New Delhi: The Indian government has established an inter-ministerial Import Surge Monitoring Group to address potential import diversions into the country due to global trade tensions and elevated tariffs on nations like China and Vietnam, the Commerce Ministry announced.
The monitoring group was formed in response to concerns that rising tariffs and retaliatory trade measures could lead to a surge in goods being redirected to India.
Additionally, Chinese tariffs on American products may increase the inflow of U.S. agricultural goods into the Indian market, officials said.
“With global uncertainties and tariff-related apprehensions, there is a risk of flooding or a surge in imports,” said L. Satya Srinivas, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce.
“To address this, the Import Surge Monitoring Group is tracking weekly and monthly trends by commodities and countries.”
If unusual import surges are identified, the Commerce Ministry can implement measures such as anti-dumping duties or safeguard actions, he added.
The group comprises representatives from the Department of Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Other ministries are consulted as needed.
A recent assessment flagged the risk of merchandise dumping into India, particularly as exporters from countries like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which face significant U.S. trade deficits, might redirect goods to India due to the ongoing trade war.
The U.S. has imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, prompting China to retaliate with a 125% tariff on American products.
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In a proactive measure, DGFT Santosh Kumar Sarangi announced the launch of a help desk for exporters and importers, operational since April 11, to address concerns and provide timely alerts about export opportunities or import surges.
“The help desk encourages stakeholders to report issues or opportunities related to trade,” Sarangi said, adding that an export promotion mission is also being formulated following consultations with stakeholders and inter-ministerial groups.
