Import of PVC Resin from Japan under Probe

India has initiated a probe into an alleged increase in imports of a certain type of PVC resin, used in various sectors including construction and medical devices, from Japan following complaints by domestic firms. Under a free trade agreement (FTA), two countries reduce or eliminate customs/import duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. The applicants have requested for immediate imposition of bilateral safeguard measures in view of the significant increase in imports of the product. They have also claimed that the market share of the domestic industry has declined whereas market share of the imported resin has increased. "After determining that there is prima facie evidence to justify initiation of the safeguard investigation, the Director-General considers appropriate to initiate the investigation in order to determine whether the imports of the product from Japan constitute increased imports and whether the increased imports have caused or are threatening to cause serious injury to the domestic industry," it said. The period considered for the investigation is April 2016 to March 2020.