Posted on 30 Sep 2025
India may impose a $125/tonne anti-dumping duty (AD) on metallurgical coke (met coke) imports in a move that targets cheap imports which domestic producers say are undercutting local prices.
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has nearly completed its probe into imports from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan and Russia. The investigation follows a request from the Indian Metallurgical Coke Manufacturers Association (IMCOM), which represents about 85% of local production. IMCOM reports imports are harming domestic producers and says stronger protective measures are needed.
Market sources had mixed views when speaking to Kallanish about the potential impact.
Domestic coke producers welcome the AD. One Kolkata-based coke manufacturer notes: “It will help level the playing field and protects local met coke production from cheap imports. If this is not imposed, we will be crushed as despite quotas cheap coke continues to enter India.”
Steelmakers remain concerned about costs. A purchase manager says, “A $125 duty on met coke could push up costs for our operations. We are concerned it may affect production and sourcing. Already quotas are in place, coking coal is cheaper which means domestic coke should also be cheaper, but this is not happening.”
Traders are divided. One Mumbai-based trader comments: “A $125 AD on a $250 commodity seems unrealistic, almost like a Trump-style tariff. But few traders argue it could be imposed, as imported coke would still land near domestic prices of INR 30,000-33,000/tonne [$338-371/t].”
There is chatter in the market that the AD could be imposed despite objections from some steelmakers.
Met coke prices are already rising, with China and Indonesian coke being delivered in the range of $330-340/t. If the AD is imposed, import costs will increase, but domestic prices are likely to remain competitive.
The final decision, expected in October, will determine how steelmakers adjust sourcing strategies.
Source:Kallanish
