Use AI to dump dumping, NASSCOM suggests to govt

Dumping is one of the most controversial and vexatious issues of international trade and the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has suggested that Artificial Intelligence tools be deployed by the government to scrutinise and analyse voluminous export-import data to identify instances of dumping. The Economic Times has reported that NASSCOM has placed the suggestion before the Union commerce and industry ministry.

The IT industry body has also suggested that AI could be of use even during negotiations for free trade agreements between India and other countries.

“There is a feeling in the government to use futuristic technologies and how they can be used in official work, data analysis and capturing trends,” an official told the newspaper.

The suggestion has also mentioned that such an AI-powered tool can be built on the digital public infrastructure model and NASSCOM could provide inputs if the government requires it.

There are international models to draw from. The International Chamber of Commerce Brazil which was set up in 2014 with a view to bringing the Brazilian private sector to the centre of government and international bodies uses AI for preparations during trade negotiations. UNCTAD, too, reportedly uses AI in such assignments. It is called Cognitive Trade Advisor that is an AI-powered application. It deploys a tool that understands normal language and offers solutions to how negotiators can prepare for the rounds of talks.

Most significantly, however, the Union government could use AI tools to identify dumping from different countries. The exercise consists of wading through voluminous import data that AI tools can do in a jiffy. If any exporting party evades anti-dumping duty, the government could also identify the cases with the help of AI. The entire exercise by identifying the countries where the goods are manufactured and exported from can be identified with suitable time-series data analysis.

NASSCOM has suggested that a central database, or repository of all such interventions, such as nature of patent possessed by a company (or nation) and the duration for which they can hold the patent can be set up for quick reference in future.

“If an importer knows that a certain product with such IPR can cost this amount or they have certain alternatives, they will have options. We can also use AI to predict which products will see enhanced demand with changing seasons and therefore price fluctuation and mitigation can be easier,” remarked an industry executive, explaining the suitability of applying AI in these domains.