SAIL, during this period, produced 75.22 lakh tonnes of saleable steel which was 1.2 per cent more than the target and 11.8 per cent more than the production of the same period last year. 5.43 lakh tonens of pig iron production by SAIL was also 33.7 per cent more than the target, but 8.7 per cent less than the previous year. IISCO during these ten months produced 2.06 lakh tonens of saleable steel which was 3 per cent more than the target and 3.18 lakh tonnes of pig iron which was 2.3 per cent more than the production of the same period last year.

    Meanwhile, the number of cases being investigated by the Designated Authority for Anti-Dumping is increasing. As against 15 cases across 5 years from 1993, the Directorate has in the last two years alone completed investigations in 24 cases. This year, there are 33 cases at various stages of investigation. The workload is likely to increase manifold in the wake of the removal of quantitative restrictions (QRs) in a phased manner from April 2000 onwards.

    The systems in the Directorate have been fully streamlined to ensure finalisation of preliminary findings in 4-5 months. The normal time allowed by statute for the investigations and submission of final findings is one year from the date of initiation of the investigation. However, the preliminary findings which are finalised in 4-5 months give full relief to the aggrieved parties. Even in EU it takes around 7-8 months on an average for completing preliminary investigations and imposing provisional anti-dumping duty. As per the Annual Report 1998 of WTO during the year 1997, India is eighth after Australia, EC, South Africa, USA, Argentina, Korea and Canada in terms of number of anti-dumping cases initiated.

    The Designated Authority has been able to create awareness for proper documentation of cases and facilitate open and transparent examination of issues. The systems introduced, ensure expeditious action at various stages of the case. And this inspite of the fact that the Directorate is yet to have the full complement of staff required.

    The Designated Authority in the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping & Allied Duties, set up in the Ministry of Commerce in April 1998 initiated necessary action for investigations and subsequent imposition of anti-dumping duties; when there is sufficient evidence that dumped imports are causing or are threatening to cause material injury to the Indian industry producing like articles or are materially retarding establishment of industry.