India Set to Bolster Vigil on Chinese, ASEAN Imports

Indian Industry Has Expressed Concern About a Potential Influx of Imports Routed Through AITIGA

- Rajeev Jayaswal

NEW DELHI: Indian agencies have begun strict vigilance for any unusual spike in imports from China and ASEAN nations, amid concerns that Beijing may divert its surplus products to India after being hit with a 34% additional duty in the US market, officials said.

"Major global economies are weary that after facing high reciprocal tariffs in the US market, certain countries may divert their surplus to flood other markets either directly or through a third country with which they have free trade agreements," a senior official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"However, Indian customs and other agencies are on high alert to detect any such dumping of goods. Besides, there are plenty of legal instruments with us to protect our domestic industries from such malpractices," the official added.

The Narendra Modi government has been pushing the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc for an expeditious review of the India-ASEAN trade agreement to address vulnerabilities in the pact, with a revised agreement expected later this year, according to another official from an economic ministry who also requested anonymity.