Imports of Chinese consumer goods have already made a dent on several domestic products like tyres, tiles etc and steel pipes used for structural purposes are no exception.

Kerala Tube Mills Association has protested against the steel pipe imports, which according to them, is affecting small and medium manufacturers in the State. The large scale Chinese imports have put the industry, with a monthly turnover of ₹90 crore, in a crisis, Siddique CBV, president, Kerala Steel Tube Mills Association said.

Today there are only 5 manufacturing units in Kerala where over 500 people are directly employed and over 50,000 people are indirectly benefited. The association alleged that steel pipes manufactured in China are not processed in the prescribed format and retailers prefer to push these products in the market due to its high profit margin.

According to the association, Chinese steel pipes are not strong enough because they have not undergone the ‘Cold rolling’ process and therefore are prone to early loosening and rusting which will affect the quality of the buildings that are constructed using these pipes.

However, steel pipes manufactured in India undergo the procedures of hot rolling and cold rolling as per the Indian norms before reaching the market, K A Noushad, the association secretary said.

The association also has plans of reaching out to Central and state governments, demanding immediate action against the Chinese products.

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