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On February 28, 2025, the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) decided to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into HRC imported from China and Japan. This decision was made based on a petition from domestic steel mills.For more information about the incident, follow the article below by MRS Group.Steel imports from China and Japan are under investigationDetails of the incidentPlaintiff: Hyundai Steel Co., LtdDefendant: Japan: JFE Shoji Corporation, Nippon Steel Trading Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation Global Metals Co., Ltd., Dongkuk Corporation, Seah Japan Co,. Ltd, Young Steel Co,.Ltd.China: Benxi Iron and Steel Group International Economic and Trading Co,. Ltd., Dalian Woo Ho Hongkong International Ltd., Howa Trading Co,. Ltd., Sharpmap International Hongkong Co,. Ltđ, and Sino Commodities International Pte,. Ltd.Items under investigation: Hot-rolled coilHS code: The products in question fall under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of Korea numbers HSK: 7208101000, 7208109000, 7208251000, 7208259000, 7208261000, 7208269000, 7208271000, 7208279000, 7208361000, 7208369000, 7208371000, 7208379000, 7208381000, 7208389000, 7208391000, 7208399000, 7208400000, 7208531000, 7208539000, 7208541000, 7208549000, 7208900000, 7211130000, 7211141000, 7211149000, 7211191000, 7211199000, 7225301000, 7225309010, 7225309091, 7225309092, 7225401000, 7225309099, 7225409092, 7226200000, 7226911000, 7226912000 và 7226919000.The plaintiff in the case is Hyundai Steel Co,.LtdWhy does Korea impose tariffs on Japan and China? South Korea decided to investigate and possibly impose anti-dumping duties on HRC imported from Japan and China for the following main reasons:Dumping damages the domestic steel industryIn the petition, Hyundai Steel claimed that hot-rolled coil from Japan and China was priced 10-30% lower than the prices of Hyundai Steel's and POSCO's own products. This puts pressure on prices and profits at domestic manufacturing enterprises.Protect domestic industryThe steel industry is a strategic industry in Korea, contributing greatly to the economy and employment. Importing cheap steel in large quantities could make domestic producers unable to compete, leading to a decline in production. Specifically, according to information from the Korea Steel Association, from January 2024 to November 2024, Korea imported 3.43 million tons HRC, of which China was 1.53 million tons and Japan was 1.77 million tons, accounting for a total of 96.2% of total imports.Increased inventory and decreased profitsCheap steel from China and Japan is flooding the Korean market, causing domestic inventories to rise. This reduces revenue and forces businesses to reduce prices, directly affecting profit margin.Korea's steel industry is under threatWhat opportunities are there for steel industry?South Korea's investigation and the possible imposition of anti-dumping duties on HRC from Japan and China could open up many opportunities for the steel industry.Increase steel exports to South KoreaIf anti-dumping duties are imposed, steel from China and Japan will become pricier in South Korea. This is an opportunity for steel enterprises to increase exports to this market with more competitive price advantages. Steel products that can be concentrated include hot-rolled coil, cold rolled coil, and galvanized steel coil.Expanding market share in Southeast AsiaChina may increase exports to Southeast Asian nations as a result of restrictions in South Korea. If maintains and expands trade defense measures such as the recently applied anti-dumping duty, domestic enterprises can gain an advantage at home and in the region. increase exports to South Korea as China and Japan face tariffsOpportunities to increase domestic supply chainsIf it reduces its dependence on imported steel, the steel industry can expand its domestic supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. This trait also helps reduce the risk of trade defense measures from abroad.To take advantage of opportunities to boost exports hot-rolled coil to the Korean market. However, it also comes with significant challenges:Price competition: This is not only an opportunity but also for other countries in the region. Countries with low production costs will have a more competitive price advantage.Quality requirements: Korea and developed countries require high-quality standards, requiring to invest more heavily in production technology.Sources of raw materials:  steel production still relies heavily on imported materials, which puts pressure on costs.The article on MRS Group has provided you with the latest information about the case of Korea conducting an anti-dumping duty investigation against China and Japan. Stay tuned to MRS for the latest updates on the incident.

On March 3, 2025, the Mexican Ministry of Economy officially initiated an anti-dumping investigation on hot rolled steel imports from ChinaThis move aims to protect Mexico’s domestic steel industry from the risk of unfair competition posed by low-priced imported goods.Reason for initiating the investigationThe investigation was launched following a petition filed by Ternium México, S.A. de C.V., one of Mexico’s leading steel manufacturers. The company alleged that HRC imports from China are being sold at prices lower than their fair market value, causing material injury to the domestic industry. According to the petition, this dumping practice has placed significant pressure on local steel producers, necessitating government intervention to maintain fair competition.The exporters under investigation include:China: Major companies such as Ansteel Group, Baoshan Iron & Steel, Jiangsu Shagang Group, among others.Scope and objectives of the investigationAccording to the Mexican Ministry of Economy, the investigation covers hot rolled steel, including flat steel products made of iron or carbon steel, whether pickled or unpickled and uncoated, with a maximum thickness of 25.4mm.The relevant tariff codes fall under HS 7208.10.03; 7208.25.02; 7208.26.01; 7208.27.01; 7208.36.01; 7208.37.01; 7208.38.01; 7208.39.01; 7208.40.02; 7208.51.04; 7208.52.01; 7208.53.01; 7208.54.01, 7208.90.99; 7211.13.01; 7211.14.91; 7211.19.99; 7225.30.91; 7225.40.91; and 7226.91.07 of the Mexican HTS.The dumping investigation period is set from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, while the injury analysis period spans from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2024. The primary objective of the investigation is to determine whether imported steel from China  poses a threat of material injury to Mexican domestic steel industry.The relevant tariff codes for the investigation include HS 7208 and 7211 under the Mexican HTSSince China are classified as non-market economies (NME) by Mexico, the Ministry of Economy has applied the surrogate country methodology to determine the normal value of the imported steel. Specifically, Brazil has been chosen as the reference country, meaning that the price of hot rolled steel in Brazil will be used as a benchmark to compare with the export prices from China. If the export prices are significantly lower than those in Brazil, this may serve as evidence of dumping. Hoa Phat exported 8,000 tons of rebar to Mexico in 2022 

Recently, South Korea has officially imposed anti-dumping duty on steel plates imported from China. This choice was made in light of China's low-cost steel, which severely strained the domestic steel mills and compelled the government of South Korea to take action to safeguard indigenous companies.To know more about the incident, please follow MRS Group through the article below.South Korea has officially imposed anti-dumping duty on steel platesReasons for South Korea's anti-dumping duty on China steel platesRecently, China has boosted steel plates exports at low prices, causing many countries to worry about the risk of dumping. In addition to causing significant pressure on Korean steel mills, the result also upsets the market and fosters an unfair competitive environment.Following an examination, the South Korean government came to the conclusion that the domestic steel industry was suffering greatly as a result of steel plates imported from China being sold for less than its true value. Therefore, the country has decided to impose an anti-dumping duty to limit negative impacts and protect domestic enterprises. Chinese steel plates is being dumped in the Korean marketAnti-dumping duty on Chinese steel platesBased on a report from the Korea International Trade Association, anti-dumping duty will be applied to each Chinese enterprise depending on the level of violation. Specifically:China Baowu Steel Group: 27.91%Shagang Group: 29.62%Hunan Valin Xiangtan Iron & Steel and Xiamen ITG Holding: 38.02%Others: 31.69%According to the findings of a preliminary inquiry, there were "sufficient grounds" to infer that dumped imports had seriously harmed the domestic industry, according to The Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy. Steel mills with serious violations may be subject to higher taxes to minimize negative impacts on the Korean steel industry.An anti-dumping duty will be applied to each enterpriseForecasting steel market trends in the coming timeThe imposition of anti-dumping duty on steel plates from China may help maintain stability in steel prices in the Korean market, but at the same time it will affect supply. A significant step in assisting South Korea in shielding its domestic industry from the pressures of cheap steel is the decision to put anti-dumping tariffs on China steel plates. But this action also poses serious problems for the world steel market, requiring companies to swiftly modify their plans in order to respond to changes in global commerce.The steel industry in China has challenges 

Recently, on February 21, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued a decision to apply a temporary anti dumping duty on some hot - rolled coil (HRC) products imported from China. The range of relevant duty rates is 19.38% to 27.83%.For a more thorough analysis of the situation, read the article from MRS Steel below. an anti-dumping duty on Chinese HRCBackground and causes of the incidentItems under investigation: Hot-rolled coil HS Code: 7208.25.00, 7208.26.00, 7208.27.19, 7208.27.99, 7208.36.00, 7208.37.00, 7208.38.00, 7208.39.20, 7208.39.40, 7208.39.90, 7208.51.00, 7208.52.00, 7208.53.00, 7208.54.90, 7208.90.90, 7211.14.15, 7211.14.16, 7211.14.19, 7211.19.13, 7211.19.19, 7211.90.12, 7211.90.19, 7225.30.90, 7225.40.90, 7225.99.90, 7226.91.10, 7226.91.90Plaintiff: Hoa Phat Group and Formosa Ha Tinh Steel CorporationPeriod of investigation: 26/7/2024Duty decision date: 21/02/2025Cheap imported steel damages the domestic steel industryDetails of the duty decisionThe duty rates applicable to Chinese enterprises are as follows:Baoshan Iron & Steel, Maanshan Iron & Steel: 27,83%Guangxi Liuzhou Iron and Steel Group: 19,38%.The Ministry of Industry and Trade collaborated with pertinent organizations throughout the inquiry to examine and evaluate the effects of dumping on the domestic manufacturing industry. The agency also investigated the level of dumping by Indian and Chinese exporters. According to the investigation's findings, HRC steel from India is exempt from anti-dumping duty because the country's import rate is so low, less than 3% despite the evidence of dumping. The application period is 120 days from the date of effect, and the provisional anti-dumping duty goes into force 15 days after the decision is made. Following the implementation of interim anti-dumping levies, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will keep collaborating with pertinent stakeholders to gather and validate data. It is believed that a temporary anti-dumping tariff must be implemented in order to shield the domestic steel industry from pressure from low-cost imported steel.The duty takes effect after 15 days and is applicable for 120 daysImpact of this decisionFor domestic steel millsSafeguard domestic steel mills: Enterprises such as Hoa Phat Group and Formosa Ha Tinh Corporation will benefit when cheap steel imports from China are restricted. This helps to reduce unfair competition and promote the development of domestic enterprises.Increasing domestic output: Domestic steel mills are encouraged to invest in increasing output and raising the caliber of their products when the importation of steel products declines. Additionally, growing output lessens reliance on imports, improving steel industry initiative.  

On February 17, 2025, the Trade Remedies Authority received information that the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) had officially initiated a safeguard investigation on imported corrosion resistant steel coil. Initiation was chosen in order to safeguard the steel industry against unfair competition.Please read the article below and join MRS Steel to get more information.Anti corrosion steel coil is being investigated by trade safeguardOverview of the incidentItems under investigation: Corrosion resistant steel coilSouth Africa imports commodity codes: 72106120, 72106130, 72259225, and 72259235.Plaintiff: ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (AMSA)Initiation Date: February 3, 2025Period of investigation: May 1, 2021 - April 30, 2024Corrosion resistant steel coil is the item under investigationDetails of the incidentThe plaintiff claims that unexpected changes during the Uruguay Round discussions (1986 - 1994) were the cause of the sharp rise of imported steel. In particular, tariff changes brought about by the division of steel into two distinct HS codes alloy steel (HS 7220) and non-alloy steel (HS 7208), have resulted in an abrupt rise in import production. Furthermore, the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which has five members (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland), are under a lot of strain due to the global overabundance of anti corrosion steel coil, particularly from China.The plaintiffs also cited research and other arguments that demonstrate China has not developed into a fully market economy as promised to WTO members during earlier talks. Additionally, China's economy has been steadily declining since 1994, and major steel companies have increased production and exports, resulting in excess. Due to a decreasing domestic steel market and indicators of slowing economic growth, China has been forced to increase exports in order to address the excess issue. In order to safeguard domestic steel production, this forces nations to strengthen trade defenses. Additionally, throughout the period from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2024, the petition highlighted indicators indicating the domestic manufacturing sector is experiencing significant harm, including a decline in output, revenue,South Africa imports more steel than ever beforeInvestigation procedureManufacturing and exporting enterprises are obliged to register as related parties. The registration deadline is February 3, 2025, which is 20 days from the date the investigation was started. Following the start of the investigation, relevant manufacturing and exporting businesses have 20 days to provide feedback on the matter and request consultation. All relevant documents should be submitted to the following address:Submit directly: Trade Remedies I, International Trade Administration Commission, Block E - DTI Campus, 77 Meintjies Street, Sunnyside Pretoria, Block Uuzaji, Ground Floor.Postal address: Trade Remedies I, Private Bag X753, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. Tel: +27 12 394 3600Fax: +27 12 394 0518Alternatively, interested parties may also contact the responsible officers directly: Mr. Busman Makakola at bmakakola@itac.org.za and Ms. Mosa Sebe at msebe@itac.org.za.As the investigation progresses, ITAC will publish preliminary and final findings, conduct on-site inspections, and hold hearings to confirm information in order to support decisions about evasion, harm to domestic industry.As linked parties, businesses must register 

The world steel market has always been one of the most competitive markets. With the strong development of the steel industry in many countries, the US recently decided to impose a 25% duty on imported steel, a move that could open up great opportunities for steel enterprises.To learn more about the prospects that the steel industry can take advantage of in the future, read the article below from MRS Steel.A wave of US duties is affecting the global steel marketThe effects of US tariffs on the global steel industryThe US recently levied a 25% duty on steel imports. This choice was taken in order to shield the homegrown steel industry from intense competition from low-cost steel suppliers. This policy not only affects countries with developed steel industries but also affects the global steel industry. The imposition of tariffs will make steel more expensive, reducing competitiveness in the US market. This will lead to some steel importers looking for more cost-effective sources, which could alter the global supply chain.US tariffs will make steel more expensive 

Türkiye announced that it will impose anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled coil imports from four countries: China, India, Russia, and Japan.To better understand the information about the incident, join MRS Steel and learn through the article below.Türkiye imposed anti-dumping duties on HRC import from 4 countriesDetails and developments of the incidentRecently, on October 11, Türkiye announced that it will impose anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled coil imported from China, India, Russia and Japan. Türkiye's action aims to protect its domestic steel industry, as hot-rolled coils are perceived to create unfair competition, causing damage to local enterprises.Türkiye mainly imports steel from countries such as Russia, China and India. Currently, China is the world's largest producer of steel, accounting for more than half the world's output at over a billion tons a year. However, the country's steel industry is facing many challenges and fluctuations as domestic demand continues to decline. This forces China to boost its exports to deal with inventory. Importing too much hot-rolled coil from China risks causing damage to domestic manufacturing enterprises.Changes in trade policy and pressure from anti-dumping measures have also affected the supply and prices of imported steel. Accordingly, the tax rate imposed on each country is different. China has the highest tax rate, ranging from about 15% to 43%, while the tax applied to imports from Russia, India, and Japan ranges from 6% to 9%. Products subject to customs tariffs fall under HS codes 7208, 7211, 7212, 7225, 7226. The new tariffs will affect about 4 million tons of imported steel products worth more than $2 billion. After the Government of Republic of Turkey made the decision, shares of leading Türkiye steel producers such as Erdemir and Isdemir all increased on the stock exchanges. Türkiye made the decision amid growing trade tensions between China and the European Union (EU).China is the country with the highest tax rate 

Brazil recently launched an anti-dumping investigation into pre-painted steel products from China and India, as its actions are believed to be an attempt to protect its domestic steel industry from unfair competition.Join MRS Steel to learn more about the incident by reading the article below.Brazil investigates anti-dumping of pre-painted steel from China and IndiaKey points of the issueCause of the incident: There have been allegations that pre-painted steel imported from China and India is being sold at prices lower than its actual value, putting pressure on domestic manufacturers and threatening the survival of the domestic steel industry.Countermeasures: Brazil’s Foreign Trade Department (SECEX) has received a request and initiated an anti-dumping investigation into pre-painted steel products from China and India. The investigation was requested by domestic steel producers CSN and Tekno Industry and Trade. Accordingly, Brazil steel producers have asked the government to impose tariffs on imported steel products. The total amount of steel and iron imported from China increased from $1.6 billion in 2014 to $2.7 billion last year. According to domestic producers, in the first eight months of this year, Brazil imported more than 148,000 tons from China and over 5,000 tons from India. The large volume of steel imports from China and India has made the business situation of domestic enterprises difficult. Therefore, the Brazilian Federal Government has conducted an investigation and will reach a conclusion regarding the imposition of anti-dumping duties on pre-coated steel products imported from these two countries. This tax is intended to regulate prices and protect the domestic market.Chinese and Indian exporters react: Chinese and Indian manufacturers and governments have protested against the measures, arguing that they are unfair and detrimental to free trade. They may also file complaints with international trade organizations such as the WTO.Impact of the event: With the investigation and the imposition of anti-dumping duties on pre-painted steel products from the world's two largest steel-producing countries, China and India, this could escalate trade tensions between these countries and Brazil, affecting global steel prices and supplies.The surge in steel imports is a particularly challenging problem for the Federal government of Brazil. Brazil’s measures come as the world braces for an increase in exports from China, as the world’s largest steel industry struggles with excess capacity amid a slowing real estate sector and weak domestic demand.Imported galvanized steel products are considered unfair competition to domestic products  

 Several major American steel manufacturers, including Steel Dynamics, Nucor Corporation and U.S. Steel, have formally petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the International Trade Commission (ITC) to launch an anti-dumping investigation into imports of corrosion-resistant flat products (CORE).These products, which include a range of steel materials used widely in construction, automotive manufacturing and other critical industries, are being imported from 10 countries at prices the petitioners allege are unfairly low. The countries identified in the petition are Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).U.S. probes CORE imports from 10 countriesThe complainants argue that imports from these countries have caused substantial damage to the U.S. domestic industry and that the situation will worsen if no action is taken. Additionally, investments by producers in these countries to increase galvanized steel production capacity have raised concerns about the potential for increased exports to the United States.Barry T. Schneider, President and COO of Steel Dynamics, stated, "Between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2024, CORE imports from the ten subject countries increased from less than 1.25 million tons to almost 2 million tons, a significant increase of 57%. The surge in unfair CORE imports has had a substantial negative impact on the volumes, prices and profitability of the domestic steel industry, necessitating these cases."The products in question fall under the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) codes: 7210.30.0030, 7210.30.0060, 7210.41.0000, 7210.49.0030, 7210.49.0040, 7210.49.0045, 7210.49.0091, 7210.49.0095, 7210.61.0000, 7210.69.0000, 7210.70.6030, 7210.70.6060, 7210.70.6090, 7210.90.6000, 7210.90.9000, 7212.20.0000, 7212.30.1030, 7212.30.1090, 7212.30.3000, 7212.30.5000, 7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 7212.50.0000, 7212.60.0000, 7225.91.0000, 7225.92.0000, 7226.99.0110, and 7226.99.0130.In July of this year, the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) and six other industry groups urged the House of Representatives to include the Playing Field 2.0 Act in the upcoming legislative package aimed at protecting the United States from unfair trade practices by China.The petition underscores the necessity of implementing measures to safeguard the domestic steel industry from the increasing influx of imported steel products, ensuring fairness and sustainability for U.S. steel producers.  

 Recently, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) released a preliminary conclusion on its investigation into anti-dumping measures on wire rod products originating from China, Egypt. According to the conclusion, the temporary anti-dumping duties for steel companies range from 6.1% to 38.9%, the lowest compared to the rates imposed on Chinese companies (50.9% - 71.1%) and Egyptian companies (49.7% - 99.8%).Canada imposes lower anti-dumping duties on wire rods importsCanada's anti-dumping investigation on steel wire rods from three countriesThe CBSA stated that the essential information used to make the decision would be published within the next 15 days and posted on their official website. During this period, the CBSA will continue its investigation and is expected to issue a final conclusion on September 4, 2024.This investigation began on March 8, 2024, to determine whether the import of wire rod products from China and Egypt has caused damage to the Canadian steel industry. The wire rod products under investigation fall under HS codes: 7213.91.00.42, 7213.91.00.43, 7213.91.00.49, 7213.91.00.50, 7213.91.00.60, 7213.91.00.70, 7213.99.00.11, 7213.99.00.12, 7213.99.00.31, 7213.99.00.32, 7213.99.00.51, 7213.99.00.52, 7227.20.00.20, 7227.20.00.90, 7227.90.00.60, 7227.90.00.70, 7227.90.00.81, 7227.90.00.82, 7227.90.00.83.CBSA continues steel wire rods dumping probe, final decision due September 4