Product description – The product under consideration is “Soda Ash” also known as Disodium Carbonate.

HS Code – 283620.

Uses – It is used to manufacture detergents, soaps, cleaning compounds, sodium-based chemicals, float glass, container and specialty glasses, silicates and other industrial chemicals. It is also widely used in textiles, paper, metallurgical industries and desalination plants.

Countries involved – Erga Omnes

Applicants – Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI). Relevant information has been provided by:

1. DCW Limited
2. RSPL Limited
3. Nirma Limited
4. GHCL Limited, and
5. Tata Chemicals Limited

Period of investigation – April 2020 to September 2025, with January to September 2025 as the most recent period (MRP).

Unforeseen developments – There has been a sudden, sharp and recent significant increase in imports of the product under consideration beginning in 2023–24, which continued thereafter till September 2025 both in absolute terms as well as relative terms. This sharp increase is due to following unforeseen factors-

1. Due to Russia-Ukraine conflict, traditional routes to EU were disrupted. Additionally, high inflation, energy costs and overall economic slowdown in the EU led to decline in demand. Thus, exports destined for Europe was diverted to markets with stronger demand, including India.
2. Demand in Turkey declined too due to economic slowdown in 2023-24, depreciation of Turkish currency and decline in rate of industrial production. However, significant capacity was added by Turkey and thus excess production was redirected to India at reduced prices.
3. Capacities in the US increased, however, global demand declined and in particular in Mexico, a key export destination for US. Resultantly, exports were directed to growing market (India).
4. Global demand has weakened and, in view of loss of other markets and further increase in capacities, material was offered by successively reducing prices, resulting in surge in imports in India.

Substantial and rapid capacity additions are being taken in major countries, China, USA and Turkey despite decline in demand. Direction of surplus volumes to alternative markets from these countries and sustained price depression arising from global oversupply have led to surge in imports in 2023-24 and the same continued thereafter despite price reductions by the domestic industry, causing serious injury to the domestic industry.

Injury – Sudden and sharp increase in imports which is undercutting and suppressing prices of the domestic industry since 2022-23 leading to decline in profit, cash profit and ROI. Market share of the domestic industry declined despite there being no material demand-supply gap and increased capacities with the domestic industry. Significant increased imports prevented the domestic industry from optimizing increase capacity utilization, production and sales at optimum levels. Thus, the Authority, having been prima facie satisfied by the information provided, initiated the investigation vide Notification No. F No. 22/01/2026-DGTR dated 16^th March 2026.