China Exports of Engg, Footwear and Pharma Turn Negative

The details of imports from China in pharmaceutical, engineering and footwear sectors during last three years and the current year are given below:-

Table-1: Imports from China of Pharmaceutical, Engineering and Footwear Products

Value in USD Million

SNo.

Description

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14 (Apr-May)

1.

Pharmaceutical Products

85.77 (65.06)

100.65 (17.35)

90.73 (-9.85)

15.56 (-5.25)

2.

Engineering Products

13,411.32 (47.94)

16,538.24 (23.32)

14,808.30 (-10.46)

2,116.72 (-22.16)

3.

Footwear

119.20 (91.71)

180.31 (51.26)

211.15 (17.11)

26.23 (1.70)

* Percentage growth over corresponding period is given in brackets (Source: DGCI&S)

Major imports from China include electronic goods, machinery, organic chemicals, project goods, fertilizers, iron and steel, transport equipments, electric machinery (except electronics) and manufactures of metals.

Due to concerns regarding melamine contamination in milk and milk products from China, on the recommendation from Food Safety and Standard Authority of India, the Government has prohibited import of milk and milk products including chocolate and chocolate products and candies/confectionery/food preparations with milk or milk solids as ingredient, from China with effect from 24.9.2008 till 23.6.2014.

Further, import of toys is subject to meeting of the specified technical and safety standards since 27.1.2010.These standards apply to China also.

Import of mobile handsets without International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or with all zeroes IMEI and import of CDMA mobile phones without Electronic Serial Number (ESN)/Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) or all zeroes ESN/MEID, has been prohibited since 16.6.2009. These standards apply to import of such goods from China as well.

The Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) has initiated anti-dumping investigations into 291 cases as on date involving various countries since 1992. Out of these, 159 cases involve imports from China. The major products found to have been dumped from China in all these years and in respect of which anti-dumping duty has been imposed, fall in the product group of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Products of Steel & other metals, Fibres & Yarns and Consumer Goods.

The anti-dumping investigation by India is always initiated in accordance with the principles and procedures laid down in our national law, which is in consonance with the WTO’s Agreement on Anti-Dumping.

The proposal of mandatory sourcing of equipments from domestic manufacturers is likely to violate the provisions given under the WTO Agreement on Trade Related Investment Measures (TRIMs).

The information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Dr. D. Purandeswari in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 26 August 2013.