India Extends Anti-Dumping Duties on Aniline Imports from China for Five More Years

On July 18, the Indian Ministry of Finance issued Customs Notification No. 25/2025, announcing the extension of anti-dumping duties on aniline originating in or exported from China for a period of five years, effective immediately. The decision follows the conclusions of a sunset review conducted by India’s designated investigating authority and is in accordance with Section 9A(5) of the Customs Tariff Act of 1975 and the relevant anti-dumping rules.

According to the review report, Chinese aniline products continue to enter the Indian market at low prices, and lifting the current duties could pose risks to the domestic industry. However, some industry insiders argue that Chinese exporters’ pricing largely reflects their competitive scale and efficiency, and should not be automatically equated with dumping. This latest move is widely seen as a policy measure aimed at protecting Indian domestic manufacturers.

Under the new notification, duty rates vary depending on the manufacturer and export channel. Aniline produced by Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. of China will be subject to a duty of USD 36.90 per metric ton, while all other Chinese producers or exporters will face a rate of USD 121.79 per metric ton. Additionally, any aniline product exported from China—regardless of its country of origin—will be subject to the same rate. Duties will be collected in Indian rupees, based on the official exchange rate set by the Indian government under Section 14 of the Customs Act of 1962. This notification replaces Customs (ADD) Notification No. 08/2021 dated February 19, 2021, and reflects India’s broader effort to shield local industries from global market pressures.

According to Volza data, India imported approximately 1,819 consignments of aniline during the 2023–2024 fiscal year, primarily from China (which held the largest share), the United States, and the United Kingdom. Total imports rose by 13% compared to the previous year. World Bank statistics indicate that India imported roughly 120,000 tons of aniline in 2023, valued at around USD 200 million, with nearly 30% of that volume coming from China.

Chemanalyst reports that India’s aniline market stood at about 150,000 tons in FY2023, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2%, reaching 220,000 tons by 2032. Currently, only a few Indian companies manufacture aniline domestically, and domestic production still falls short of meeting the fast-growing downstream demand, making imports critical in the near term.

Aniline is a key raw material used in the production of dyes, paints, MDI, rubber additives, and pharmaceutical intermediates. India’s downstream industries are highly cost-sensitive, and rapid growth in sectors like construction coatings and rubber chemicals has amplified the impact of price changes on end markets. While the imposition of duties may temporarily shield domestic producers from price shocks, experts warn that such protectionist measures could lead to supply shortages and rising costs. As import costs climb, downstream sectors—especially coatings and rubber—may face mounting pressure, potentially undermining their international price competitiveness.