Saudi Arabia Launches Anti-Dumping Investigation into Indian Iron Pipe Imports

The Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into ductile iron pipe imports from India, in a move aimed at protecting the Kingdom’s domestic manufacturing sector from unfair competition.

The probe targets cast iron pipes and hollow tubes classified under the K9 and C40 categories, with diameters ranging between 100mm and 1,000mm. These products are widely used in infrastructure and water management projects.

According to GAFT, the investigation is being carried out under Article 4.1 of Saudi Arabia’s Law of Trade Remedies in International Trade, which was enacted on November 23, 2022. The law grants GAFT the authority to conduct trade remedy investigations, reviews, and to impose appropriate measures in line with the Kingdom’s international obligations, particularly those set by the World Trade Organization (WTO), including the Anti-Dumping Agreement.

The launch of the investigation follows concerns raised by local producers regarding the pricing practices of Indian exporters. The authority suspects that the products may have been sold in the Saudi market at unfairly low prices — a practice known as dumping — which can harm local manufacturers by undercutting prices and distorting competition.

“This step is part of our broader effort to address harmful trade practices that negatively impact domestic industries,” GAFT said in a statement. “We remain committed to ensuring a fair trading environment and will take all necessary actions to protect national interests while honouring international agreements.”

Since the implementation of the trade remedies law, GAFT has launched several investigations targeting various industrial sectors, including steel, petrochemicals, and food products. These efforts are designed to address issues such as price undercutting, surges in import volumes, and subsidies that create imbalances in the market.

The authority has invited interested parties to participate in the investigation process, including domestic and foreign producers, exporters, importers, and relevant governments. GAFT has made investigation notices and ongoing case updates available on its official website, under the “Notices and Circulars of Trade Remedies Investigations” and “Details of Ongoing Investigations and Reviews” sections.

This latest case highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing assertiveness in trade enforcement, particularly as the Kingdom continues to diversify its economy and support its industrial base under Vision 2030.