Anti-Subsidy Probe Initiated on Copper Tube Imports from China, Thailand, and Vietnam on Sole Producer MetTube Copper India Complaint

· Air conditioners will be hit badly

[DGTR Initiation Notification SETU CASE ID - CVD/OI/009/2026 dated 29.09.2026]

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has officially initiated an anti-subsidy/countervailing duty investigation regarding imports of Internally Grooved Copper Tubes and Pipes (IGT) originating from China PR, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Here is the pointwise summary of the notification:

Key Case Details

· Case Identity: The case is registered under SETU CASE ID - CVD/OI/009/2026 and was notified on September 29, 2026.

· The Applicant: MetTube Copper India Private Limited filed the application. They represent the sole producer of the subject goods in India during the active period of investigation.

· Timeline of Investigation: The Period of Investigation (POI) is set from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026 (12 months), while the broader injury analysis covers financial years from 2022-23 to 2025-26.

Product Under Consideration (PUC)

· Definition: The target goods are Internally Grooved Copper Tubes and Pipes (also known as microfin tubes), which are used primarily to increase heat transfer efficiency in systems.

· Primary End-Uses: These tubes are predominantly utilized in the condensers and evaporators of air-conditioners, water heaters, automotive ACs, solar equipment, and electronic radiators.

· Exclusions: Standard plain or smooth copper tubes and pipes are strictly excluded from the scope of this investigation.

Allegations of Subsidisation & Injury

· Subsidisation: The applicant claims that foreign exporters benefit from extensive government subsidy schemes—including tax exemptions, grants, preferential loans, and underpriced land/utilities.

· Domestic Material Retardation: The applicant alleges that cheap, heavily subsidised imports have undercut domestic prices and are materially retarding the successful establishment of the Indian domestic industry.

· Financial Impact: Because of the high volume of low-priced imports, the domestic industry’s capacity utilisation remained low, inventory grew, and financial parameters like profits and cash flow remained negative.

Consultation & Administrative Procedures

· Pre-Initiation Consultations: Discussions were held with the governments of Vietnam and Thailand prior to initiation. The government of China did not participate in these initial consultations.

· Information Submission Portal: All interested parties must register and upload their questionnaire responses and relevant legal arguments digitally through the SETU Portal (dgtr.gov.in).

· Deadlines: Parties are required to submit both confidential and non-confidential versions of their responses within 37 days from the transmission date of the official intimation letters.