The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) has officially initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain uncoated paper products originating from or exported from China, India, and Thailand. The decision, issued by the Permanent Committee on Anti-Injurious Practices in International Trade, targets uncoated paper supplied in rolls or sheets, commonly used in writing, printing, and graphic arts.
The regulatory move follows a preliminary report submitted by the GCC’s Technical Secretariat Bureau and aims to address market imbalances caused by unfair trade practices within the region.
According to Mahfouz bin Nasser Al-Ruqadi, Director General of the Technical Secretariat Bureau, the investigation complies with both the GCC’s Common Law on Anti-Dumping, Countervailing and Safeguard Measures and World Trade Organization (WTO) guidelines. Detailed procedures and product specifications regarding the inquiry were published on 2 November 2026 in the official bulleting of the Technical Secretariat Bureau, which is accessible via the GCC General Secretariat’s website.
The formal announcement opens the floor for all interested stakeholders, including international manufacturers and regional importers, to present their defences and protect their commercial interests throughout the upcoming phases of the investigation.
The development signals a stricter regulatory environment for paper suppliers trading with the Gulf region, potentially altering procurement strategies for the local printing and packaging sectors. As the investigation progresses, industry stakeholders are advised to monitor the proceedings closely to gauge the long-term impact on global supply chains and regional market pricing.
