Product Description – The product under consideration is Emulsion Styrene Butadiene Rubber (E-SBR). It is a mixture of two monomers – styrene and butadiene. ESBR has better process ability, homogeneity, heat aging and abrasion resistance as compared to natural rubber. SBR is segregated into series, however, the product under consideration is only limited to 1500 series.
HS Codes – The product is classified under Chapter 40 heading 4002 19 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and is imported under various codes such as 4002 19 10, 4002 19 20 and 4002 19 30
Uses – E-SBR is a synthetic rubber used in the manufacturing of passenger car and light truck tyres and truck tyre retreads. It is also used in applications such as conveyer belts, shoe soles, v-belts, moulded rubber goods. It is also used in manufacturing other products like gaskets, hoses, brakes, clutch pads, automobile mats, rubber toys etc.
Countries Involved – European Union, Japan, Korea RP, Russia and Thailand
Applicant – Reliance Industries Limited
Period of Investigation – 1st October 2023 – 30th September 2024
Injury Period – 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 and the period of investigation
Facts of the Present Case – The present application was filed by one of the two producers of ESBR in India. India Synthetic Rubber Private Limited (ISRPL) is another producer and has supported the application. The applicant submitted that the domestic industry was suffering from material injury and threat to material injury due to the dumped imports from the subject countries. Further, the price undercutting was positive for all the subject countries and the prices of the domestic industry have been suppressed in the period of investigation.