Trade body launches probe into Pen-G imports

UPDATE - follow-up to India initiates anti-dumping probe on Pen-G, salts from China: The Directorate General of Trade Remedies has launched an anti-dumping investigation into Penicillin G imports from China.

Investigation Details

The probe follows a request by Lyfius Pharma, an Aurobindo Pharma subsidiary. The company says low-priced imports are hurting its business and forcing price cuts. The investigation period is set for 2025 to 2026. Officials found enough early evidence to show dumping is happening.

Background

Lyfius Pharma operates a 15,000-tonne plant in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the facility in October 2024. The project is backed by a ₹2,500 crore investment under a government production linked incentive scheme. India stopped making the antibiotic in the late 1980s due to heavy import competition before production restarted recently.

Context

Anti-dumping investigations are trade tools used by governments to protect local industries from foreign competitors selling goods below production costs. Penicillin G is a crucial starting material used to make many common medicines that treat bacterial infections like pneumonia and meningitis.