Riyadh, December 4, 2024 – In a significant move to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices, the Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT), Majid Al-Kassabi, has announced the imposition of definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of Sulphonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde (SNF) originating from the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation. This decision was officially published in the Umm Al-Qura Gazette on December 2, 2024, and marks the beginning of a five-year enforcement period, starting from December 3, 2024.
The anti-dumping measures, which will be enforced by the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, mandate the imposition of duties on SNF imports within a range of 18.12% to 34%. The exact rate applied will vary according to the details outlined in the official decision, which specifies different duty rates for the relevant exporters. The decision aims to safeguard the Kingdom’s domestic market from the harmful effects of dumped products, which are typically sold below fair market value, undermining local industries.
The issuance of this anti-dumping ruling follows a comprehensive investigation initiated on November 20, 2023, after the domestic industry submitted formal complaints regarding the negative impact of subsidized SNF imports on local production. Under the Law of Trade Remedies in International Trade, GAFT conducted a thorough inquiry, culminating in the determination that dumping of SNF by Chinese and Russian exporters had caused material harm to Saudi manufacturers. The decision is in line with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enforcing fair trade practices and protecting its industries from unfair international competition.
The Law of Trade Remedies in International Trade, which provides the framework for such measures, aims to shield domestic industries from trade practices deemed harmful or unfair. The ruling serves as an important step in upholding the principles of free and fair trade while ensuring that Saudi producers can compete on an equal footing with foreign manufacturers.
This new set of anti-dumping duties comes at a critical time as Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its trade policies and economic resilience in line with its broader economic vision. It is also an indication of the Kingdom’s determination to use its trade policy tools to support the growth of local industries, foster fair competition, and safeguard national economic interests.
For further details on the specific duty rates and additional information regarding the decision, the General Authority of Foreign Trade has made all relevant documents available on its official website under the “Announcements and Circulars of Trade Remedies Investigations” page at [gaft.gov.sa](http://gaft.gov.sa).