According to the latest news, the Indian government has decided to impose a five-year anti-dumping duty on printed circuit boards (PCBs) originating from mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This measure targets China's export behavior in the field of printed circuit boards and aims to protect India's domestic electronics manufacturing industry. It is reported that the anti-dumping duty covers products under Indian customs code 85340000, with tariff rates ranging from 0% to 75.72% for mainland China and 30% for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
This decision follows an anti-dumping investigation by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry into Chinese printed circuit boards. During the investigation, the Ministry assessed the dumping and injury situation from April 1, 2018, to June 30, 2022. Finally, on December 29, 2023, the Ministry issued a notice of affirmative final ruling, confirming the necessity of imposing anti-dumping duties on these products.
However, this anti-dumping duty does not apply to all types of printed circuit boards. Certain types of printed circuit boards are excluded from the scope of this taxation.
The case involves products under Indian customs code 85340000. The anti-dumping measures in this case do not apply to the following printed circuit boards:
Printed circuit boards with more than 6 layers;
Printed circuit boards used for mobile phone applications;
Various sizes of filling printed circuit boards;
Printed circuit boards with embedded copper blocks;
Embedded printed circuit boards;
POFV circuit boards or Via-in-Pad circuit boards;
HDI circuit boards;
Rigid-flex PCBs;
Package substrates/IC package substrates.
The measures take effect from the date of publication of this notification in the official gazette.
The Indian government's decision to impose anti-dumping duties on printed circuit boards has drawn widespread attention and discussion in the industry. On the one hand, it is seen as a proactive action by the Indian government to protect its domestic industry and maintain a fair competitive environment in the domestic market. On the other hand, some are concerned that this may harm the interests of relevant industries in China and have a negative impact on the trade relationship between the two countries.
In this background the Indian government must carefully balance various factors and take appropriate policy measures to balance the development needs of domestic industries with the stability of international trade. At the same time, relevant industries in China should actively respond by improving product quality, reducing costs, and enhancing competitiveness to adapt to changes in the international market. In the backdrop of globalization, trade between countries is inevitable, and only through cooperation and negotiation can a win-win situation be achieved.
