Saudi Arabia launches anti-dumping investigation into cardboard imports from China and India

This investigation reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to protecting local industries amid its economic diversification efforts.

• On August 19, 2026, the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) initiated an anti-dumping investigation into multi-layer coated cardboard imports from China and India.
• The investigation targets cardboard products weighing 180–500 grams per square meter, following a complaint from domestic producers.
• China and India account for 44% and 5% of Saudi imports of the product, respectively, raising concerns about fair pricing and local market health.

• Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to diversify its economy, reducing reliance on oil and bolstering local manufacturing.
• The Law of Trade Remedies, enacted in November 2022, provides a legal framework for addressing unfair trade practices, including dumping.
• GAFT's active role in trade investigations indicates a broader strategy to safeguard emerging industries from foreign competition.

On August 19, 2026, the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) formally initiated an anti-dumping investigation into multi-layer coated cardboard imports from China and India. This action follows a complaint from Saudi domestic producers who allege that these imports are being sold at prices below fair market value, which they argue is harming local production capabilities. The cardboard in question is characterized by its duplex nature, featuring a grey back and a white or colored face, and falls within a specific weight range of 180–500 grams per square meter.

The investigation is significant because it highlights the ongoing tension between domestic industries and foreign competition in Saudi Arabia. With China accounting for 44% of the relevant imports and India contributing 5%, the stakes are high for both the local cardboard producers and the exporters from these countries. If the investigation substantiates claims of dumping, GAFT could impose provisional or definitive duties on the imports, which would directly affect pricing and availability in the Saudi market.

This move is part of a broader trend in Saudi Arabia, where the government is increasingly using trade remedy measures to protect local industries as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The Law of Trade Remedies in International Trade, established in late 2022, provides the legal basis for such investigations and reflects a proactive approach to managing trade relationships. GAFT's ongoing portfolio of investigations and duties on various products underscores a commitment to preventing import surges that could undermine local manufacturing.

The implications of this investigation extend beyond immediate market reactions. Stakeholders in the packaging sector across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are closely monitoring the situation, as similar cases in the past have led to significant shifts in import patterns and pricing strategies. The investigation's outcomes could set precedents for future trade relations and influence how other GCC countries approach their own domestic industries in the face of foreign competition.

• Local cardboard producers: They may benefit from reduced competition and potentially higher prices if duties are imposed.
• Exporters from China and India: They could face increased costs and reduced market access in Saudi Arabia.
• Packaging industry stakeholders in the GCC: They may experience supply chain adjustments and price fluctuations depending on the investigation's outcome.

• Investigation outcomes: Watch for provisional or definitive duties that could reshape import dynamics and pricing.
• Market reactions: Monitor how local producers and foreign exporters adjust their strategies in response to the investigation.
• Regional supply chain shifts: Observe any changes in packaging material availability and pricing across the GCC as a result of this investigation.