India initiates anti-dumping probe into butyl rubber imports

New Delhi – The Indian government has launched an anti-dumping investigation into the imports of isobutylene-isoprene rubber (IIR) from China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the US.

In an announcement 30 June, the commerce ministry’s directorate general of trade remedies (DGTR) said the probe was initiated upon a petition by local producer Reliance Sibur Elastomers.

The applicant, it said, has alleged that dumped imports of the subject goods has “materially retarded the establishment of the industry and caused material injury”.

The authority, it continued, has “prima facie” considered that dumped import from the said countries has caused material injury to the domestic industry.

IIR - butyl rubber - is commonly used to manufacture inner tubes of tires and other high-pressure tubes.

In addition to its “integral part” in tires, the material is also used in diaphragms, gaskets, wire & cable insulation, O-rings, weather strips and bottle closures.

According to DGTR, Reliance is the sole producer of butyl rubber in India and accounts for “a major proportion of” the total domestic production in the country.

The period of investigation will be 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023. Interested parties have 30 days to make submissions for the investigation.