Imports of Virgin Multi-Layer Paperboard from Indonesia surged from a negligible 296 tonnes in FY22 to 62,935 tonnes in FY25
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The Indian Paper Manufacturers’ Association (IPMA) has urged the government to immediately impose Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) on imports of Virgin Multi-Layer Paperboard from Indonesia, citing mounting losses suffered by domestic manufacturers due to a surge in low-priced imports.The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has already established dumping and recommended the imposition of remedial duties following a detailed investigation.IPMA said the urgency has increased as the Minimum Import Price (MIP), imposed as an interim measure against low-priced imports, is set to expire on September 30. The association maintained that the MIP cannot substitute for the definitive trade-remedial measure recommended by the DGTR.In a representation to the Finance Minister, IPMA said India’s virgin paperboard industry suffered estimated losses of ₹242 crore in FY25 due to indiscriminate dumping by Indonesian manufacturers.“With the DGTR having recommended Anti-Dumping Duty, there is an urgent need to translate the recommendation into remedial action. Every further delay means continued injury to domestic manufacturers,” said Pawan Agarwal, President, IPMA.Following its investigation covering April 2024 to March 2025, the DGTR recommended the imposition of Anti-Dumping Duty on imports from Indonesia. It found that the domestic industry had suffered material deterioration, incurred financial losses and recorded negative returns on capital employed following a sharp increase in imports.Imports of Virgin Multi-Layer Paperboard from Indonesia surged from a negligible 296 tonnes in FY22 to 62,935 tonnes in FY25. During the same period, CIF import prices declined by 25 per cent. The DGTR found that the imports were priced significantly below the selling price and even the cost of sales of Indian manufacturers, forcing domestic producers to cut prices and sell at losses to remain competitive.IPMA said the surge in imports was particularly concerning as India’s six domestic producers have a combined production capacity of more than 17 lakh tonnes, which is sufficient to meet current as well as potential domestic demand. The industry has also added fresh capacities in recent years.“Anti-Dumping Duty is not about restricting legitimate imports; it is a WTO-compliant trade remedy to ensure fair competition. Timely implementation of the DGTR recommendation will provide the level playing field necessary to protect existing investments and encourage further capacity creation in India,” Agarwal said.Published on August 13, 2026
