The n-butanol anti-dumping duty recommended by India’s DGTR would impose duties of up to $240 per tonne on imports from Taiwan and Saudi Arabia for five years. The Authority concluded its investigation on 25 September 2026, and ChemAnalyst reported the recommendation on 29 September 2026.
The chemical matters to paint and ink makers because it functions “mainly as a solvent in coatings and printing inks,” according to the report. It also serves as an extractant in making drugs and as a starting material for butyl acetate.
What Are the Proposed n-Butanol Anti-Dumping Duty Rates?
The recommended duties, for a five-year term, are $71 per tonne for Formosa Plastics Corporation of Taiwan, $240 per tonne for all other Taiwanese producers, and $225 per tonne for all Saudi Arabian producers.
Why Did DGTR Find Injury to the Domestic Industry?
Andhra Petrochemicals Limited filed the complaint. The investigation covered 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 and began on 27 September 2025. DGTR found that dumped imports “materially contributed to the industry’s injury.” It cited domestic prices falling by about 28% while costs rose, and import volumes from the named countries climbing from 2,138 tonnes in 2021-22 to 25,695 tonnes in the investigation period.
What Could This Mean for Coatings and Ink Makers?
Paint, coating and ink manufacturers use n-butanol as a solvent, so a duty on two import sources could raise their raw-material costs once it applies. Domestic supply from the complainant could gain share. Buyers should compare duty-inclusive import quotes with domestic offers and plan inventory around the notification date.
Market Reaction and Industry Response
The report did not include share-price moves or comments from paint and ink associations. Reactions from user industries are not yet on record in the sources reviewed.
What Happens Next?
The recommendation awaits Central Government notification before implementation, and appeals proceed through CESTAT, the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal. Importers should watch for the notification that sets the effective date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the proposed n-butanol anti-dumping duty?
DGTR recommended $71 per tonne for Formosa Plastics (Taiwan), $240 per tonne for other Taiwanese producers and $225 per tonne for Saudi Arabian producers, for five years.
Why does n-butanol matter to the paint and ink industry?
It is used mainly as a solvent in coatings and printing inks, so duty changes can affect formulation costs.
Is the duty in force?
No. The recommendation needs Central Government notification before it takes effect.
Source: ChemAnalyst report dated 29 September 2026 on the DGTR final findings.
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