer concemed. Such being the case, it cannot be said that the normal value can
only be determined on the basis of data of the company concemed.
Cost of production of the Thailand producers cost of production is likely to not be
representative of the cost of the subject goods in normal market scenario. The import
price of FRP which is a key raw material is significantly cheap thus the cot will not
reasonable reflect the cost associated with the products in terms ofAD Rules. In such
xll
30
- The following submissions were made by other interested parties with regard to normal value: Iu. The Normal Value calculation method submitted by the domestic industry is legally untenable. Reference was made to a recent sunset revierv conc nning "Front Axle Beam and Steering Knuckles meant for heayt and medittm Commercial t'ehicles " oignating in or exported from China PR. The ratio of profit for the main aluminium rolled producers is at 5% or lower in 2019 and 2020 and the authority should not use a higher ratio in the determination of the constructed normal value. All the related entities in the Dingsheng Group, both from China PR and Thailand, namely, producers/exporters who are involved in export of the product under consideration have filed a response. The Respondents have also provided sufficient details of export price and dumping margin in their questionnaire response. The companies in the Dingsheng Group identified by the domestic industry on the basis of USITC investigation concerned Aluminium Foil of less than 5.5 micron, further, the value chain ofthese products to USA are not identicai to that oflndia. Related entities that are not producing aluminiurn foil in China PR but other aluminium products are not required to participate in the anti-dumping investigation conceming aluminium foil. The domestic industry's argument to reject cost ofproduction of producers/exporter in Thailand on the ground that certain raw materials are being sourced from China PR is contrary to Para. I o.f Annexure I of the Anti-Dumping Rules. The domestic industry is considered as a producer of the PUC when it is producing subject product from foil stock, similarly producers/exporters from subject countries should also be treated as producers/exporters and normal value should be determined based on the prices or costs as recorded in the books of cooperating exporters. India has no legal basis under the agreements of the WTO to calculate normal value in anti-dumping investigation of products from China using the non-market economy '11 3l a situation, the Authority may, upon verification, reject the cost ofraw material for the determination of normal value as the raw material prices are distorted. xiii. None of the exporter/producer have denied the fact of dumping. Dumping rnargin claimed for the subject countries is on the facts available. The other interested parties may provide accurate and reliable information in this regard. xiv. The Authority may kindly check the sufficiency of information provided by the exporters and completion ofvalue chain while determining the normal value and export price for the responding exporters. In the event of incomplete value chain and incomplete information by the exporters/producers, the Authority is requested to reject the information provided by them and use the facts available. The dumping margin calculated by the domestic industry shows that there is significant dumping of the subject goods. G.-l Submissions made bv other interested partics
vlll.
lx.
xl.
xt l.
\ill.
xl.
xv.
x\l
xvll.
xVlll.
methodology. Any such action by India would be inconsistent with the requirements of
the Agreement on Implementation of Article Vl of the GATT.
While constructing the normal value the Authority accepted the petitioners'
computation based on the last option without exhausting the first two options of Para
7 ofAnnexure I oJ'the AD Rules because the relevant information is not available with
the petitioners.
Authority may not use surrogate country methodology in calculating normal value,
regardless ofwhether China is treated as a market economy due to the principle ofpacto
nmt senanda, Section 15 of China's Accession Protocol to WTO and Appellate Body
Report on EC- Fasteners initiated by China PR.
China should not be treated as a non-market economy as per China's accession protocol
to WTO, the same was also confirmed by the WTO appellate body in "EC-Fasteners".
US and EU in their respective bilateral agreement with China had also noted about the
expiry of non-market economy status after l5 years after China enters WTO.
Authority may determine normal value on the basis of normal value of producers and
exporters in the countries ol exports and reject the contention of determining normal
value based on India's cost of production as the petitioners themselves import from
subject countries.
The Normal value estimated by the domestic industry is inflated and exaggerated and
this is to disregard appropriate prices of raw materials and intemational pricing
standards. The domestic industry failed to take in to consideration LME prices for
Aluminium ingots, which is a globally accepted standard.
Loften did not purchase any Raw material from its related parties. All purchases ofraw
materials have been made liom unrelated parties. Only about 60% exports have been
to India and it cannot be said that its manufacturing only for India.
The Authority was requeste<i to seek from the domestic industry data of their export
prices in POI which can be compared to the domestic process offered by them in the
same period to lndian buyers as they have been exporting at a much lower price.
The dumping margin estimates of the domestic industry are inflated by approx. 10%
and durnping margin of 30 - 45% claimed in the petition for China PR and Thailand is
exaggerated.
The determination of dumping should solely be on data supplied by the cooperating
producers, as domestic industry is taking advantage by (a) importing sheet coils above
200 microns and only rolling to produce PUC; (b) blocking the import of foil by de-
linking it to metal (raw material) exchange price by taking recourse to anti-dumping
duties.
Individual margin should be determined for the exporter based on the response filed by
them.
The calculation of dumping margin is misleading as petitioner has calculated a too high
and unrealistic dumping margin. The normal offer from suppliers comes to USD2550
which has been stated to be USD3000-4000, which is simply not possible.
G.-1
Eraminati on
the Authoritv
):
l. ii. ii i. iv. vi. vii. lWs Loften (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Thailand M/s Jiangsu Dingsheng New Materials Joint Stock Co. Ltd., China PR M/s Dingsharg Aluminium Industries (Hongkong) Trading Co. Ltd. M/s Hangzhou Dingsheng lmport and Export Co. Ltd., China PR M/s Hangzhou Five Star Aluminium Co. Ltd., China PR M/s Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foils Co. Ltd. M/s Kunshan Aluminium Co M/s Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co. Ltd. China PR NVs Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co. (HK) Ltd M/s Shangqiu Yangguang Aluminium Materials Co., Ltd. M/s Varopakom Public Co., Ltd Nil/s Dingheng New Materials Co., Ltd, Thailand M/s Thai Ding Li Nerv Materials Co., Ltd, Thailand v111. ix. x. xi. xii. Nlarket Economv status for Chincse producers 45. Article I 5 of China's Accession Protocol in WTO provides as follows: "A(icle VI of the GATT 1994, the Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tarilfs and Trade 1994 ("Anti-Dumping Agreement") and the SCM Agreement shall apply in proceedings involving imports of Chinese origin into a WTO Member consistent with the following: "a) In determining price comparabilitlt under Article W of the GATT 1994 and the Anti-Dumping Agreement, the importing WTO Member shall use either Chinese prices or costs for the industry under investigation or a methodologl tltat is not based on a strict comparison with domestic prices or costs in China based on the following ntles: O If the producers under inlestigation can clearly shou'that my conditions prevail in the industry producing the like product v,ith regard to the manufacture, production and sale of tltat product, the importing WTO Member shall use Chinese prices or costs for the industry under investigation in determining price comparability ; (iil The importing WTO Member may use a methodologt that is not based on a strict comparison v'ith domestic prices or costs in China if the prohrcers under investigation cannot clearly show that market economy conditions prevail in the industry producing the like product tlith regdrd to manufacture, production and sale of that product. b) In proceedings under Parts II, III and V of the SCM Agreement, v'hen addressing subsidies described in Articles l4(a), 14(b), 14(c) ancl 14(d), relet ant protisions of the SCM Agreement shall apply; hou'ever, if there are special J-) 44. The Authority had sent questionnaire to the know producer/exporters from the subject countries, advising them to provide infonnation in the form and manner prescribed by the Authority. The following producers/exporters have co-operated in the investigation by filing the prescribed questionnaire responses:
- Accordingly, the normal value and export price for all the producers/exporters from China PR have been determined as below. I. China PR a. Determination of normal value for China PR
- As none of the producers from China PR has filed the supplementary questionnarre response for market economy treatment, the normal value has been determined in accordance with para 7 ofAnnexure I ofthe Rules. In the absence ofsufficient information on record regarding the other methods enshrined inParaT of Amexure I of the Rules, the Authority has determined the normal value by considering the method on "any other reasonable basis".
- The Authority has therefore, constructed the normal value for China PR on the basis of cost ofproduction in India, duly adjusted, including selling, general and administrative expenses and additional of reasonable profits. 'The constricted normal value so determined for Chinese producers/exporters is mentioned in the dumping margin table be'low. 3.+ dfficulties in that dpplicatiotx, the importing WO Member may then use methodologies for identifying and measuring the sttbsidy benefit which take into account the possibility that prevailing terms and conditions in China may not ahwys be available as appropriate benchmarks. In applying such methodologies, where practicable, the importing WO Member shodd adjust such pretailing terms and conditions before considering the use of terms and conditions prevailing ofis ide China. c) The importing WO Metnber shall notify methodologies used in accordance with stbparagraph (a) to the Committee on Anti-Dumping Practices and shall notifv methodologies used in accordance v'ith subparagraph (b) to the Committee on Subsidies and Counten'ailing Measures. d) Once China has established, under the national law of the importing II'TO Member, that it is a market economy, the provisions of subparagraph (a) shall be terminated provided that the importing Member's national lau' contains market economy criteria as ofthe date ofaccession. In any erent, the provisions of subparagraph (a)(ii) shall expire 15 years after the date of accession. In addition, should China establish, pursuant to the national ldw of the importing WO Member, that market economy conditions prevail in a particular indttstry or sector, the non-market economy proisions of subparagraph (a) shall no longer apply to that indu.stry or sector."
- It is noted that while, the provisions contained in Article l5(a)(ii) have expired on 11.12.2016, the provisions under Article2.2..1 of the WTO read with obligation under 15 (a) (i) of the Accession protocol require criterion stipulated in para 8 of the Annexure I of the India's Rules to be satisfied through the information/data to be provided in the supplementary questionnaire on claiming the market econorny status. It is noted that since neither of the responding producer and the exporter frorn China PR have submitted supplementary questionnaire response, the normal value computation is required to be done as per provision of para 7 of Annexure I of the Rules.
b. Determination of export price i{/s Jiangsu Zhongii Lamination Nlaterials Co., Ltd. 50. M/s Jiangsu Zhongii Lamination Materia'ls Co., Ltd. is a producer of the subject goods in China PR and has exported the subject goods directly to unrelated customers in lndia and also through its related trading company M/s Jiangsu Zhongli Lamination Materials Co., (HK) Limited. M/s Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co., Ltd and M/s Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co., (HK) Limited have provided the relevant information in the prescribed exporters questionnaire format. 51. It is noted that during the POI, M/s Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co., Ltd. has exported *** MT of subject goods directly to unrelated customers in India and + MT through Mis Jiangsu Zhongii Lamination Materials Co., (HK) Limited to unrelated customers in India. The companies have claimed adjustments on accounts ofocean freight, insurance, inland transportation, port and other related expenses, sales commission, bank charges and credit cost which have been allowed by the Authority. Further, it is noted that M/s Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co., (HK) Limited has exported the subject goods to India at a loss. Accordingly, loss incurred by M/s Jiangsu Zhongii Lamination Materials Co., (HK) Limited has been adjusted by the Authority while calculating the ex- factory export price. The ex-factory export price as determined is given in the dumping margin table. lt. M/s Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foils Co. Ltd. (Norv Knorvn as Shanghai Sunho Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd w.e.f. 19.05.2021) 52. M/s Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd. is a producer of the subject goods in China PR and has exported the subject goods directly to unrelated customers in India. It is noted that the company has exported the subject goods to India manufactured by itselfand also purchased from a related trader M/s Shangqiu Yangguang Aluminium Materials Co., Ltd who in tum has purchased the subject goods from an unrelated Chinese producer. It is also noted that some minor quantities have also been exported by M/s Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd. purchased from unrelated producers in China PR. The unrelated Chinese producers whose goods have been exported to India by M/s Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd. have not filed exporter questionnaire response. Therefore, Authority has taken only those expofi transactions to lndia which are manufactured by M/s Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd. for determinilg the ex-factory export price and landed value. M/s Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd and M/s Shangqiu Yangguang Aluminium Materials Co., Ltd have provided the relevant information in the prescribed exporters questionnaire format. 53. It is noted that during the POI, M/s Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium foil Co., Ltd. has produced and exported :t** MT of subject goods directly to unrelated customers in India. The responding producer/exporter has claimed adjustments on accounts of ocean fieight, insurance, inland transportation, port and other related expenses and credit cost which have 35 1.
been allowed by the Authority. The ex-factory export price as determined is given in the dumping margi-n table. iii. t{/s Jianssu Dinsshenq Nerv l\laterials Joint-Stock Co Ltd & !!/s Hanszhou Five Star Alurniniuxsla I-td 54. M/s Jiangsu Dingsheng New Materials Joint-Stock Co Ltd ("Jiangsu Dingsheng") and M/s Hangzhou Five Star Aluminium Co Ltd ("Hangzhou Five Star") are related companies engaged in manufacturing of the subject goods in China PR. Jiangsu Dingsheng and Hangzhou Five Star have exported the subject goods directly to lndia and also through related trading companies, M/s Hangzhou Dingsheng Import & Export Co., Ltd ("Dingsheng I&E") and M/s Dingsheng Aluminium hrdustries (Hongkong) Trading Co., Limited ("Dingsheng HK"). All the 4 companies, narnely, Jiangsu Dingsheng, Hangzhou Five Star. Dingsheng I&E and Dingsheng HK have provided the relevant information in the prescribed exporters questionnaire format. 55. It is noted that during the POI, M/s Jiangsu Dingsheng has produced and exported *** MT ofsubject goods directly to unrelated customers in India arrd 1'** M'I has been exported to India through related exporters. It is further noted that during the POI, M/s Hangzhou Five Star has produced and exported {<xx MT to India tluough related exporters. All these exports were made to unrelated customers in India. The responding producers/exporters have claimed adjustments on accounts of ocean fieight. insurance, inland transportation, port and other related expenses, sales commission, bank charges and credit cost rvhich have been allowed by the Authority. The ex-factory export price as detemined is given in the dumping margin table. iv. NI/s Kunshan Aluminium Co. Ltd. China PR 56. M/s Kunshan Aluminium Co.Ltd is producer of the subject goods. Dunng the POI lvt/s Kunshan has exported *** N{T subject goods directll'to unrelated customer in lndia. The producer/ exportff has claimed the adjustrnent on accounts of ocean freight, insurance, inland tansportation, port and other related expenses, bank charges and credit cost which have been allowed by the Authority. The ex-factory export price as determined is given in the dumping margin table. NI/s Jiangsu Fengvuan Aluminum NIstar l-engvuan Technologv Co., Ltd. 57. Nf/s Jiangsu Fengyuan Aluminum Mstar Fengyuan Technology Co., Ltd., is the producer and exporter of subject goods. The company has exported subject goods directly as well as through its related company namely Peixian Fengyuan Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd., China PR. During POl, Jiangsu Fengluan Aluminum Mstar Fengluan Technology Co., Ltd., has directly exported x MT of PUC to India, out of which Jiangsu Fengyran Aluminum Mstar Fengyuan Technology Co., Ltd.. has sourced *** MT and '* MT fiom two different unrelated producers/suppliers namely Shanghai Sitan Aluminum Co., Ltd., and Longxi Northwest Aluminum Industry Co.. Ltd., China PR respectively and rest was 36
produced by itself. Since Shanghai Sitan Aluminum co., Ltd., and Longxi Northwest Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd., china PR, have not filed their exporters questionnaire response with the DGTR, the same quantity has not been considered to workout ex-factory export price, which constitute only **+ Yo of total exports to India by Jiangsu Fengyuan Aluminum Mstar Fengyuan Technology Co., Ltd. 58. Jiangsu Fengyuan Aluminum Mstar Fengyuan Technology co., Ltd., has also exported *** MT ofPUC to lndia indirectly through one related trader namely Peixian Fengyuan Import and Export Trade Co', Ltd., China PR, out of which Peixian Fengyuan Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd., China PR has directly exported t MT of PUC to India and ''+ MT of PUC to India indirectly through another unrelated trader namely Trade Partners Pte, Singapore. Since Trade Partners Pte, Singapore has not filed its exporter's questionnaire responsewiththeDGTR.Hencethesamequantityhasnotbeenconsideredtoworkoutex- factory export price, which constitute only *** o/o of total exports to lndia by Jiangsu Fengyuan Aluminum Mstar Fengyuan Technology co., Ltd. It has been observed that the related trader has incurred a loss of +%o and reported the same in relevant appendices' while arriving at ex-factory export price, impact ofsuch loss has been duly considered. 59. Jiangsu Fengyuan Aluminum Mstar Fengyuan Technology Co', Ltd', China PR' has claimed adjustments on account ofocean freight, insurance, inland transportation, port and other related expenses, credit cost and any other expenses. Accordingly, the net export price at ex-factory level for Jiangsu Fengyuan Aluminum Mstar Fengyuan Technology co., Ltd., has been determined and same is shown in Dumping Margin table below' Normal Valuc 60.VaropakomPublicCompanyLimited,hasprovidedinformationpertainingtotheirSales and cost of production in the exporter's questionnaire. It is noted from the response that during the Pol the company has sold + MT of PUC in domestic market and exported + MT ofto India. Since, domestic sales are less than 5 % ofexport to India, it does not satisry sufficiencytestfordeterminationofnormalvalue.ThereiSnoexportofPUC.Therefore the normal value is determined in terms of Section 9A(c)(ii)(b)' Accordingly, normal valuedeterminedforM/s.VaropakornPublicCompanyLimited(Thailand)ismentioned in the dumping margin table below. Export price 6l.lt is noted that the producer has exported +:r MT of subject goods directly to unrelated partyintndiaduringPot.Theexporter/producerhasclaimedadjustmenttowardsocean Freight, lnsurance, Port handling and other charges, Inland freight, Credit cost' banking 37 Il. Thailand i. M/s Varonakorn Public Companv Limited. Thailand'
charges and packaging cost to arrive at ex-factory export price.'l'hus the dunrping margin for export price has been worked out as mentioned in the dumping margin table. ii. M/s Loften (Thailand) Co., Ltd Normal Value Accordingly, normal value determined for M/s. Loften (Thailand) Co. Ltd (Thailand) is mentioned in the dumping margin table below. Export price 63. [t is noted that during the POl, the producer has exported i** MT ofsubject goods directly to unrelated party in lndia. The exporter/producer has claimed adjustment towards Ocean Freight, Insurance, Port handling and other charges, Inland freight. Credit cost. banking charges and packaging cost to arrive at ex-factory export price. Thus the dumping margin for export price has been worked out as mentioned in the dumping rnargin table. M,/s Dingheng New Materials Co., Ltd, Thailand and M/s Thai Ding Li New Materials Co., Ltd, Thailand Normal Value 64. Ntl/s Thai Ding Li New Materials Co., Ltd. ("TDL") and Dingheng New Materials Co., Ltd. ("Dingheng Thailand") are related producers of subject goods in Thailand. Both the companies have provided the relevant information in the prescribed exporters questionnaire format. It is noted from the response that TDL has sold very small quantity (*** MT) of the subject goods directly to unrelated customers in the domestic market. The sales made by TDL in the domestic market are less than I % oftotal exports to lndia and accordingly do not satisfo the sufficiency test for determination of normal value. Therefore, Authority has not considered these domestic sales for determ ination of normal value. 62. M/s Loften (Thailand) Co., Ltd, has provided information in the prescribed exporter's questionnaire format. The PUC in the present case has a large number of grades nomenclature as PCNs. It is noted ftom the response that during the POI the company has not sold any quantity of subject goods in domestic market. The next available option for determination on normal value in terms ofthe prescribed hierarchy is third country sales. However, given the factual matrix where the product has several grades it is not feasible to identifu single country which could be appropriate for all PCNs. Keeping in view the aforesaid challenge and limited data provided by the exporter the normal value was determined in terms of Section 9A(c)(ii)(b) which is as under: "(b) the cost of production of the said article in lhe country of origin along with reasonable addition Jbr administative, selling and general costs, and for proJits, as determined in accordance with the rules made under sub-section(6). " Itl. 38
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It is noted {iom the response that Dingheng Thailand has not made any sales of subject goods in the domestic market during the POI.
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It is also noted that both the companies have purchased the raw material (Aluminum Coil/Foil Stock) from their related company in China PR. Accordingly, the Authority has determined normal value for both the companies based on (a) LME prices of raw material (b) conversion cost and SGA ofrespective producer and (c) reasonable profit margin. The ex-factory normal value so determined has been mentioned in the dumping margin table below. Export Price
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During the POI, TDL has exported the subject goods to unrelated customers in India directly and also through Dingheng Thailand. TDL has exported *** MT ofsubject goods directly to unrelated customers in India and *** MT through Dingheng Thailand. Dingheng Thailand has exported *** MT of subject goods directly to unrelated customers in India.
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TDL and Dingheng Thailand have claimed adjustments on account of ocean fieight, insurance, inland fieight, port and other related expenses, quality discount, misc expenses, credit cost and bank charges. The ex-factory export price as determined for both the companies is given in the dumping margin table. Determination of normal value for all the non-cooperative producers from China and Thailand
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Normal Value for non-cooperative producers/exporters from China and Thailand has been determined on the basis of facts available in terms of Rule 6(8) of the Rules. The normal value so determined is mentioned in the dumping margin table below: Determination of erport price for all the non-cooDerative Droducers from China and Thailand
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The export price for other non-cooperative producers / exporters from China and Thailand have been determined on the bas'is offacts available in terms of Rule 6(8) ofthe Rules. The export price so determined is mentioned in the dumping rnargin table below: Determination of normal value for Indonesia
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The Authority notes that none of the producers/exporters from Indonesia has participated in the present investigation. For the non-cooperative producers/exporters, the Authority has determined normal value at ex-factory level on the basis offacts available. 39 IIL Indonesia Determination of erport price for Indonesia
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ln the absence of cooperation by any producer of Indonesia, the Authority has determined the net export price based on the transaction wise DGCI&S import data after making appropriate adjustment on account ofocean freight, insurance, commission, port expenses and inland freight charges to arrive at net export price at ex-factory level. Accordingly, the net export price at ex-factory level at exports from Indonesia has been calculated. I'. Nlalavsia
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The Authority notes that none ofthe producers/exporters lrom Malaysia has participated in the present investigation. For the non-cooperative producers/exporters, the Authority has determined nonnal value at ex-factory 1evel on the basis offacts available. Determination of export price for N{alavsia
In the absence of cooperation by any producer of Malaysia, the Authority has determined the net export price based on the transaction wise DGCI&S import data after making appropriate adjustment on account ofocean freight, insurance, commission, port expenses and inland {ieight charges to arrive at net export price at ex-factory level. Accordingly, the net export price at ex-factory level at exports fiom Malaysia has been calculated. Dumping Margin G.1 75. Considering the normal values and export prices detenr.rined as above, the dumping margin for producers/exporters from the subject countries has been determined by the Authority and the same is provided in the table below: Dumpinq Marqin Table Sr No Country Producer CNV I]SD/NIT D}I DNI% Range China M/s Jiangsu Zhongi Lamination Materials Co., Ltd 20-30 2 China M/s Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foils Co. Ltd. (Now Known as Shanghai Sunho Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd w.e.f. 1e.0s.2021) 20-30 China M/s Jiangsu Dingsheng New 20-30 40 Dctermination of normal value for Nlalarsia NEP USD/IVIT 1
Materials Joint- Stock Co., Ltd. 4 China M/s Hangzhou Five Star Aluminium Co. Ltd. 20-30 5 China M./s Jiangsu Fengluan Aluminium Mstar Technology Co., Ltd., 6 China M/s Kunshan Aluminium Co., Ltd. 20-30 7 China All Others 40-50 E Thailand Thai Ding Li Ner.v Materials Co., Ltd. 0-10 9 Thailand Dingheng New Materials Co., Ltd 0-10 t0 Thailand M/s Loften (Thailand) Co. Ltd 0- l0 l1 Thailand M/s Varopakorn Public Company Limited 0-10 12 Thailand All Others 10-20 13 Malaysia 30-40 14 lndonesia All Others r 0-20 H. NIETHODOLOGY FOR INJURY DETERNIINATION AND EXANIINATION OF INJURY AND CAUSAL LINK 76. Rule 1l of the Rules read with Annexure II provides that an injury determination shall involve examination of factors that may indicate injury to the domestic industry, " ... taking into account all relevant.facts, including the volume of fumped imports, their efibct on prices in the domestic marketfor like articles and the consequent e.ffect of such imports on domestic producers ofsuch articles... ". In considering the effect ofthe dumped imports on prices, it is considered necessary to examine whether there has been a significant price undercutting by the dumped imports as compared with the price of the like article in India, or whether the effect of such imports is otherwise to depress prices to a significant degree or prevent price increases, which otherwise would have occurred, to a significant degree. H.l Submissions made by Domestic Industry 77 . The following submissions were made by the domestic industry with regard to injury and causal link: i. The Indian industry has sufficient capacity to cater to the demand in India. There is no requirement of imports into lndia to that extent. Despite increase in demand the 4t 20-30 All Others
11, 1lt. 1V \l vll. v1t1. ix. xl xii domestic industry has not been able to utilize its capacity to the optirnum level This clearly indicates that the Indian users/importers are inclined towards imports because of low price and not because of non-availability of goods with the domestic industry.lt is a settled position of law that demand supply gap does not justify dumping. The applicant refers and relies on DSM Idemitsu Limited versus Desigrrated Authority. The imports {iom subject countries increased sigrrificantly to the tune of almost 2500%o througlrout the injury period fiom 1858 MT in the base year to 46,907 MT in the POI' lmports have also increased in relation to production and consumption. This increase is also characterised by the imposition of anti-dumping duty in imporls of the subject goods from China PR. During the POI 5l% of the total subject imports was of Aluminium Foil of less than 5.5 microns and amounted to 23,953 MT out of 46,907 MT of Aluminium Foil imports. This is the precise reason why duty should be imposed against this product from China. The imports from subject countries are significantly undercutting and depressing the prices of the domestic industry. The capacity, production, capacity utilisation of the domestic industry has increased over the injury period. The increase in production is lower than increase in capacity because of market captured by dumped imports fiom subject countries. The domestic industry has increased its capacity in line with the increase in demand for the subject goods in country. Capacity expansion by the domestic industry is a step towards a fair competition and fulfilling the demand of the Indian market. Production of the domestic industry did not increase as much as the capacity increased. The domestic industry was able to increase it's sale because they did not increase the price to the extent of increase in cost, due to presence of dumped irnports. This led to significant financial losses to the domestic industry. There is a clear causal link between the dumped imports and the injury being suffered by the domestic industry. The market share ofthe dornestic industry increased slightly by 3% only, whereas, same for the subject countries increaseri by 29% fiorn base year to the POI. This market share after imposition of duty on Chinese imports should have reached a level of 82%, however, the same remains al460/o in the POI due to dumped imports. The inventories with the domeslic industry almost doubled in the POI from base year. The profitability, PBIT, ROI increased initially thereafter declined significantly to negative values in the POI. Performance of the domestic industry shows a deterioration even if interest and depreciation cost is considered at the same level as in the past. Thus increase in depreciation cost, if any has no impact on the injury being suffered by the domestic industry and injury is solely account ofdumped imports from the subject countries. The dumping and injury margin for the subject countries is signihcant. Authority is obliged to examine other factors and segregate injury caused by dumped imports and by other factors, the industry by way of NIP law also ranoves any inefficiencies or non ideal situation of the domestic industry while determining NIP and consequently the injury margin which is relevant for the quantification ofduties. Imports has shifted to Thailand, dumping has largely shifted from China to other countries, leading to continued injury to the domestic 'industry despite antidumping measure in force. Further, even China shifted dumping of aluminum foil of above 5.5 x xl1t.
xlv. xv xvl. xVll xvl11. xlx. xxl. xxll xx micron to imports of 5.5. rricron and below. Thus, shifting imports from China is not "other factor" but one of the factor causing injury to the domestic industry. The interested parties arguments on domestic country not having sufficient capacity is contradictory. Some ofthey are ofan opinion that domestic industry has suffered injury due to capacity expansion and others say the domestic industry has not added capacities at a1l. Upon comparing the capacities of the domestic industry with the previous investigation, it will be seen that the domestic industry has increased the capacity in line with the increase in demand. The increase in demand for below 5.5 micron is not a genuine increase in demand. It is shift in requirernent to take undue advantage of the product at dumped prices. Duty imposed on above 5.5 micron led to massive increase in imports below 5.5. micron from China. Further, demand for a particular good does not justifu dumping. There is no evidence by interested parties ofplacing orders to the domestic producer which was declined. In a case where dumping has shifted to new sources after imposition ofduty on other sources, it is most logical that the situation of domestic industry would show some improvement as a result of anti-dumping duty in force. Article 3(5) European Commission Regulation specifically considers this as a factor showing injury. The European Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of polyester staple fibres originating in Belarus, wherein anti-dumping duties were already in place against other countries. The EC conducted the injury analysis keeping the fact of existence of antidumping duty in place in against other sources. The fact that of domestic industry is recovering, in fact, shows the irrpact of dumping on the domestic industry. The other factors listed by the interested parties have not been established by the interested parties. The lockdown period began on 23rd March and the plant shut down during the POI was hardly for a week. In-fact some of the domestic producers did not even completely shut down its plant. The WTO Panel Report in the matter of Thailand Anti-Dumping Duties on Angles, Shapes and Sections of Iron or Non-Alloy Steel And H-Beams from Poland observed that existence of other factors causing injury should be such that vitiates or breaks the causal link between dumping from subject country and injury to the domestic industry so as to conclude no injury on account of dumped imports fiom subject country. The law does not warrant a determination that dumping should be the sole cause. The issue of inverted duty is irrelevant. A party cannot demand its survival on the strength of dumped imports. Hindalco has reported profit for company as a whole it cannot be considered for the subject goods. In order to be excluded as subject country the share of import should be 3% or below, import share of Malaysia is 3.17o, hence cannot be excluded as subject country. The applicants have provided the import sunmary. The interested parties are fiee to procure imports and make analysis and provide quantifiable evidence to the Authority enabling the Authority to make a reasoned decision. xxll1 +-)
H.2 78. 1l 111. I '. v vlll. x. vl Submissions made bt' oth€r interested parfY The following submissions were made by other interested parties with regard to injury and causal link: No injury to the domestic industry, ifthere is any injury, that is selfinflicted, cannot be attributed to imports. Total imports of Aluminium foil between 5.5 rnicron to 80 micron has declined by 37,567 MT in the POI as compared to the base year. The total imports fiom subject countries have declined from 75,002 MT in20l6-17 to 64,123 MT in the POI. The claims regarding increase in imports is based on the import of Aluminium foil below 5.5 microns. Out of total subject imports of 49,365 MT in the POI, imports of 24,302 MT is ofAluminium Foil at less than 5.5 micron i.e. approximately 50% of total subject imports in the POI was of Aluminium Foil of less than 5.5 micron. The capacity ofthe domestic industry increased 30% during the POI, the production of DI increased significantly during the POI, capacity utilization ofthe domestic industry increased every year, domestic industry recorded 40%o in the number of employees during the POI which also increased its productivity/day. The market share of petitioners and supporters also shows a positive trend during the POI which do not establish any material injury. The Authority should investigation circumvention rather than {iesh anti-dumping investigation conceming irrports of subject goods fiom Thailand as suggested by the facts stated in the petition. The pattern of imports frorn China to Thailand is on account of circumvention of duty by entities namely Ding Sheng Group and Loften lndustrial Co., Ltd. The Authority should examine the volume and value of imports from these cornpanies fiom China and Thailand. Domestic industry neither claims any causal link nor placed in evidence in this respect which shows or alleges that there is any uraterial injury or threat of rraterial injury by the import of color coated aluminium foil fiom srrbject country. The importers were forced to import the instant product into India during the POI due to unavailability ofthe same domestically. The domestic industry cannot claim to suffer any injury from such imports. Performance of the domestic industry irnproved post imposition on ADD on Cl-rinese imports. There is no need tbr flu1her protection of domestic industry. There is an absence ofcausal link between dumped imports and injury to the Domestic Industry. Injury caused to the Domestic Industry, if any, is attributable to other factors like trade war, economic slowdown and worldwide decrease in aluminium consumption coupled with increased cost ofraw materials. There is no causal link between alleged dumping aild injury claimed as the industry produced the product as per their choice leading and it cannot claim injury thereafter as supply led to a large demand-supply gap and a range of quality issues in India. The domestic industry did not suffer from any injury in real terms and the claims ofcausal !ink are unsubstantiated. In order to evaluate the causal link, the Authority should refer to the findings of the Director General (Safeguards) in the safeguards investigation on Cold Rolled Flat Products ofStainless Steel of400 Series, wherein, the Aufhority categorically held that x1 41
xl1.
xl11
xlv
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xv1
xvll.
xvl11.
xlx
X
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xxlv.
abnormallyhigh depreciation and finance charges were responsible for the losses to the
domestic industry as a result of which the causation analysis fails
There is a wide gap between capacity and demand due to which imports take place and
no capacity was added, even during the profit period. Authority was requested to
evaluate the gap based on the petitioner's capacity only for injury examination as other
producers did not provide any data.
Highest production during POI rules out any decline in production and injury. Further,
new capacity was added during POI but it was only miniscule and would take tirne to
stabilise and this increase in production in real terms led to slight decline in percentage
of capacity utilization.
The market has been robust as share of Indian producers, including the petitioners,
increased fiom 39% to 48% which is a huge increase.
The market share of domestic industry has increased from 20.1%o rn 2016-17 to 23.7o/o
in the POI. Market share of other supporting producers has increased from 9.3% in
2016-17 to 15.9% in the POI
Jindal and Raviraj cannot claim injury as they themselves import foil stock, which is
PUC at semi-finished stage, from subject countries and only do finishing work rvhich
involved rolling and slitting. Such process cannot be considered as any significant
manufacturing which should not be considered while examining injury.
Hindalco has registered huge profits of 7'7%o in the post POI period at overall level.
Annual Report of Hindalco showcases the healthy state oflndian foil manufacturing on
account of huge dernand and profits of 25 crore from sale of a particular foil
manufacturing unit. Hindalco incurred costs in closing foil plant overseas; but no
problem has been narratcd in the Chairman's message with respect to tbil business or
threat from dumping. No injury has been incur:red by the Indian foil manufacturing and
it does not need ADD protection.
Indian companies including Hindalco has increased aluminium price in line with
intemational price movements which is not justified as the users end up paying high
prices and never get the benefit of lo\l'er prices as ADD would be put in place.
Abnormally high depreciation costs and finance charges during the POI compared to
its previous years is the actual cause ofloss to the domestic industry and not imports.
Imports fiom Malaysia should be treated as de minimis as they constitute 3% of the
total imports and investigation against Malaysia should be dropped.
Imports from lndonesia have dropped significantly by more than 7070 from the previous
year, hence, transaction-wise import data needs to be provided.
The imports fiom Malaysia accounts for exact 3% of the total imports. Investigation
against Malaysia is in violation ofrules. Imports from Indonesia also accounts for only
4.13%, thus, claim regarding shift of dumping to these sources have no ground.
The domestic industry managed to maintain the same price levels despite decline in
prices of the Aluminium during the POI.
The cost of sales and selling price have moved in tandem during the POI upon
comparison with the base year.
The Authority should suo moto review the existing anti-dumping duty on China PR
conceming imports of Aluminium Foil.
XXV.
45
xx\rl xxvll. xxv111 xxlx xxx xxxl. xxxll xxxl11. xxxlv. xxxv. xxxvl The domestic industry was incurring losses when the imports were not undercutting the domestic prices in 2016-17 , the domestic industry was eaming substantial profit in 2017-18 and 2018-19, when the imports fiom the subject country started undercutting domestic selling prices. Total imports of aluminium foil between 5.5 rnicrons to 80 microns have declined by 27 ,172 MT in the POI as compared to the base year. Even after the increase in capacity ofthe petitioners, there is a substantia'l gap of91,856 MT between the total capacity of Petitioners and demand in the POI. Imposition of anti-dumping duty will put pressure on an already struggling domestic user industry. It will also further worsen the dernand-supply gap for the subject goods. There is no co-relation between price undercutting and profitability. When price undercutting has been negative, the DI was in losses; when price undercutting was positive. the Dl was in profits. Petitioners' profitability has been severely impacted due to significant increase in global prices of raw material to produce the FUC. The same has been admitted to by Hindalco in its Annual Report 2018-19. DI made losses in the base year, price undercutting from subject countries were negative. There after landed price of irrports increased from Rs202/Kg in the base year to Rs223/Kg in the POI but the DI turned into losses. Thus, the cause of losses claimed by the petitioners canflot be linked to landed price of imports in any manner. Capacity and capacity expansions as clairred by the petitioners must be collected by the Authority product wise and total claims of capacity have no meaning. Installed capacity as shown in the application has changed by 1500 MT only. Only to produce 5.5, micron the petitioners might need 67500 additional hours rvhich means almost 9 rolling millsand huge no of fumaces and slitting machines. Such investment is norvhere seen. Thus, the whole claim of capacity addition needs specific exatrination by the Authority. Imposition of ADD on alunrinium foil would lead to import of finished containers under HSN76l5 and there will be a situation of inve(ed duty. Such imports rvould attract a duty of 10% only whereas impofis of raw material would attract a 7.5% customs duty
- ADD additional. This levy is a serious concem ofthe SRC container producers using SRC foil. Authority was requested to call in type-wise production and sale ofHouse foil and SRC foil tbr the past 5 years, including POI, from all petitioners to evaluate their status as bona fide producers ofHouse Foil and SRC Foil as they have been hiding the real facts of their production and sale to rig the downstream market. The overall capacity to produce 5.5 micron is not comparable with House Foil or SRC foil capacity. Just stating overall capacity is not sufficient to gauge the realities ofcapacity and production, hence, a type wise production should be provided by the petitioners. The claim regarding source of dumping shifting from China to other subj ect countries is without basis. The imports of foil less than 5.5 micron are primarily due to consumer preference and technological upgradation in tandem with global demand. The machinery and technology used by the domestic producers are old and obsolete resulting in various quality issued with domestically produced foils. xxxvll. 46
)cXXVlll. xxxix. xl. The purpose of anti-dumping duty is to provide a price cushion to the domestic industry and domestic industry takes advantage ofthe same by increasing prices. The domestic industry has increased prices by Rs. 35.40 per kg post initiation. Varopakom has only exported foils for semi-rigid containers (SRC foils) to India. It was to bridge the demand-supply gap as Indian producers were unable to provide the requisite volume of SRC foils, as per the desired specification. Hindalco and Raviraj focused on pharma/flexible packaging and Jindal has a very limited supply of SRC foils. Raviraj and PG Foils have imported about 842.42MT of Foils Stock in the Month of January 2021 and the same is being done because there is no adequate supply. While these companies are irnporting Foils Stock fiom countries like Bahrain, Indonesia and China PR at an average price of Rs172/Kg (CIF) and thereafter selling thern after rolling, how come a higher priced import ofPUC at Rs213/Kg (CIF) level from subject countries could do any harm to the petitioners. H.3 79. Eramination b thc Authorih' The Authority has taken note of the submissions made by the interested parties and has examined various parameters in accordance with the relevant Anti-Dumping Rules and Annexure III after duly considering the submissions made. Cumulative Ass ESsment 80. Para (iii) of Annexure II of the Anti-Dumping Rules provides that in case rvhere imports of a product from more than one country are being simultaneously subjected to anti- dumping investigation. the Authority will cumulative'ly assess the effect of such imports, in case it determines that: a. Margin of dumping established in relation to the imports from each country is more than two percent expressed as percentage ofexport price and the volume of imports lrom each country is three percent (or more) of the import of like article or where the import ofindividual countries is less than three percent, the imports collectively account for, more than seven percent ofthe import of like article; and b. Cumulative assessment of the effect ol imports is appropriate in the light of the conditions of competition between the imported article and the like domestic articles. 8l . The Authority notes that: a. The subject goods are being dumped into lndia fiom subject countries' The margin of dumping from each of the subject countries is more than the de minimis limits prescribed under the Rules. b. The volume of imports from each of the subject countries is individually more than 3% of the total volume of imports. c. Cumulative assessment of the eflect of the imports is appropriate as the exports from the subject countries not only directly compete inter se but also with the like article offered by the Domestic Industry in the Indian market. 82. In view of the above, the Authority considers that it is appropriate to assess injury to the Domestic Industry cumulatively fiom imports of the subject goods from the subject countries. 4/
- Rule 1 I of Antidumping Rules read with Annexure II provides that an injury detennination sl-rall involve examination of factors that may indicate injury to the Domestic industry, taking into accotmt all the relet'ant frLcts, including the volume ofthe dumped intports, their efibct on the prices of the domestic market .for like articles and consequent e.ffect of such imports on domestic producers ofsuch articles.
- In considering the effect of the dur,ped imports on prices, it is considered necessary to examine whether there has been a significant price undercutting by the dumped irtports as compared with the price of the like article in India, or whether the effect of such imports is, otherwise to depress prices to a significant degree or prevent price increases, which otherrvise would have occurred, to a s'igrificant degree. For the examination of the impact of the dumped imports on the Domestic Industry in India, indices having a bearing on the state of the industry such as production, capacity utilization, sales volume, inventory. profitability. net sales realization, the magnitude and margin of dumping. etc. have been considered in accordance with Annexure II ofthe Anti-Dumping Rules.
- The subrrissions made by interested parties with regard to injury and causal link, which have been considered relevant by the Authority are examined and addressed as under. H.4 'olume effect of Du nlDed Imoorts on the Domestic Indusfrl a. Assessment of Demand/Aooarent Consumption
- Demand or apparent consumption of the product in lndia has been determined as the sum of domestic sales ofthe Indian producers and irrports fiom all sources.
- It is seen that demand has slightly declined in 2017-18 since the base year and increased thereafter in 2018-19 and the POI. tr. Import Volumes frolu llhe subiect countries
- With regard to the volume of dumped imports, the Authority is required to consider whether there has been a significant increase in dumped imports from the subject countries, either in absolute terms or relative to production or consumption in India. The factual position is as follows: Imports Volume Unit MT 2016-t'7 2017- 18 20lE-19 POI Subject Countries 1,858 t'7,647 35,889 46,907 Thailand 260 a )1n 6,109 16,730 lndonesia MT 8s3 6,804 I t.t76 3.399 POI 34,8 l3 23,268 t7,t7 5 46,907 16,730 3,399 2,476 ?4 10' 14,757 20,651 1,52,571 2017 -18 Unit Demand in India MT 27.643 28,244 1:) lqO Sales of domestic industry t2.630 19,302 21.930 Sales of Supporters MT I J,J OJ 12,332 12,03 5 Sales ofother lndian prt-rduccr MT 3 5,889 1,858 17,647 6,1 09 260 4,230 ect Countries Sub Thailand MT 853 6,804 11.176 Indonesia 707 484 Malaysia MT 6,129 t7.7 t6 China below 5.5 N{T 38 19,343 '16 55? Country attracting ADD-China PR MT 73,t t2 7,368 )o q70 Other Countries MT 1.35,974 1,35,047 19,900 1.11 ,296 'Iotal Indian Demand 48 MT 20t8-t9 2016-17 MT MT 887 MT
China belorv 5.5 MT 38 6,129 17,7 t6 ,4 10) Country Attracting ADD-China 73,112 36,552 19,343 14,757 Other Countries MT 7,368 )o a'70. 19,900 20,65t Total Imports Volume MT 82,3 3 8 75,169 7 5,132 82,3 l5 Mal a MT 707 484 2,476 89. It is seen that: a. Imports {iom the subject countries have increased throughout the injury period. It was contended by the domestic industry that imports of subject goods increased by many folds post imposition of anti-dumping duty on aluminium foil 5.5 micron to 80 micron fiom China in 2017. It is seen that imports frorr the subject countries almost doubled in 2018-19 since 2017-18 and thereafter further increased in the POI. b. Imports from country attracting duties have declined post imposition of anti- dumping duties. c. Subiect Countries Imports in relative terms 90. Imports in relative terms shorvs as follows; Unit 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 POI Production % 3.01 26.25 47.74 59.66 Consumption o/ 1.37 25.40 30.74 9l . tt is seen that imports from the subject countries in relation to production has increase from 3% in POI to 59% in the POI, whereas imports in relation to consumption has shown the same trend and has increased fiom 1.36% in the base year to 30% in the POI. 92 Thus, imports have increased significantly in absolute as rvell as relative term throughout the injury period. Price Effect of Dumped imports on the Domestic Industrv H.5 93. With regard to the effect of the dumped imports on prices, it is required to be analysed whether there has been a sigrrificant price undercutting by the dumped imports as compared to the price ofthe like products in India, or whether the effect ofsuch imports is otherwise to depress prices or prevent price increases, which otherwise would have occurred in the nonnal course. The impact on the prices ofthe domestic industry on account of the dumped imports fiom the subject countries have been examined with reference to price undercutting, price suppression and price depression, if any. For the purpose of this analysis, the cost of production, net sales realisation, selling price and the non-injurious price (NIP) of the Domestic Industry have been compared with landed price of imports of the subject goods fiom the subject countries. a. Price llndercuttin 49 MT 887 Imports from subject countries in relation to 13.07
- With regard to the effect of the dumped imports on prices, it is required to be analysed whether there has been a significant price undercutting by the dumped imports as compared to the price of the like products in India, or whether the effect ofsuch irnports is otherwise to depress prices or prevent price increases, which otherwise would have occurred in the normal course. Particulars Units 2016-1'7 201 8- 19 POI Selling price T/MT Trend Indexed ll6 123 I l5 Landed price {/M1' Trend Indexed 107 r22 Price undercutting {/N4T 454 1l-20 Trend Indexed 100 t79 325 Price undercutting % Range 0-10 0- 10 0-10
- It is seen that the landed prices ftom the subject countries have been below the selling price of the domestic industry, thus undercutting the domestic prices. b. Price Suppression and Depression
- In order to detennine ivhether the dunped imports are suppressing or depressing the domestic prices, changes in the costs and prices over the injury period have been compared. The factual position is as follows: Particulars Unit 2016-17 2017- l 8 2018-19 POI C-lost of Sales {/lvlt Trend Inclexed i 00.00 111.87 I 13.72 1 16.l3 </Mt Trend Indered 100.00 l 15.82 123.22 115.27 Landed price {/N{T 2.02,770 ) 17 i)) 2,46,9t4 2,22,669 Trend Indexed 100 107 122 I l0 Change in Cost of Sales Trend 100 57.67 (l1 .88) Selling Price Trer.rd 100 46.67 50 2017-18 100 100 ll0 Selling Price
-50.25 97. It is seen that cost ofsales and selling price both have increased till 2018-19 and declined thereafter in the POI. The landed value has also followed the same trend. Thus, the cost of sale, selling price and landed value have declined in the POI. It is seen that at one hand, decline in cost ofsale is less than decline in selling price, and on the other hand, decline in landed value is way below the decline in selling price. Cost of sale has declined by ** points in the POI since the previous year, the selling price has declined by ** points and at the same time landed value has declined by 12 points in the POI since the previous year. Thus, imports have not let the domestic industry to increase its prices even to the level of cost ofsale and have depressing effect of the selling price of the domestic industry. H,6 Economic Parameters of the Domestic Industrv 98. Amexure II to the Anti-Dumping Rules requires that the determination of injury shall involve an objective examination ofthe consequent impact ofdumped imports on domestic producers of such products. With regard to consequent impact of dumped imports on domestic producers of such products, the Anti-dumping Rules further provide that the examination of the impact of the dumped imports on the domestic industry should include an objective and unbiased evaluation of all relevant economic factors and indices having a bearing on the state of the industry, including actual and potential decline in sales, profits, output, market share, productivity, retum on investments or utilization ofcapacity; factors affecting domestic prices, the magnitude of the rnargin of dumping actual and potential negative effects on cash flow, inventories, onployment, wages, growth, ability to raise capital investments. The Authority has examined the injury parameters objectively taking into account various facts and submissions made. a. Production. Capacitr. Sales and Capacitr Utilization 99. Capacity, production, sales and capacity utilization ofthe Domestic Industry over the injury period is given in the following table: - Particulars Unit 20t6-17 2018-19 POt Capacity MT 47,004 47,001 48,50.+ 61,593 Trend Indexed 100 100 103 l3l Production 3 1,887 31,818 37,018 jq t)4 Trend Indexed 100 100 123 Capacity utilization % 68 68 t6 64 Trend Indexed 100 100 ll3 91 Domestic sales MT 27,643 28,214 32,t99 34.813 Trend Indexed t00 l0l lt6 t26 100. It is seen that: i. Domestic industry has enhanced capacity in 2018-19 and in the POI. It was contended by the domestic industry that capacity has been enhanced in line with the increase in demand for the subject goods. ii. Production and sale ofthe domestic industry have increased in view ofthe increase in demand. 20t7 -18 MT 116 51
lll Capacity utilisation has declined in the POI since the previous year as well as the base year- b. Profitabilifl'. Return on investment and Cash profits 101. Profitability, retum on investment and cash profits of the Domestic Industry over the inj ury period is given in the table below: - Unit 2016-17 2011- 18 2018- t9 POI Profit,'Loss t/N,It Trend Indexed (100.00) (8.03) (0.37) ( l3 8.s9) PBIl { Lacs Trend Cash Profit lndexed (100.00) 91 107 (267) { I-acs 279 Trend Indexed 100 265 87 ROI /o Trend Indexed ( 100) 30 70 (ee) 102. It is seen that: i. It is seen that profitabilit-y of the domestic industry has improved slightly till 201 8- 19 and declined drasticaliy in the POI. The domestic industry has contended that the industry was trying the recover from the ill effect of dumping from China and post imposition of ADD on China, the industry was able to improve the profitability. But such improvement was short lived as soon after the imposition of ADD on China in 2017, imports started to increase significantly from the subject countries and resultantly, the domestrc industry witnessed losses in the POI. It is seen that the selling price of the domestio industry is below the cost of sale. ii. PBIT, cash profit and ROI, all three parameters have followed the same tret.rd as the profitability. Ail these parameters have improved till 2018-19 and declined significantly in the POI. c. Market share in demand 103. Market share in demand over the injury period is grven in the table below Particulars Units 20r6-17 2017 -18 POI Domestic industry /o 20.33 20.91 22.82 Trend Indexed 100 103 112 112 Other produoers including Supporters 19.12 )3.12 24.04 23.23 Indered 100 1_) 13.07 t26 t22 /o 1.5 I 25.40 30.7 4 Trend Sub ect coun 1m orts 52 Particulars 201 8- 19 22.79
Trend Indexed 100 956 1,858 ? )r'Q 104. It is seen that the market share of the domestic industry has slightly increased over the injury period. It has gone up by 2.5%o in the POI since the base year whereas market share ofthe subject countries has increased consistently and significantly fiom 1.36% in the base year to 29.3Yo in the POI. The dornestic industry has contended that they have not been able to increase the market share despite there is increase in demand. It was also contended that the domestic industry could not take advantage of the market share emptied by China post imposition of ADD, because it was completely highjacked by the dumped imports from the subject countries. d. Employment, productivity and wages 105. Employment, productivity and wages of domestic industry over the injury period is given in the table below. Particulars Unit 2016-17 2018-19 POI No. ol employees No. '768 922 955 1,076 Trend Indexed 120 124 1.+0 Productivity per day MT/Dav Trend Indexed 100 100 116 123 Productivity per employee IVlTiNo Trend 100 83 94 88 Wages { Lakhs Trend Indexed 100 133 157 162 106. It is seen that number ofemployees, productivity and wages have increased throughout the injury period. e. Inventories 107. Inventory position with the Domestic lndustry over the injury period is given in the table below: Particulars Units 2016-1'7 20 l7- l8 201 8- l9 POt Average inventory MT 796 801 1,176 1,709 Trend Indered 100 l0l 148 2t5 Otl.rer imports % 59.19 42.59 27.77 23.21 Trentl Indexed 100 72 4/ 39 53 2017-18 100 Indexed
- It is seen that inventories have increased throughout the injury period. It has doubled from the base year to the POI. The domestic industry has contended that the dornestic industry has not been able to sell the subject goods despite the fact that there is increase in demand and the domestic industry has highly compromised on the selling price. The closing stock in the POI was at the highest level. f. Growth
- It is seen that growth of the domestic industry in terms of production and sale have been positive during POI and growth i-n terms of cash profits and retum on investment was negative in the POI. Crorvth Units 2016-17 2017-18 2018- l9 POr Production (0.22) 14.19 5.71 Dornestic Sales /o 2.13 t2.28 7.51 Cash Profit - Rs. Lacs 62 5 (2le) Return or.r Capital Ernployed 9/o (0.32) (s.48) Factors affecting domestic prices
- The examination of the import prices from the subject countries, change in the cost structure, competition in the domestic market, factom other than dumped imports that might be affecting the prices of the domestic industry in the domestic market, etc. shows that the landed value of imported material from the subject countries is belor.v the selling price of the domestic industry, causing price undercutting. The price undercutting has led to price depression in the Indian market. The demand for the subject goods increased over the injury period and therefore it could not have been a factor affecting domestic prices. H.7 Maenitude of Iniury and Iniury Marqin
- Non-Injurious Price for the domestic industry has been determined on the basis of principles laid down irr the Rules read with Annexure III, as amended. The NIP of the product under consideration has been determined by adopting the verified informatiorVdata relating to the cost of production for the period of investigation. The NIP has been considered for comparing the landed price of each PCN from each of the subject country for calculating injury margin. For determining NIP, the best utilisation of the raw materials by the domestic industry over the injury period has been considered. The same treatment has been carried out with the utilities. The best utilisation ofproduction capacity over the injury period has been considered. The production in POI has been calculated considering the best capacity utilisation and the same production has been considered for arriving per unit fixed cost. It is ensured that no extraordinary or non-recurring expenses were charged to the cost ofproduction. A reasonable retum (pre -tax @22Yo) on average capital employed (i.e. Average Net Fixed Assets plus Average Working Capital) for the product under consideration was allowed as pre-tax profit to arrive at the NIP as per procedure prescribed in Annexure-Ill. The non-injurious price for each PCN so determined has been compared with the landed prices of imports from the subject countries for comparable PCN to determine the injury margin as follows: 54 5.84
Iniurv Nlarsin table Sr No Countrl Prducer LV USD/NIT NIP USD/NIT t\l INIOI, Range I China M/s Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co., Ltd l0-20 ) China IvTs Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd. (Now Known as M/s Shanghai Shunho Aluminium Foil w.e.f 19.05.2021) l0-20 -) ('hina M/s Jiangsu Dingsheng New Materials JoinrStock Co Ltd l0-20 l China M/s Hangzhou Five Star Aluminium Co., Ltd l0-20 ) M/s Jiangsu Fengyuan Aluminium Mstar Technology Co., I-td., I0-10 6 China IvIi s Krmshaa Aluminiunr Co., Ltd. l0-20 i0-40 1 China 'l hailand Thai Ding Li New Materials Co., Ltd and. 20-30 9 Thailand Dingheng Nerv Materials Co., Ltd 20-30 l0 M/s Loften (Thailard ) Co. Ltd. 30-40 1l Thailand M./s Varopakorn Public Company Limited l0-30 t2 'fhailand All Others 30-'+0 t3 Malavsia All Others 3040 l4 Indonesia All Others l0-30 55 China All 0thcrs 8 '[ hailand
I. OTHER h\O\'N FACTORS AND CAUS.{L LINK t 19. The following parameters are relevant for injury and causal link determination: a. Dumped imports from the subject counties have increased in absolute terms, in relation to production and consumption in India. b. Dumped imports are undercutting the prices of the domestic industry. c. Imports have depressing effect on the selling price of the domestic industry. d. Imports are preventing the domestic industry from raising its prices even to the extent of cost of production, leading to financial losses. The decline in profits has led to decline in cash profits/cash flows and retum on investment; 56 112. As per the AD Rules, the Authority, inter alia, is required to examine any known factors other than the dumped imports which at the same time are injuring the Domestic Industry, so that the inj ury caused by these other factors may not be attributed to the dumped imports. Factors which may be relevant in this respect include, inter alia, the volume and prices of imports not sold at dumped prices, contraction in demand or changes in the pattems of consumption, trade restrictive practices of and competition between the fbreign and domestic producers, developments in technology and the export performance and the productivity of the domestic industry. It has been examined below whether factors other than dumped imports could have contributed to the injury to the Domestic Industry. a. Volume and price of imports from third countries 1 13. lmpo(s tiom otlier countries are at higher than irnport price fi'om subject countries or low in volume. Further imports from China are already attracting anti-dumping duty. b. Export Performance I 14. It is seen that dornestic industry is largely in the domestic market. In any case, the Authority has considered the data for domestic operations tbr its injury analysis. c. Development of Technology I 15. There are no known material developments in technology over the injury period. Changes in the technology could not have caused claimed injury to the Domestic Industry. d. Performance of other products of the companv ll6. The Authority has considered pertbrmance of the domestic industry only in respect of product under consideration. The injury claimed to the domestic industry is only in respect of the sub-ject goods. c. Trade Restrictive Practices and Comoetition betrveen the Foreign and Domestic producers I 17. There is no known trade restrictive practice which could have contributed to the injury to the domestic industry. f. Contraction in Demand and Changes in pattern of consumption I18. It is noted that the demand of the subject goods has increased consistently over the entire injury period- Thus, it is tl-re injury to the domestrc industry was not due to contraction in demand or changes in pattern of consumption. J. FACTORS RELEVANT FOR IN.ruRY AND CAUSAL LINK
- Following are the post disclosure submissions made by the Domestic Industry and Other interested parties. K.l Submissions made bv the domestic industrv 12 I . Following are the brief of comments to disclosure submitted by the domestic industry. i. UCAJ in their submission neither stated that there is no demand for electric vehicle battery foil in lndia at present, nor that they have not exported the subject goods to India during the POI. There is no demand for battery foil for EV in India and no cause of action has arisen to UACJ. Their claim for exclusion of batterv foil was solely on the ground ofpotential demand. ii. UCAJ is not an exporter of the subject goods and has not exported any quantity of Battery foil in India during the POI. iii. Authority rightly observed that Aluminium Foil can be manufactured from both flat rolled product (FRP) and Ingot. European Commission, in Commission Regulation 28712009 of 7 April 2009 while imposing provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain Aluminium Foil originating in Armenia, Brazil and the People's Republic of China, held that Aluminium foil is manufactured by rolling aluminiurn ingots or foil-stock to the desired thickness. iv. Authority rightly defined the PUC with the exclusions of 12 products. The domestic industry agrees to the exclusion ofAdhesive tapes and Color coated Aluminium foil and requests the authority to specifu the Adhesive tape in the exclusion as it is Aluminium foil (<80 mic) both sides coated with adhesive and also to specify the Color coated Aluminium foil as it Aluminium Foil with either PE (polyster) coating ofPVDF (fluorine Carbon), coating falling under CTH 7607. v. No substantial evidence has been put on record by the other interested parties to sow that the quality of the like article being sold by the domestic industry is bad. vi. As per the Designated Authority finding and subsequent CESTAT order in DSM Idemitsu Limited v. Designated Authority, difference is quality is not a sufficient justification for exclusion of a product. vii. The authority proposed to change name of Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd, to Shanghai Sunho Aluminium Foil Co. Zld. based on request received, however they have not enclosed the prescribed proforma for name change as per Trade Notice 1212018. The authority is requested to specify the nature of change and specifu that the same is only due to name change in the company as the change affects only the English name of the company and not the Chinese name. viii. The respondents have suppressed all expenses forming the important parl of an export transaction, which are required to determine net export price. There is no justification for different exporters claiming expenses on different account to determine ex-factory export price when all of them have sold to Indian buyers at CIF level. 57 K. POST DTSCLOSURE CONI}IENTS
ix. The domestic industry completely agrees rvith the proposed conclusion of the Authority for lnjury and Causal link analysis. Imports from the subject countries have increased significantly and has hit the price parameters of the domestic industry. x. There shall be no adverse impact ofADD on consumers and public at large. The ADD's have had a positive impact on the performance of the domestic industry in the past and the irnposition ofduties shall arrest the decline in performance of the industry. xi. Owing to the increasing demand the domestic industry had increased its capacity recently and for the producers to be able to run these new capacity expansions, it is necessary that adequate measures are imposed to ensure fair competition in the market. xii. The domestic producer shouid recover frorn the injury suffered due to the dumped imports to cater to the consumets' interest to have a competitive domestic industry capable of supplying the l.rroduct to the ccnsumers in competition to fair priced imports. xiii. The consumers rvill have to maintain higher degree of inventory if they have to depend on imported material. However, in case of procurement tiom the domestic industry, inventory holding can be kept at much lorver levels- xiv. Despite of the duties on subject goods since 2017 on China, the user industry has shown growth. xv. There is enough inter-se competition between the 3 applicants, 12 other producers and 2 new producers who 'will commence their rnanufacturing in the coming months in the domestic market and the domestic industry will have competitive prices thereby benefitting the rlon,estic industry. Imports are also coming from various sources too. Hence, there is no possibility ofmonopoly. xvi. The domestic industry requests the data of the domestic industry which is the basis for the normal value in Clhina PR to be disclosed. The domestic industry requests the non-confidential version of disclosure of the verification reports of the participat'ing exporters. communications exchanged with exporle.rs and any intbrmation fileci by the erporter post filing of initial questiomaire response. xvii. Anti-dumping duty may he iinposed only as fixed quantum of anti-dumping duty, expressed as duty in US$/MT. K.2 Submissions bv other interested parties 122. Following are the brief of cornments to disclosure submitted by the domestic industry The Authority is bound as per decision of the Supreme Court in Automotive Tyre Manufacturers vs DA, to give findings on all issues raised by the respondents. The Authority has failed to take note about the preliminary objection raised by the user industries about maintainability of the proceedings. 53
ll The Authority has failed to examine the issue of two applicants involved in only re- rolling of the Aluminium foils from foil-stock, mostly imported from the same countries. The domestic industry does not have capacity to produce Aluminium foil below 5.5 micron. The domestic industry has claimed material injury for this product as well when they have introduced this in market in the last quarter ofPOI. The PUC from China is different from the PUC for other subject countries in the same investigation. This will lead to a situation where two different product sub- tlpes Iiom same country will attract different duties and also for two dift'erent durations. This is in violation ofprinciple where dumping is determined for product as a whole. The Authority has failed to consider legal submissions regarding non-fulfillment of condition of inter-se competition and thus should not have carried out cumulative injury analysis. The Authority has failed to examine whether the product liom domestic industry confirms to the standard and also whether the rejection rate is negligible. Other investigating Authorities with regard to the scope of the domestic industry in similar situations, USITC, in Aluminium Foil from China, lnvestigation Nos' 701- TA-570 and 731-TA-1346 (Final) and European Commission Regulation (EU) 201 5/ I 081 of 3 July 201 5 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain aluminium foils originating in Russia, , dealing with the same product, clearly recognize the production offoils and Foil Stock from the basic material and treats the rolling and other activities fiom the Foil Stocks or Flat Rolled Products as industrial processing activities. There is no transparency about the methodology adopted by the Authority regarding determination of Normal value and export prices of each participating producer- exporters and others. It is also not clear how the foils above 5.5 micron and below 5.5 microns have been treated while calculating the dumping margins fiom each ofthese countries. The imports from Malaysia, being below 3%o, are de minimis and should not have been included in the investigation. The Authority failed to examine the data of Domestic industry. The data given by them is not reliable. The total import of aluminum foils from Thailand and Indonesia, taken together, has increased marginally in the POI compared to the previous year. Therefore, no justification for include 5.5 micron foils against these countries and further marginal increase of volume from these countries cannot have any major volume impact on the domestic industry. The Authority failed to take into account impact ofcapacity addition to the extent of 25Yo inlhe POI impacting cost and prices of the domestic industry, and also, the global price trends of subject goods during that time period. A PCN level analysis would have shown that there are no price undercutting. underselling, suppression, and depression effects of the alleged dumped imports. lll lv. Vt ! 11. vlll. I t(. xt. x . x xlll. 59
xlv. xv. xvl. xvll. x'111. xlx xx1. xxll. xxlll xx xxlv 60 The Authority has excluding 'Adhesive Tapes' {iom the scope of PUC. The Authority is requested to confirm the same in the fina1 findings. The Authority is requested to describe the product exclusion as"Aluminium Foil Adhesive Tapes" in the Final Findings. The Authority is requested to correct the name of the Respondent to "Kunshan Aluminium Co., Ltd" in the final findings to be issued by the Authority. The Authority has not disclosed the volume of Ultra-Light Gauge produced and sold by Jindal India Limited even in range form, as a proportion of total domestic production in India. It should also be clarified rvhether Ultra-Light Gauge was sold in other months as weil. Sale in December 2019, one month, cannot be representative of the commercial quantities. Two other major producers did not produce Ultra-Light Gauge during the POI questions the validity of the inclusion of this tloe within the scope of the PUC. The dernand supply gap is an important factor in determination of the exclusion of a particular product from the scope ofPUC. The Authority should also keep in mind interests of the downstream industry in excluding this product fiorr the scope ofthe PUC. The Authority decided in similar manner in final findings dated 19 January 202 I in the anti-dumping original investigation conceming imports of "Newsprint in rolls or sheets, excluding glazed nervsprint" originating in or exported fiort Australia, Canada, EU, Houg Kong, Russia, Singapore and UAE. The standing of the domestic industry is questionable since they did not manufacture or commeroially sell Ultra-Light Gauge during the POI and may have instead imported the same from the subject countries. The imposition of ADD u'ill lead to a strengthening of the monopolistic situation of the domestic industry. The Authority failed to objectively examine the request for exclusion of Battery Foils fiom the scope of investigation. The pre-conditions for imposition of duty, i.e., irnports at dumped price causing injury is not satisfied in the present case. There was no imports of battery foils in India during POI. The price of battery foil is much above the normal value as rvell as NIP. All types of foils meant for commercial applications have been exuluded, Battery Foils are specialized foils deveioped by UACJ Foil Malaysia SDr" BHD to cater the needs of li&ium-ion battery manufacturers. The Petitioners claim to have sold Battery Foils in the Indian market, however, they do not confrrm on whether the same has been produced by them and sold in commercial quantities. There is a substantial price difference between Battery Foils manufactured by UACJ Foil Malaysia SDN BHD and foils manufactured by Indian producers. The normal aluminum foils and specialized foils of metal alloys are not technically and commercially substitutable. The levy of duty on Battery Foils will adversely impact the prospects for electric vehicles and other similar electric-powered products in the Indian market. UACJ Foil Malaysia SDN BHD has not exported 'battery foils'or subject goods during the POI as well as the injury period.
xxv. xxvl. xxvll xx'1ll xxtx. xxx xxxl x\x1t xxx11l. xxxlv Authority should consider the LME price as the cost of aluminium ingot during the POI for constructing normal value. Additionally, the Authority should not use a higher ratio since the aluminium foil hdustry is not a high profit industry. If the Authority concludes in the final findings that anti-dumping duty is to be recommended, the Authority is required to consider the lower of injury margin and dumping margin determined in the disclosure statement while recommending the duty in accordance with Rule 17( l)(b) of the AD Rules. The Authority must re-examine the volume effect of imports on the domestic industry after revising the import data to exclude the imports ofadhesive tapes and color coated aluminium foil in order to undertake a fair analysis. No injury could have been caused to the domestic industry from imports of Aluminium Foi'l of less than 5.5 micron until commencement of commercial production and sales ofthis product in December 2019. That there has been a significant decline in imports of subject goods from China PR. lmports of Aluminium foil of less than 80 micron from China PR has declined by almost 50% in the POI as compared to base year. That there has been a decrease in the import of subject goods from subject countries. Imports of Aluminium Foil ofless than 80 micron has decreased by 18% in the POI as compared to base year. Therefore, the observ'ation of the Authority in paragraph 43 of the Disclosure Statement that imports fi'om subject countries has increased is incorrect. That domestic industry has incurred losses and has witnessed a decline in PBIT due to increasing depreciation cost. The cost of production determined for Loften for the purpose of Normal Value appears unrealisticalty high and the same needs reconsideration based on real cost information of the provided by the Company. Accordingly, Dumping Margin determined for Loften needs to be corrected. The cost data thereafter shows that the Authority has considered separate conversion cost for each PCNs for Loften, whereas convenion cost does not vary significantly between PCNs as the difference in cost between PCN is primarily driven by differing rarv material cost and conversion cost remain comparable as conversion cost is nothing but an allocation of cost based on a specific allocation method. It appears that the overhead cost/conversion cost considered by the Authority in case of Loften is not as per the information submitted by the Company. The conversion cost in case of Loften is *+*f'hai Baht per MT as claimed by the Company in App-S and against which the Authority has taken a conversion cost as high as *** Thai Baht per MT (Medium Gauge) which requires reconsideration and actual conversion cost of the Company alone should be adopted. With regard to the key raw material cost that is the cost of Foi'l Stock, it is apparent that the Authority has ca'lculated a cost of US$ *x /MT ( ** THB@ *** Baht per US$), which is apparently based on LME cost of ingots, appears completely exaggerated and way too high than the actual raw material cost incurred by the Company. The decision not to exclude SRC and House foil from the scope ofPUC is not fair. The exclusion is warranted as the said products have not been supplied as per demand in India and imports were essential. xxxv 6l
xxxvl. xxxvii. xxxviii. xxxix. xl. xli. xlii. Disclosure shows that Jindal India had started manufacturing Aluminium foil below 5.5 micron since 2019 and they sold their first commercial quantity in December 2019. This is when the POI of the present matter is 01st April 2019 to 3 I st March 2020. Thus, even ifthey were producing and selling the said type ofproduct, it was only for about 4 months during the POI as the commercial production admittedly started only in December 2019 and the users were compelled to import the same for substantial part ofthe POI. Aluninium foil below 5.5 micron should be excluded from the product scope for this reason alone. Exclusion request for 6.3 Micron foils is reiterated as the same is getting imported due to quality issues and users cannot use the Indian material as shown in our submission. The capacity claim by manufacturer needs to be per product basis and what quantities they have assumed for each product to arrive at capacity. The current claims of capacity by manuf-acturers are totally t-alse. A producer producing the subject goods from ingot stage and a producer producing the subject goods fiom imported foil stock/FRP from countries including subject countries cannot be put in the same pedestal. lnjury examination should be done separately for Hindalco and- other companies ifthe importing producers like Raviraj and Jindal are considered as part of DI. The Disclosure shows that import of subject goods increased from l858MT from the base year to 46,907 in the POl. But the basic cause ofsuch increase in import is not examined and addressed at all. The basic cause of import is capacity constraints of Domestic Producers to produce the required tlpes ofPUC and this fact must be considered while evaluating increase in imports and claims of injury in this matter. Thus, the DI did not suff-er any injury on account of alleged dumped imports. The Authorily must disclose the facts of t1,pe wise irnport of PIJC, the corresponding capacity available with the pelitioners and actual production ofsuch types during the injury period to understar.rd the real cause of imports and injury The alleged injury also cannot be linked to price ofsubject goods irrported. The DI incurred less losses at PBT level rvhen the price undercutting was in the range of ll-20% in the 2017-18 period and the losses significantly increased when the price undercutting gap declined to 0-10% in the POI. In fact, ROI, lvhich was positive in the 2017-18 period become negative when the price undercutting halved. There is no relation between imports and injury. K.3 Eramination br'' the Authority 123. The Authority notes that most of the submissions by the domestic industry and interested parties are repetitive in nature. These submissions have already been examined at appropriate places in this finding. Further, the Authority has examined additional/new relevant submissions ofthe interested parties as under: 62 a. The interested parties have argued that the subject good is manufactured from the stage of lngot and rnanufacturing Aluminiurn foil frorn the stage of Flat rolled product should be considered rnerely as processing. In this
c regard, it is noted that this issue has been examined at length by the Authority at the relevant stage in the findings. It is noted that the approach taken by the Authority is consistent with its past practice. b. As regards requests for exclusion of certain product types, the Authority notes that most of the interested parties have by and large reiterated their previous submissions. Although no material evidence substantiating such claims has been brought before the Authority. It may also be noted that demand supply gap is not a ground for exclusion of a product type. As far as Aluminium foil below 5.5 micron is concemed, the Authority has verified the evidence provided by the domestic industry that they are producing the subj ect goods and have started selling in commercial quantities within the POI. Reasons for non-exclusion of battery foil has also been examined in detail by the Authority. With regard to exclusion of Aluminiutr foil 6.3 micron, the other interested parties have not brought any material evidence on record to show the quality difference. Since the domestic industry is producing the same, thus it cannot be excluded from the product scope. As regards the product tlpe excluded frorn the product scope i-e. Adhesive tape and color coated Aluminium foil. It is clarified that Aluminium Foil Adhesive Tapes can be defined as "Adhesive tape is Aluminium foil (< 80 mic) single side or both sides coated with adhesive for use as tape " and color coated Aluminum foil can be defined as "aluminium foil with either PE(polyester) coating of PVDF(flourine Carbon), coating falling under cTH'7607". d. The Authority notes the submissions by M/s Loften (Thailand) Co., Ltd. regarding the normal value computed for them by adopting LME prices of Aluminiurn and other conversion cost which they have stated are erroneous. Further, the consumption norms have not been correctly applied and apportionment methodology of overheads is also incorrect. The exporter providing the details of LME prices of raw material has submitted that their actual price ofraw material is infact higher than the LME prices. The Authority after re-examining both the raw material consumption data and conversion cost methodology h light of submission made by the exporter has amended the normal value as ,!x* $/MT e. As regards the contention of Shanghai Shenhuo Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd, to change their name to Shanghai Sunho Aluminium Foil Co., Ltd, considering the submissions made by the company, and having regard to the nature of change claimed by the company, the Authority considers it appropriate to specify name of the new entity as well in lieu of the name of the companies investigated by the Authority. The company has clarified that this is merely change in English name of the company and the Chinese 63
name remains the same. This name change does not impact the shareholding pattem or identity of the company. Thus, the Authority agrees for the name change of the entity from Shanghai Shenhuo Alurninium Foil Co., Ltd. to Shanghai Sunho Aluminium Foil Co. INDIAN I\DUSTRY'S INTEREST 124. The Authority recognizes that the imposition of anti-dumping duties might affect the price levels of the product in lndia. However, fair competition in the lndian market rvill not be reduced by the imposition of anti-dumping measures. On the contrary, ifirposition of anti-dumping measures wouid remove the unfair advantages gained by dumping practices, prevent the decline ofthe domestic industry and help maintain availability of rvider choice to the consumers of the subject goods. The purpose of anti-dumping duties, in general, is to eliminate injury caused to the domestic industry by the unfair trade practices of dumping so as to re-establish a situation ofopen and fair competition in the lndian market, lvhich is in the general interest of the country. lmposition of anti-dumping duties, therefore, would not affect the availability of the product to the consumers. The Authority notes that the imposition of the anti-dumping tneasures would not restrict imports fiom the subject countries in any way, and thereft,re, would not afl-ect the availability ofthe product to the consumers. o+ PUBLIC INTEREST 125. The Authority considered u'hcther imposition of ADD shall have adverse public interest. For the same, the Authority examined rvhether irrpos'ition of duty on imports of the product under consideration would be against the large public interest. This determination is based on considcration of infonnation on record and interests of various parties, including domestic industry, importers and consumers of the product. 126. The Authority issued gazette notification inviting views from all interested parties, including importers, consrurers and other interested parties. Authority also prescribed a questionnaire for the consumers to provide relevant information with regard to present investigations. including possiblc effbct ofADD on their operations. The Authority sought information on, iffer-alia, interchange ability of the product supplied by various suppliers from different countries, ability olthe domestic industry to switch sources, effect ofADD on the consumers, factors that ale likely to accelerate or delay the adjustment to the new situation caused by imposition of ADD. Several users have filed questionnaire response. Further the users have made clairns that imposition of ADD will lead to increase in price, however none of them have quantified the irnpact of imposition of duty. The interested parties have not demonstrated how these prices of Aliminium foil will impact the consumers. Even though the Authority has prescribed specific questions with regard to impact of ADD on the users, it is noted that none of the users have provided relevant information. It is, thus, noted that the interested parties have not established impact ofADD on the user industry with verifiable information. The product under consideration, at present is attracting anti-dumping duty from other source as well, no evidence has been provided by the users to show that the duties imposed in past have had any adverse impact on the users or the consumers at large. The domestic industry has contended that
L. CONCLUSION
129. Having regard to the contentions raised, information provided, submissions made
and facts available before the Authority as recorded in these findings and on the basis of
the determination of dumping and consequent injury to the domestic industry made
hereinabove, the Authority concludes that:
(i) The product under consideration has been exported at a price below normal value,
thus resulting in dumping.
(ii) The domestic industry has suffered material injury.
(iii)Material injury has been caused by the dumped imports ofsubject goods from the
subject countries.
(iv)Factors such as no quantification of adverse impact of duties by the interested
parties, capacity expansions in the country which will ensure no demand and
supply gap, inter-se competition between Indian producers, and absence of any
evidence of adverse impact of anti-dumping duties imposed in the past on the
subject goods reasonably demonstrates that imposition of duties will not be
against public interest.
}I. RECO}I}IANDATIO
130.
The Authority notes that the investigation was initiated and notified to all
interested parties and adequate opportunity was given to the domestic industry,
exporters, importers and other interested parties to provide information on the aspects
of dumping, injury and causal link thereof in terms of Rules and having established
positive dumping margin as well material injury to the domestic industry caused by
dumped imports, the Authority is of the view that imposition of anti-dumping duty is
necessary to offset dumping and injury.
l3 I .
In view ofabove, the Authority, in terms ofprovisions contained in Rule l7( I )
65
even after imposition of duty on another source the user industry has shown growth. The
imposition of anti-dumping duties will also discourage the import of low-priced subject
goods from subject countries and it will provide a fair and competitive market to the user
industry. This will also discourage the user Industry to be import dependent. Even the
domestic industry has made significant capital investment and expanded its capacity in
the recent period and as per information on record, two new producers have set up their
plant and about start their commercial production, non-imposition of anti-dumping duty
will adversely impact the indigenous production of the product concem. The fact that the
impact of anti-dumping duty is miniscule to the consumers of the product under
consideration, the Authority is of the view that the imposition of anti-dumping duty will be
in public interest.
127. Imposition of duties rvill be in interest of the domestic industry which has suffered
injury due to dumped imports. The duties will ensure that domestic industry can compete
in the market and will ensure wider availability of options to the users which will be in
large public interest.
128. The Authority thus concludes that the anti-dumping duties will not be against the
public interest at large.
(b) read with Rule 4(d) of the Rules, recommends imposition of anti-dumping duty
equal to the lesser of margin of dumping and the margin of injury, so as to remove the
injury to the Domestic Industry. The Authority accordingly recommends imposition
ofanti-durnping duty equal to the amount indicated in Coiumn 7 ofthe table below on
all imports ofgoods described in Column 3 ofthe duty table originating in or exported
Iiom China PR, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand from the date ofnotification to be
issued in this regard by the Central Govemment.
132.
The landed value of imports for this purpose shall be assessable value as
determined by the Customs under Customs Act, 1962 and applicable level of custom
duties except duties levied under Section 3, 3.A, 88, 9, 9A of the Customs Tarilf Act,
t975.
Sn
Heading
Description
Countrv of
origin
Country of
Export
I
I
Producer
Amount
U nit
Currency
(l)
(2)
(l)
(4
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(e)
7606
Aluminium
Foil 80
micron and
below*
China PR
I Any
country
including
China PR
Jiangsu Zhong'i
Lamination
Materials Co.,
Ltd
506.81
IVfT
USD
l
-do
-do-
China PR
Any
country
including
China PR
I
Shanghai Sunho
Aiuminium Foil
Co.. Ltd.
China PR
.Any
country
including
China PR
Jiangsu
Dingsheng New
lvlaterials Joint-
Stock Co., Ltd.
398.45
MT
M'T
J
-do
-do-
523.67
tJSD
.+
-do-
-do-
Chinii PR
Any
country
including
China PR
Hangzhou Five
Star Aluminiurn
Co.. Ltd
523.67
MT
USD
5
-do-
China PR
510.24
MT
USD
Any
country
including
China PR
M/s Jiangsu
Fengyuan
Aluminium
I,1star
Technologry Co.,
Ltd.,
66
USD
DI, I'.' TABL}-
-do-
6 -do- -do- China PR An) country including China PR M/s Kunshan Aluminium Co., Ltd. 577.59 {T USD -do- -do- China PR Any country including China PR fury producer other than mentioned in serial no I to 6 976.99 MT USD 8 -do- -do Any country other than China PR, lndonesia, Malaysia and Thailand China PR Any 976.99 MT USD 9 -do- -do- Thailand Any country including Thailand Thai Ding Li New Materials Co., Ltd. 100.07 MT USD 10. -do- -do- Thailand Any country including Thailand 100.07 I{T USD 11. -do- -do- Thailand Any country including Thailand M./s Loften (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 93.53 MT USD 12. -do- -do- Thailand Any country including Thailand lWs Varopakom Public Company Limited 178.47 N4T USD 13. -do- -do- Thailand Any country including Thailand Any producer other than mer,tioned in sl. No. 9, 10, I l, 12 339.93 N{T USD 67 7 Dingheng New Materials Co., Lrd
l-1 -do- -do- Any country other than China PR. Indonesia. Malaysia and Thailand Thailand ,{ny 339.93 MT I-]SD 15. -do- -do- Malaysia Any country other than Malaysia Any 850.45 N,IT USD -do- -do- MT USD 1i -do- -do- 472.28 N,IT USD i8 -do- -do- 16. *Aluminium Foil whether or not pnnted or backed with paper, paper board, plastics or similar packing materials of a thicl-ness of 80 micron and below (with permissible tolerances)" excluding the following: i. Aluminium foil of thickness ranging fiom 5.5 micron to 80 micron originating in China PR ii. Alu Alu Laminate iii. Ultra Light Gauge Converted iv. Aluminium Foil Composite v. Aluminum foil for capacitors width below 500 mm vi. Etched or formed Aluminium Foils 63 Any country other than China PR. Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand lvlalaysia A n)' Indonesia Any country other than Indonesia Any Any country other than China PR- Indouesia, Malaysia and Thailand Indonesia I I I Anv 850.45 422.28 M1' USD
vll. vlll. lx. x. xi. xii. Aluminium composite panel Clad with compatible non clad Aluminium Foil Aluminium Foil for beer bottle Aluminium- Manganese- Silicon based and/ or clad Aluminium- Manganese- Silicon based alloys, whether clad or unclad Aluminium Foil Adhesive tapes Color coated aluminium foil 133. An appeal against these findings after its acceptance by the Central Government shall lie before the Customs, Excise and Service tax Appellate Tribunal in accordance with the Custorns Tariff Act, 1975 as amended in 1995 and Customs Tariff Rules, 1995. f Anant Srvaru Designated Au ( 69 FURTHER PROCEDURE
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