Introduction
India has announced the imposition of anti-dumping duties for a period of five years on certain hot-rolled steel products originating in or exported from Vietnam.
On November 13th, 2025, the Ministry of Finance of India confirmed that the measure aims to protect domestic steel producers from injury caused by unfairly priced imports.
The decision follows a detailed investigation conducted by India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which concluded that Vietnamese origin steel was being dumped into the Indian market at prices that harmed the local industry.
Final Findings by DGTR Trigger the Measure
The duty announcement is based on DGTR’s final findings issued on August 13th, 2025.
DGTR determined that imports of alloy and non-alloy hot-rolled steel plates from Vietnam were being sold in India at low prices, significantly undercutting domestic producers.
This conclusion provided the legal basis for the Ministry of Finance to impose definitive anti-dumping duties for a five-year period.
Duty Rates and Scope of Application
Under the final decision:
- Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel Joint Stock Company is the only Vietnamese manufacturer exempted from the anti-dumping duty.
- All other Vietnamese producers and exporters will face a fixed anti-dumping duty of USD 121.55 per metric ton on covered products.
According to Reuters, the same duty rate also applies to goods shipped from Vietnam but manufactured in third countries, targeting transshipment practices used to bypass the measure.
Duration and Legal Effect
The anti-dumping duty will remain in force for five years from the date of publication, unless earlier revoked, amended, or replaced following a review or policy decision.
The payable duty will be collected in Indian rupees, calculated according to the exchange rate applicable on the date the import invoice is presented.
Implications for Vietnamese Exporters and Indian Importers
The decision poses several business implications:
- Most Vietnamese exporters will face significantly higher costs when supplying hot-rolled steel to India.
- Indian importers may experience increased procurement costs and supply chain adjustments.
- Re-exporters or third-country processors routing goods through Vietnam may also be subjected to the duty, depending on origin verification.
This measure highlights India’s growing vigilance against both dumping and potential circumvention patterns in the steel sector.
Trade Compliance Message
India’s imposition of a fixed anti-dumping duty underscores its commitment to shielding domestic industries from price caused by imported steel.
The exemption for only one Vietnamese producer reflects DGTR’s detailed assessment of cooperation levels and pricing practices.
As India continues to intensify its scrutiny of steel imports, exporters operating in Vietnam will need to maintain pricing transparency, and compliance to avoid future liabilities.
About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam
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