Vishakha Glass backs anti-dumping duty on imported solar glass

Vishakha Glass has supported the introduction of an anti-dumping duty (ADD) on imported solar glass from China and Vietnam to India.

The Ministry of Finance has introduced a new reference price to calculate ADD on solar glass imports from China and Vietnam.

Vishakha Glass has welcomed this measure, which it considers as a vital step to protect local manufacturers and ensure the sustainability of the sector.

It believed the ADD was necessary to address the unfair pricing of imported solar glass, and the insufficient protection for solar glass.

It said solar glass was sold at artificially low rates, which led to an uneven playing field.

In addition, the 11% Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on solar glass was inadequate to counter the low prices of Chinese imports.

Vishaka said the Indian solar glass industry was at “the brink of destruction” before the notice.

The applicable duty will be the difference between the landed cost of imports, including BCD, and the reference price.

Imported glass from Vietnam will see a smaller increase, while local purchases will have an even lower impact.

Vishaka believed this would benefit domestic producers and encourage more sourcing within India.

It said: “We encourage panel manufacturers to source locally, supporting the domestic industry and reducing overall costs.

“We are also confident that after such import barriers, many companies will invest in Solar glass and existing players will expand thus creating a truly ‘Made in India’ Solar Panel.

“The ADD is therefore a necessary intervention to ensure its continued viability and growth.”