Petrochemical and chemical industry in the Gulf today threatened to challenge anti-dumping measures by India, China and the European Union, saying these countries were resorting to “protectionist” steps, violating the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the regional umbrella industry organisation, said it would coordinate its action with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
GPCA Secretary General Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun said the association was concerned about the potential impact of these measures on the global petrochemical and chemical industry and the downstream consumers in China and India.
“GPCA will strengthen coordination with GCC governments to ensure the exports of petrochemicals and chemicals from the Gulf region are not restricted by anti-dumping regulations and other trade restrictions,” he said.
He said the Gulf industry had seen a “surge in protectionist actions brought by countries to block imports”.
GPCA said it would investigate and recommend specific actions that should be taken against trading partners that restrict GCC petrochemical and chemical exports.
India’s finance ministry in July levied provisional anti-dumping duty on polypropylene imports from Oman, Saudi Arabia and Singapore, pending the results of investigations underway.