Product description: The product under consideration in the present investigation is ‘2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,2-Dihydroquinoline’, also known as ‘TDQ’. TDQ is a rubber antioxidant produced from acetone and aniline. The product under consideration is produced and sold in two forms – TDQ normal grade and TDQ HP grade. TDQ HP is outside the scope of the product under consideration.
HS Codes: The product under consideration is classified in Chapter 38, Heading 3812 under the HS code 3812 31 00. However, the product has been imported under other HS codes, 3812 10 00, 3812, 20 90, 3812 31 00, 3812 39 10, 3812 39 20 and 3812 39 90. The customs classification is indicative only and in no way binding on the scope of the investigation.
Uses: It is used to provide long-term protection to rubber vulcanizates against oxidative ageing at ambient as well as elevated temperatures. It also offers protection against degradation caused by ozone under static as well as dynamic conditions.
Countries involved: China PR
Applicant: NOCIL Limited
Period of investigation: The period of investigation (POI) is from 1st April 2023 to 30th June 2024 (15 months).
Injury period: The injury examination period is April 2020 – March 2021, April 2021 – March 2022, April 2022 – March 2023 and the period of investigation.
Facts of the present case: The applicant company constitutes eligible domestic industry. There is positive price undercutting and price suppression effect on the prices of the applicant. The applicant is suffering financially with cash losses and a negative return on capital employed. The performance of the applicant in the proposed period of investigation has been adverse in price parameters. The applicant is having to forcefully keep its volumes afloat and stable while suffering on price parameters so as to not lose their customers considering investments undertaken for setting up a new plant for the production of the subject goods. The applicant has claimed that it is increasingly losing its opportunity to sell in the domestic market. Dumping of the product has prevented the applicant from achieving the desired level of operations.