Product description – The product under consideration is ‘Carbon Black used in rubber applications’. It is an inorganic chemical used in production/ processing of rubber (including tyres), as reinforcing filler. It is also known as acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lampblack, thermal black, and noir de carbone. It can be divided into two categories – rubber and non-rubber applications Carbon black. Carbon black used in non-rubber applications, such as inks in copiers and computer printer cartridges, paints, crayons and polishes, is not within the scope of the present investigation.

HS Codes – This product is classified under Chapter 28 of the Act under subheading no. 28030010.

Uses – Carbon black for rubber applications is the Carbon black that is used in production/processing of rubber (including tyres), as a reinforcing filler.

Country involved – China PR and Russia

Applicants – M/s. Carbon Black Manufacturers Association (CBMA) on behalf of domestic producers Phillips Carbon Black Limited, Himadri Speciality Chemicals Limited, Continental Carbon India Limited and Birla Carbon India Private Limited.

Participating Companies – Phillips Carbon Black Limited, Himadri Speciality Chemicals Limited and Continental Carbon India Limited

Date of imposition of duty – The current duties are valid till 31^st December 2020. The present duty was recommended on 22^nd December 2020 and is yet to be imposed by the Ministry of Finance.

Date of initiation – 20^th May, 2020

Period of investigation – 1^st April 2019 to 31^st March 2019 (12 months)

Injury period – 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017, 1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018, 1st April 2018 – 31st March, 2019 and the period of investigation.

Date of levy of provisional duty (if any, with Customs Notification No.) – N/A

Margins and proposed duty –

Producer	Dumping margin Range (%)	Injury Margin Range (%)	Proposed Duty (US$/MT)
China PR	5-15	Negative	494.0
Russia	5-15	1-10	36.17

Key findings –

1. The exclusion of Speciality Grade CB HP 1107 is not appropriate.
2. The performance of the domestic industry suffered significant deterioration during the period of investigation. The imports are undercutting the prices of the domestic industry.
3. The domestic industry has suffered continued material injury and imports are likely to enter the Indian market at dumped prices in the event of expiry of the existing anti-dumping duty.
4. The dumping margin is positive in respect of imports of the product under consideration from the subject countries, thus resulting in continued dumping of subject goods.
5. In event of cessation of anti-dumping duty, price undercutting may continue. Further, the producers/exporters in the subject countries hold surplus and unutilized capacities and are highly export oriented. The surplus capacities can be diverted to India in the event of cessation of anti-dumping duty. The exporters are also expanding their already surplus capacities.  
6. There is likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury to the domestic industry in the event of cessation of anti-dumping duty.