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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.  

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.  

The Ministry of Commerce of Thailand is investigating and considering expanding anti-dumping measures on hot-rolled coils imported from China. This country's steel is said to be overrun in the Thai market, causing this country's domestic mills to struggle because of excess capacity and low efficiency.Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade may conclude the investigation by June 2024, after receiving an investigation request last year from Sahaviriya Steel, G Steel and GJ Steel, mills of hot-rolled coil, Thailand's biggest. These businesses are struggling because of widespread cheap Chinese steel, which affects the business of domestic steel mills.Information about the petition requesting Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade to investigate the case of 17 Chinese steel mills for alleged anti-dumping duty evasion. Accordingly, the alloys mixed into steel products by Chinese mills to avoid anti-dumping duties have caused quality control problems, leading to the dumping of steel products. According to Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade, Thai authorities found evidence of changing the composition of steel products and dumping by Chinese steel mills.China's hot-rolled steel coils are at risk of evading anti-dumping dutiesSoutheast Asia is China's leading steel export market, but China is currently facing widespread excess supply as the real estate and infrastructure sectors weaken. That forces China to boost exports, in which Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are among China's main export markets; specifically, steel exports of all kinds increased by 39%. In 2023, Thailand will import 63% of its steel output, which will cause the business situation of domestic steel mills to decline, seriously affecting this country's steel industry.Cheap steel from China is the top choice for consumers. With abundant supply, Chinese steel mills offer Thai buyers cheaper prices than domestic steel mills. In 2023, the price of coated steel from China will be 39% lower than that of Thai products; Chinese steel coils will be sold at a 16% discount. Therefore, Thai steel manufacturing enterprises are facing a difficult situation due to declining revenue, which could affect the entire steel industry in this country.In 2017, Thailand applied anti-dumping measures to a series of imported steel products. This is also a wake-up call for Thai steel mills to focus on improving product quality and expanding sales channels to avoid price competition; otherwise, they will lose to high-priced imports. cheap despite government protections.However, in a public hearing before the DFT, steel importers from China in Thailand opposed the petition for an anti-dumping investigation of steel products from China. The reason that the Thailand steel industry lost its competitiveness comes from mistakes in investment decisions.China's hot-rolled coils affect domestic manufacturing enterprisesOpportunities for the Vietnam steel industryWith hot-rolled steel coils from China being investigated for anti-dumping by Thailand, a new opportunity has opened for the Vietnamese steel export market. With agility, grasping market needs, and boldness in business investment, more and more Vietnamese steel products are exported to Thailand, which is also one of Vietnam's main export markets in Southeast Asia.However, this is also a challenge for Vietnamese steel businesses, forcing businesses to be well prepared for trade defense measures. Therefore, Vietnamese businesses need to continue to improve production and business efficiency by strengthening market forecast analysis and organizing flexible production and business in accordance with market developments. In addition, the government has policies and solutions to create conditions for domestic businesses to promote exports.MRS Steel has provided you with information about Thailand's anti-dumping investigation of hot-rolled coils originating from China. However, the investigation has not ended yet. We will continuously update the latest information about the incident.

Overcapacity in China has led to a surge in steel exports, affecting the consumption of domestic factories in Southeast Asia. According to short-term forecasts, the Southeast Asian steel market will be flooded with cheap Chinese steel, some of which is sold at prices lower than production prices through dumping behavior.According to the Secretary General of the Southeast Asia Iron and Steel Institute and former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, expectations for the strong post-COVID-19 recovery in China's real estate and construction sector have not materialized. Meanwhile, steel output is expected to increase by 5% to more than 1 billion tons without any significant control policies. Even, Chinese steel exports are expected to reach a record high of 89 million tons. Excess capacity leads to "dumping" and the massive export of cheap steel to Southeast Asian countries.According to data from the Southeast Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI), total production capacity in the 2029-2030 period will reach 182.5 million tons, 2.3 times higher than the current capacity (78.1 million tons). Another obstacle is that China's construction and real estate sectors are unlikely to recover, so exporting steel to China is also difficult.In 2022, ASEAN-6's steel demand was 75.1 million tons, crude steel capacity was 78.1 million tons, output reached 50.5 million tons with capacity utilization at 64.6% (below the efficiency level of 80%). Steel imports reached 43.8 million tons, equivalent to 58% of demand. In Malaysia, factories face an even worse situation when they fall into a situation of overcapacity of more than 60%. Domestic demand was 5.4 million tons, capacity was about 10.6 million tons, while output is 3.6 million tons. Malaysia's top 4 long steel manufacturing companies also reported a loss of nearly 199 million USD in 6 quarters. From 2018 to 2022, the total losses of the 4 factories amounted to 1.35 billion RM. The new company entering Malaysia uses blast furnace (BF) technology that pollutes 3 times more than the EAF system. This negatively affects Malaysia's Net Zero roadmap by 2050.

Europe, with its well-developed steel industry and strong potential, is confidently anticipating a surge in the price of hot rolled coil in the final months of the year. Positive indicators and specific factors have created an ideal situation for steel price increases and mark the recovery of the steel industry after a challenging period.HRC price in EuropeBetween October 13th and October 20th, 2023, the price of hot rolled coil in Western Europe decreased by €10 per ton compared to the previous week, reaching a range of €610-€630 per ton. This price decrease started at the beginning of October, with a €50 per ton drop on September 29th, equivalent to 7.3%. Meanwhile, the Italian market also experienced a similar price reduction, with hot rolled coil prices dropping by €10 per ton compared to the previous week and €20 per ton compared to the end of September. The price difference between Western and Southern Europe has narrowed, and the market is facing pressure from low-cost imported hot rolled coil.Service centers and distributors are currently experiencing low sales volumes due to reduced consumer demand. The significant volume of imports from Asia and India continues to put pressure on the market, and the European automotive industry is going through a slump, significantly impacting the purchase of hot rolled coil. Some steel companies are temporarily halting operations to balance supply and demand and prevent further price declines.Despite the weak market conditions, European steel producers are reducing production capacity to maintain balance, and it is anticipated that the market may face a supply shortage in November and December, potentially leading to an increase in hot rolled coil prices.HRC prices in other marketsIn the hot rolled coil steel market, prices in major countries like the United States, China, and India have experienced notable fluctuations. In the United States, hot rolled coil prices have been trending upwards from $680-700 USD per ton to $692-720 USD per ton. This is the result of factors such as trade policies, regulations on steel imports, and domestic industry protection measures. However, prices can still vary due to factors like supply and demand in the construction and manufacturing sectors.In China, one of the largest players in the global steel market, hot rolled coil prices have remained relatively stable recently. Additionally, China's steel production policies and output can impact both domestic and export steel prices. Factors like production restrictions or policy changes may not significantly alter prices in the short term.In India, hot rolled coil steel prices are often influenced by domestic supply and demand as well as imports. Currently, hot rolled coil prices in India are stable, and economic growth and infrastructure development are creating increased demand for steel. However, factors such as trade policies and anti-dumping measures can influence steel prices in the near future.