Chinese Pipe Imports Threaten India’s Industry
STMAI demands action against low-cost Chinese imports.
The Seamless Tube Manufacturers' Association of India (STMAI) has raised an alarm over the surging influx of low-cost Chinese seamless pipes and tubes, urging the government to implement stringent measures to protect the domestic industry. STMAI President Shiv Kumar Singhal highlighted that India’s seamless pipe sector, with an installed capacity of 1.95 million metric tonnes (MMT), far exceeds the domestic demand of 1.32 MMT, yet faces severe challenges due to unfair trade practices from Chinese importers.
Singhal revealed that despite government efforts through safeguard measures, Chinese imports have skyrocketed over the past 3-4 years. He accused Chinese importers of manipulating customs declarations by inflating invoice values, only to sell the products in India at prices significantly lower than those of local manufacturers. “This predatory pricing undermines fair trade and cripples Indian producers,” Singhal stated, calling for an investigation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to curb these practices.
The domestic seamless pipe industry has invested heavily in alignment with the Make in India initiative, developing critical import-substitute products like oxygen cylinder pipes and drill pipes. However, underutilized production capacities have left mills struggling to secure orders, with Chinese imports capturing a significant market share. This has sparked concerns about job losses and the long-term viability of an industry vital to India’s infrastructure and energy sectors.
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STMAI’s plea underscores the need for robust policy interventions to level the playing field. The association has urged the government to impose stricter import regulations and enhance monitoring at customs to prevent dumping. As India strives for self-reliance, protecting the seamless pipe industry from unfair competition remains a critical challenge, with stakeholders awaiting decisive action to safeguard this key sector.
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