India most active in initiating anti-dumping cases: WB

NEW DELHI: Concerned over an increased level of protectionism, the World Bank found India to be the most active nation in initiating anti-dumping measures against imports affecting 19 countries.

Setting an agenda for the London meeting of the leaders of 20 developed and developing countries on April 2, the World Bank report 'Trade Protection:Incipient but Worrisome Trends' said both China and India have increased the rebate on duty drawback system for exporters.

"...although the subsidy component is a matter of discussion the timing of these measures raises questions," the report said.

It said the developing countries initiated majority of anti-dumping investigations with India accounting for 29 per cent of such moves. However, the developed nations accounted for the greatest number of duty impositions.

In December 2008, India had initiated anti-dumping investigations, involving both hot and cold-rolled stainless steel products, it said adding that in addition to Japan, three developing countries -- China, South Africa and Thailand -- were the target in both investigations.

The World Bank said the G-20 Summit on April 2 could adopt additional measures to strengthen "the fragile consensus against further protectionism. It could commit the greater transparency by providing quarterly reports on new trade restrictions and agricultural subsides to the WTO.

The G-20 could also agree to promote the use of standard safeguard provisions in due of anti-dumping laws.

India has maintained that its anti-dumping measures confirm to the WTO rules and it was not taking any protectionist measures.

Commerce Secretary G K Pilai had said, "Those countries which say that we are protectionists should realise that our imports are growing at 19 per cent to $271 billion in the period of great recession.".

India's imports during April-February grew by 19 per cent to $271 billion compared to the same period last year.