Product description: The product under consideration is Para Nitrotoluene (PNT), also known as Paranitrotoluol, 4-Methylnitrobenzene, 1-Methyl-4-nitrobezene, p-Methylnitrobenzene or 4-Nitrotoluene.

HS Codes: The product under consideration is classified under Chapter 29 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, under the heading 29042050.

Uses: PNT is basic chemical used in the chemical industry for the manufacturing of intermediates. These intermediates are further used in the production of optical brighteners, coloring agents, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. It is used to synthesise agricultural and rubber chemicals, azo and sulphur dyes, and dyes for cotton, wool, silk, paper and leather.

Countries involved: European Union.

Applicant: Aarti Industries Limited

Period of investigation: The period of investigation (POI) for the investigation is from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 (12 months)

Injury period: The injury examination period is 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 and the period of investigation.

Facts of the present case: The applicant is one of the only two producers in India and represents a major proportion of Indian production for the like article. There has been an increase in the volume of subject imports in absolute terms over the period of investigation. It has been claimed that the applicant has been forced to match the prices of the subject imports. The subject imports have been claimed to have caused price suppression. The applicant is suffering financial losses, cash losses and negative return on capital employed.