Copper data cable imports from China under scanner

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation on imports of copper data cables from China. The probe follows an application by Birla Cable and Sterlite Technologies.

DGTR said there is prima facie evidence that the product under consideration is being dumped into the Indian market by Chinese exporters.

Copper data cables are used for transmission of data and signals over local area networks (LAN). They usually comprise twisted pairs of copper conductors, insulated with polyethylene or other sheathing material, with or without the inclusion of braiding, drain wire, individual and/or overall foil shield and a separator.


The investigation will examine imports during 2024-25. Injury period for the investigation covers fiscal 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-2024 and 2024-25.

DGTR said applicants have also provided prima facie information regarding the injury suffered by domestic industry because of dumped imports.

"The applicants have claimed that the imports have suppressed and depressed the prices of the domestic industry," the trade remediation body said in the dumping investigation initiation notification.

It is alleged that copper data cable imports have entered at prices below the cost of sale and selling price of the domestic industry. This has adversely impacted the profitability of the domestic industry.

"The cash profits of the domestic industry have declined over the injury period, and it has earned a low return on capital employed," the notification read while listing the concerns flagged by applicants.