The General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) has announced definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of PVC-coated textiles and fabrics from China and South Korea.

The decision approved by Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Chairman of GAFT was published in the official gazette on December 16, 2024, and will be effective for five years starting December 17, 2024.

Under this decision, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority would impose anti-dumping taxes on certain goods using rates ranging between 25.56% and 51%, as stated in an accompanying table inside the official release. Following the Law of Trade Remedies in International Trade, these steps are a component of Saudi Arabia's larger plan to defend its own sector against unfair trade practices.

Following a comprehensive inquiry started on November 30, 2023 following a complaint made by nearby manufacturers, the decision Following the established policies in the Law of Trade Remedies in International Trade and its Executive Regulations, Through investigation, GAFT found cases of unfair trade practices like dumping that negatively affected the Saudi market; so, the findings justified the application of these clear anti-dumping laws to maintain the competitiveness and sustainability of the home sector.

Dumping is the practice of exporting commodities for less than their usual worth, usually harming sectors of the importing nation. The research exposed that undercutting local producers and generating an unfair playing field, the imported PVC-coated textiles and fabrics from China and South Korea were priced unjustly. Along with endangering the sustainability of Saudi manufacturing, this threatened employment and long-term sectoral economic stability.

By leveling the pricing differences, anti-dumping responsibilities help to prevent such tactics by allowing home manufacturers to compete fairly. Calculated to offset the margin by which these goods are being dumped into the Saudi market, the charges run up to 51%, Saudi Arabia wants to guarantee conformity with international trade rules and simultaneously promote its own textile and fabric sector by adopting these policies.

This choice conforms with Saudi Arabia's goal to build a strong and competitive home economy, It also shows the Kingdom's proactive approach in correcting trade disparities and shielding important sectors from negative consequences of unfair worldwide trade policies, Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's larger economic reforms and programs seek to diversify the economy, support local businesses, and increase self-reliance by means of such activities.

The statement underlines Saudi Arabia's readiness to maintain compliance with international trade norms while implementing its trade laws to defend home interests as well as the need of following fair trade values if we wish to advance the world economy.

Stakeholders in the textile and fabric sector should gain from a more fair market environment thanks to these steps being in place, The anti-dumping responsibilities will help to stabilize the home market, boost local economy, and inspire investment, GAFT will probably keep a tight eye on the market when the five-year enforcement term starts to assess the success of these policies and guarantee they keep tackling the problems caused by dumping activities.