Steel News

Currently, the European steel industry is confronted with a number of significant challenges and obstacles. The regional economy is also influenced by these factors, in addition to the profits of businesses. In the article below, with MRS Steel, we will learn about the difficulties and challenges that the European steel industry is experiencing as well as measures to help Europe overcome this situation.EU steel industry faces a massive import steel situationDifficulties facing the European steel industryThe European steel industry is currently facing a series of major challenges, mainly from external factors. One of the key factors is fierce competition from major steel-producing countries like China, as the country ramps up exports to clear its inventory. The domestic steel industry in this region suffers from the importation of numerous steel products into the European market.In addition, the region's energy prices have increased as a result of Russia's gas cutoff to Europe, and the unstable supply has made it challenging to maintain production. Insufficient energy costs have necessitated the closure of numerous factories in Europe. Furthermore, steel manufacturers are being compelled to invest in new technology as a result of the European Union's stringent environmental policies, which are designed to reduce carbon emissions.These challenges require the European steel industry to find innovative and adaptive solutions to maintain sustainable growth in the future.EU energy prices rise as Russia cuts supplyThe European steel industry faces significant difficulties and challengesThe European steel industry's challenges have a significant impact on the regional and global economies, in addition to the direct effects they have on businesses within the industry.Reduced profits and competitiveness: Large imported steel output causes domestic business to decline. These factors reduce competitiveness compared to imported steel products.Impact on the labor market: Job losses in the steel industry due to production contraction affect the regional economy.Reduce production capacity: Many steel mills in Europe have had to reduce production capacity or close down because they cannot maintain profitable operations.Europe is trying to reduce electricity demand by cutting production or even closing factoriesSolutions to help Europe overcome difficulties and challengesIn order to help the European steel industry overcome obstacles and challenges, it is necessary to implement comprehensive strategies and solutions. The European steel industry may be able to surmount this crisis by implementing the following strategies:Investing in manufacturing technology: Promote the implementation of carbon-neutral steelmaking technologies, including electric arc furnaces. Invest more in green manufacturing processes and renewable energy to mitigate long-term expenses.Interest rate reduction: Faced with difficulties, the European Central Bank (ECB) has cut interest rates to stimulate economic activity. However, many experts argue that additional reductions are necessary to support businesses.Cost optimization: Manufacturers need to optimize production and operating costs to compete with cheap imported steel sources.Use of trade protection measures: We should use trade protection measures to safeguard regional industries and guarantee fair competition in the market. However, these measures could cause trade tensions between China and European countries.These solutions not only assist the European steel industry in overcoming its current challenges, but also establish a strong foundation for future growth.The article on MRS Steel has furnished you with information regarding the challenges that the European steel industry is currently encountering, as well as strategies that can assist the region in overcoming this crisis. It is my sincere hope that the aforementioned article has been of assistance to you. Follow MRS Steel to receive timely updates regarding the steel market!

In 2023, Italy's steel production output recorded 21.06 million tons of steel, down 2.5% compared to 2022. The predicted cause is the fluctuating situation in the European steel industry such as high energy costs, low steel export demand and the intense conflict between Russia and Ukraine.1. Situation of Italian steel production in 2023In 2023, domestic steel production output decreased by 2.5% to 21.06 million tons. This decline occurred in the context of falling global steel demand and unpredictable increases in fuel and raw material costs.According to SteelOrbis data, long steel output reached 11.68 million tons, down 2.9% compared to 2022 and flat steel reached 9.54 million tons, down 0.1% y/y. In December 2023, domestic mills produced 1.33 million tons, increasing output by 6.5% y/y but decreasing by 29.5% compared to November 2023. Long steel production output reached 694 thousand tons, up 5% over the same period but down 36.9% over November. For flat steel, domestic producers reached 615 thousand tons, down 3.9% over the same period and 27.5% compared to the previous month.Returning to 2022, Italy's total steel production reached 21.06 million tons, down 11.5% over the same period in 2021. Regarding long steel, in 2022, Italy reached 12.03 million tons, down 12% y/y. Meanwhile, flat steel products also decreased by 13.8% over the same period, reaching 9.55 million tons.In 2022, not only Italy's steel output decreased, but the steel industry of EU countries also experienced a significant 10.5% decline over the same period, reaching 136.7 million tons. That was the result of rising energy prices, reduced export demand and the fluctuations of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict.2. Italy increases steel imports from Vietnam to solve domestic supply shortagesAccording to data from the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), Italy ranked 1st among the countries that imported the largest Vietnamese steel in the first 10 months of 2023. Steel exports to the EU market accounted for 24.1% of the turnover proportion, reaching 2.2 million tons, a sharp increase of 86.2% over the same period in 2022. Of which, exports to the Italian market reached 1,355 million tons, an increase of 127.7%.Importing Vietnamese steel at good prices and high quality has helped Italy partly solve the difficulty of supply shortage due to a sharp decrease in domestic steel output. In the context of an unstable war situation and rising raw material prices, predicting Italy's steel demand is still a challenging question. Importers continue to seek supplies from major steel exporting countries such as China, India and Vietnam. However, they are still subject to many constraints on the government's trade defense measures to prevent dumping, which negatively affects domestic manufacturers.3. MRS Steel - reputable and quality Vietnamese steel import support unitMRS Steel is a leading unit in the field of providing Vietnamese steel import solutions, cooperating with many large and small businesses in more than 30 countries worldwide. With more than 10 years of experience as a bridge between importers and the largest steel brands in Vietnam such as Hoa Phat, Hoa Sen, Nam Kim, Tay Nam,... MRS Steel can meet all customer requirements in terms of product specifications, reasonable costs. In addition, MRS Steel's team of experts is always ready to advise customers about the market and Vietnamese steel products thoughtfully, in detail and 24/7 via Hotline: +84 28 36 22 33 58 or Email: vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn

A new crisis is brewing in the Red Sea, one of the world's vital trade routes, with the potential to disrupt supply chains and drive up oil prices and inflation. This comes at a time when economic growth is slowing down.Red Sea - Important Maritime TransportationAs one of the crucial maritime routes, it accounts for approximately 15% of global maritime transportation volume. The Red Sea shows no signs of easing tensions, especially as recent Houthi warnings indicate a potential expansion of their targets in the region if the United States launches a campaign against their forces.The mentioned developments come shortly after Washington announced the formation of a coalition comprising various countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain,... to address Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Simultaneously, this coalition has deployed military assets to counter missile and drone attacks.Conflict in the Red Sea and the Risk of an International Transportation CrisisThe Suez Canal is currently the shortest maritime route connecting Asia and Europe, accounting for approximately 15% of global maritime traffic. The conflict in the Red Sea has a significant impact on the global transportation and trade situation. This route is closely linked to the Suez Canal, meaning that ships avoiding the Red Sea also have to steer clear of the crucial route through the Suez Canal. This canal is one of the seven critical chokepoints for global transportation.The drone and missile attacks by Houthi forces in Yemen on vessels navigating the Red Sea are forcing global shippers to reroute their journeys around the Cape of Good Hope in Southern Africa. This redirection extends the sea travel time by an additional 10–14 days. The harsh weather and frequent rough seas at the Cape of Good Hope and the Mozambique Channel result in faster fuel consumption, leading to increased fuel costs. Additionally, vessels face numerous challenges, including fuel replenishment, cargo restocking, customs issues, overloading and inadequate infrastructure at African ports.These wars are creating a significant risk of disruption to transportation activities through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, leading to increased shipping costs for various types of vessels, including tankers, container ships, and bulk carriers, thereby indirectly supporting the recovery of oil prices. Additionally, ships passing through the Red Sea are facing significantly higher conflict-risk insurance premiums, with current fees having surged by fivefold. Meanwhile, many transportation experts believe that disruptions in routes may lead to a situation where ships are in the wrong position and containers are misplaced, resulting in port congestion.In the face of the complex developments in the Red Sea and economic risks, the United States, the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and several countries, including Yemen, have issued a joint statement condemning Houthi interference in maritime rights and freedoms.If the “Red Sea crisis” persists for only a short period, consumers may not notice much, except for possibly higher energy prices. However, if the situation prolongs, it not only affects maritime transportation but also poses a risk of uncontrollable inflation impacting the world.

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.

The European Union (EU) and the United States are collaborating to establish a common customs area to impose tariffs on steel products imported from China into the EU and the United States. Consequently, steel products imported from China will be subjected to a 25% tariff.Reasons Behind Imposing Tariffs on Chinese Steel ProductsThe United States and the EU have imposed safeguard tariffs on certain steel products imported from China, with the aim of directly addressing unfair pricing and countering illegal subsidies. However, these policies may change over time and depend on fluctuations in the trade and political relationships between nations. This is a significant step in strengthening the trade relationship between the two largest economic regions in the world. The initiative was proposed by the European Commission in the context of countries working to protect domestic production and improve international trade rules.This decision is aimed at creating a common customs area between the EU and the United States, where both parties will cooperate to establish uniform tariffs on steel imported from external economies. Presently, within countries in the EU and the United States, steel products imported from China and other nations have exerted pressure on the domestic steel market and manufacturing industries. These challenges have led the EU and the United States to seek solutions together to ensure that international trade takes place fairly and to protect domestic production. Therefore, in order to help safeguard steel production in the EU and the United States from the challenges posed by unfair competition and the increased import of cheap steel products, the US and EU have imposed a 25% tariff on certain steel products imported from China.The challenges that will have to be facedWhile there are many benefits, creating a common customs area also presents various challenges.First, there must be agreement between the EU and the United States on how to determine and apply uniform tariffs on steel products imported from China. Both sides may have their own trade regulations and rules, so coordinating and ensuring consistency is a significant challenge.Secondly, there may be reactions and objections from third-party economies, such as China, affected by the imposition of uniform tariffs. This could lead to larger trade negotiations and disputes.From China's perspective, being subjected to tariffs on steel products imported from China by the EU and the US will lead to a reduction in export volumes and decreased sales for Chinese steel manufacturers. The decline in sales and profits may impact the supply chain and labor force within China's steel industry, potentially leading to unemployment and hardships for the workforce. Additionally, the imposition of additional tariffs can raise the production costs of steel in China, thereby putting pressure on the profitability of steel producers.In general, the cooperation between the EU and the United States in establishing a common customs area for steel products imported from China has the potential to benefit both economies, safeguard domestic manufacturing industries, and ensure more equitable international trade. This not only promotes collaborative efforts in various other aspects of EU-US trade relations but also contributes to the overall development of the global steel industry. 

On June 28, 2023, the UK continued to maintain anti-dumping measures on heavy plate steel imported from China. This decision was made after the government considered recommendations from the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) that the domestic steel industry would suffer significant damage if previous trade remedies measures were lifted.1. EU: Imposing definitive anti-dumping duty on non-alloy steel plate or other alloy steel imported from ChinaOn February 13, 2016, the European Commission initiated an anti-dumping investigation on steel products imported from China, specifically goods of flat products of non-alloy or other steel (excluding stainless steel, silicon-electrical steel, tool steel and high-speed steel), hot-rolled, not clad, plated or coated, not in coils.Products with thickness and width specified under Notice No. 2016/C 58/09, classified under the following HS codes: ex. 7208.51.20, 7208.51.91, 7208.51.98, 7208.52.91, 7208.90.20, 7208.90.80, 7225.40.40, 7225.40.60 and 7225.99.00.On August 11, 2016, the European Commission required that goods from China be registered with Customs for a period of nine months. As of August 11, 2016, the EC has imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty at a rate of duty is between 65.1% and 73.7% of the net-free-at-Union-frontier price depending on the company. The trade remedy measure on the above products imported from China is subject to Commission Implementation Regulation No. 2016/1888, was in force for a period of 6 months.Following the conclusions of the damage caused by China's cheap supply of heavy plate steel, the European Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on the goods under investigation group. The amount of duty is between 65.1% and 73.7% of the net-free-at-Union-frontier price before duty depending on the company, in effective until February 28, 2022.However, in the face of recommendations from stakeholders and market fluctuations, on September 3, 2019, the EC issued Commission Implementation Regulation 2019/1382 regulating the definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of non-alloyed or alloyed steel plates from China if the safeguard duty is also levied on the same good. Accordingly, the definitive anti-dumping duty is adjusted in the range of 40.1 - 48.7% in case when the product is also subject to a 25% safeguard duty out of quota.According to the EU Withdrawal Agreement, from January 1, 2021, the UK is no longer a member of the EU and the application of safeguard measures on steel products is carried out independently between the EU and the UK. After this event, both the UK and the EU conducted a review and updated the trade protectionsm being applied. Therefore, on February 25, 2022, the European Commission announced the intitation of a sunset review of the definitive duty imposed on steel products from China.2. UK: extends anti-dumping duty on heavy plate steel imported from ChinaHeavy plate steel is one of the main materials for the production of construction equipment, oil and gas pipelines, shipbuilding, bridges and buildings. The construction and machinery manufacturing sectors account for over 70% of the UK's heavy plate steel consumption. Today, Spartan UK Ltd and Liberty Steel Dalzell Ltd are the UK's two largest producers of heavy plate steel, contributing £10-20 million to the UK economy each year.Therefore, when realizing that the source of cheap steel imported from China has seriously threatened business activities and profits, manufacturers have filed a complaint with the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA). The TRA investigation found that failure to impose strict safeguards on imported goods would have caused damage to British industry, with the risk of shutting down steel mills in North Lincolnshire and North Lanarkshire.On June 28, 2023, the UK government made the conclusion that the anti-dumping measures for heavy plate steel imported from China would remain in effect for 5 years.3. Prospects of Vietnam's steel imports to the UK 2023For Vietnam, the UK is currently the 13th largest important trading partner among countries and territories in the world, ranking 5th among European and American countries and territories. According to data of Vietnam Customs, in the first 11 months of 2021, Vietnam's total export turnover to the UK reached $5.24 billion, leading the growth rate was iron and steel products with an increase of 1269%, followed by products from iron and steel increased by 91.1%.The outstanding growth of iron and steel products by the recovery of industries in Europe after the pandemic. On the other hand, Vietnam's steel production output has improved in both quality and quantity. In 2021, Vietnam's crude steel output reached 23 million tons, finished steel products reached 33 million tons, the amount of steel exported to the UK increased by 708%, reaching 418,903 tons with an average price of 1172.7 USD/ton, increased by 69.5% over the same period last year.On March 13, 2023, Vietnam had the opportunity to welcome the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to discuss bilateral investment and trade between Vietnam and the UK 2023. At the meeting, the two sides agreed on solutions to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, effectively implementing the UKVFTA and CPTPP Agreements. Through this event, the British government also continued to increase support and create favorable conditions to promote import and export activities between Vietnam and the UK. Therefore, most of Vietnam's steel products exported to the UK have grown well thanks to duty incentives.The UK government's move to extend anti-dumping duties on heavy plate steel imported from China may cause a supply chain shortage for domestic production. Finding alternative steel exporters is a solution that businesses can consider. Any demand for quotation and import of cheap and quality steel from Vietnam, please contact MRS Steel via Whatsapp: +84 76 911 2358 for the best support.

In October 2021, the European Commission imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty of up to 24.6% on Chinese flat-rolled aluminum products. However, this decision was suspended for 9 months because of specific effects on lines 7060 and 7607 supply. After the review process, the EU lifted this suspension and continued to impose anti-dumping duties on China from July 12, 2022.1. EU: impose temporary anti-dumping duty on flat-rolled aluminum products imported from ChinaOn August 14, 2020, the European Commission received a European Aluminum complaint about the dumping of flat-rolled aluminum imported from China. The products under investigation include plates and roll with a thickness of 0.2 - 6mm as well as coils and strips with a thickness of 0.03-0.2mm, except for aluminum sheets used in the beverage packaging industry, car cover, or aerospace industry application.They are grouped under the HS codes 7606.11.10, 7606.11.91, 7606.11.93, 7606.11.99, 7606.12.20, 7606.12.92, 7606.12.93, 7606.12.99, 7606.91.00, 7606.9 and 7607.11.90.At the conclusion of the investigation, the European Commission implemented anti-dumping measures with duty rates ranging from 19.3 to 46.7% for flat-rolled aluminum products imported from China, effective from 13/04/2021.Specifically, shaped aluminum of Guangdong Haomei New Materials Co Ltd and Guangdong King Metal Light Alloy Technology Co Ltd will be subject to an anti-dumping duty of 21.2%, while that of Press Metal International Ltd is to a duty of 25%. Other companies that "cooperate" in the investigation are 22.1%, and materials from other companies are on duty at 32.1%.2. EU: imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on flat-rolled aluminum products imported from ChinaBy October 12, 2021, the EC had imposed definitive tariffs of up to 19.1-24.6% on flat-rolled aluminum products imported from China to limit dumping, causing damage to the industry of Europe. Flat-rolled aluminum products are one of the core products of EU steel with a market value of 700 million euros.However, on the same day, the Commission suspended the imposition of anti-dumping measures for a period of 9 months (according to the EU Basic Anti-Dumping Regulation, Article 14) to address market fluctuations that occurred after the investigation phase. The demand for aluminum products in the EU market is increasing, so the imposition of anti-dumping measures at this stage will cause supply disruptions and many other severe effects on trade cooperation with China in the future.3. EU: not to prolong the suspension of the definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of flat-rolled aluminum products from ChinaOn 9 March 2022, the European Commission sent a request to the European Aluminum Association and domestic producers to investigate whether the suspension should be extended or not. After considering market movements during the period of analysis (PoA), fluctuations in the aluminum industry that may occur in the near future, the views of importers, exporters, and the EC have decided not to extend the anti-dumping suspension of AFRPs originating in China.Thus, from July 12, 2022, China's flat-rolled aluminum products will be subject to the prescribed anti-dumping tax rate when imported into the EU.Antaike data show that China exported 380,000 tons of aluminum to the EU in 2021, down 17.6% compared to the same period last year. Under the EU's plan, Chinese exporters will be required to declare a carbon border tax from 2023 and be taxed on products that don't meet carbon emission regulations from 2026. These regulations will significantly affect the export of flat-rolled aluminum products from China to the European market. Besides, the challenges of supplying quality and cheap AFRPs to EU importers will increase in the coming time.

Grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel (GOES) are high-performance motors required in the EU manufacturing of transformers, generators, grids and wind energy. The EU's GOES market value stands at €410 million annually. In order to protect domestic producers from serious injury caused by dumping, the EC continues to extend GOES anti-dumping duties on exporters from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States of America from January 19, 2022.1. EU: Definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States of AmericaAccording to the General Director of the European Steel Association (EUROFER) said “The EU energy security and climate objectives can only be met by maintain a viable European GOES industry” so to avoid dependence on foreign supplies such as Asia, the United States, Russia,...the EU were forced to intervene on GOES's import price policy. After receiving the complaint of the European Steel Association (EUROFER) on June 30, 2014, the European Commission initiated an anti-dumping investigation against grain-oriented flat rolled products of silicon-electrical steel ( thickness over 0.16mm) imported from China, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States. Products subject to investigation are grouped by CN code as follows: ex 7225 11 00 and ex 7226 11 00.On May 12, 2015, the EU decided to impose temporary anti-dumping duties on Grain-oriented flat rolled products of silicon-electrical steel imported from China, Korea, Russia and the United States for a period of 6 months, specifically:The duty rate imposed on GOES originating in China is 28.7% of the net free-at-Union-frontier priceThe duty rate imposed on GOES originating in Japan is 35.9% of the net free-at-Union-frontier price, except JFE Steel Corporation (Tokyo) is subject to a duty of 34,2%.The duty rate imposed on GOES originating in Korea is 22.8% of the net free-at-Union-frontier priceThe duty rate imposed on GOES originating in Russia is 21.6% of the net free-at-Union-frontier priceThe duty rate imposed on GOES originating in the United States is 22.0% of the net free-at-Union-frontier priceOn October 29, 2015, the EU decided to impose definitive anti-dumping duties on grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel imported from China, Japan, Russia and the United States (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2015/1953). The duty rate is calculated based on the European authorities' fixation on the difference between the net free-at-Union-frontier price and the minimum import price. The official notification took effect on October 31, 2015, after the publication of the resolution in the Official Journal of the European Union. The definitive dumping margins express as a percentage of the CIF Union frontier price, duty unpaid, are:CountryCompanyDefinitive dumping marginChinaBaoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., Shanghai21,5 %Wuhan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., Wuhan54,9 %All other companies54,9 %JapanJFE Steel Corporation, Tokyo47,1 %Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, Tokyo52,2 %All other companies52,2 %Republic of KoreaPOSCO, Seoul22,5 %All other companies22,5 %Russian FederationOJSC Novolipetsk Steel, Lipetsk; VIZ Steel, Ekaterinburg29,0 %All other companies29,0 %USAAK Steel Corporation, Ohio60,1 %All other companies60,1 %2. EU: Extension of anti-dumping duty on duties on grain-oriented flat rolled products of silicon-electrical steel from 5 countriesThe investigation by the European Commission said that if the current anti-dumping measures were to end, the situation of GOES imports from Asian countries, Russia, and the United States would increase, which would be harmful to GOES production of Europe.Therefore, the Commission will continue to implement this measure in the form of minimum import prices. Under WTO rules, the minimum import price is considered a non-tariff trade barrier and is not accepted. However, they are still used as an anti-dumping measure. When the import price is lower than the minimum import price from 21.5 to 39%, the EU will apply anti-dumping duty. Therefore, it remains an acceptable regulation for grain-oriented flat rolled products of silicon-electrical steel to Europe. Although there are still many controversies and objections from Japan and China about this duty, the overall assessment shows that these measures will create a level playing field for domestic GOES producers and exporting countries with high quality GOES into EU.Above are the latest updates of MRS Steel on the issue of “Commission extends anti-dumping duties on grain-oriented flat rolled products of silicon-electrical steel”. GOES is a strategic, high-end product that plays an important role in the European life and energy sectors. Therefore, the EC always issues policies to protect imported goods in a timely manner to avoid dependence on foreign supplies. This will ensure price stability and the domestic market, but it will also make it difficult for importers to access cheap, high-quality electrical steel sources. 

The trade tensions continued to be a hot topic when Turkey recently imposed an anti-dumping duty on HRC products from the EU and Korea. This decision is seen as retaliation from Turkey based on the fact that their country's HRC source was previously taxed by Europe.The overview of imposing anti-dumping HRCSince January 2021, the Turkish has started an anti-dumping investigation on hot rolled coils imported from the EU and Korea. The investigation was initiated by requirements from the Turkish Steel Association on behalf of domestic steel producers.Hot rolled coil products in the investigation list have codes including 7208.10.00, 7208.25.00, 7208.26.00, 7208.27.00, 7208.36.00, 7208.37.00, 7208.38.00, 7208.39 .00, 7208.40.00, 7208.52.908, 7208.52.908, 7208.52.10, 7208.53.10, 7208.53.90, 7208.54.00, 7211.13.00, 7211.14.00, 7211.19.00, 7212.60.00, 7225.19.10, 7225.30.10, 7225.30.30, 7225.90. .90, 7226.91.20, 7226.91.91 and 7226.91.99In March 2022, the government announced the results of the investigation after a long time for reviewing. Accordingly, HRC importers from the EU and Korea were found to be selling HRC products at a lower price than the floor price in domestic. The Turkish Ministry of Commerce has calculated that the dumping margin of Korean importers ranges from 14 to 18.6%, especially for European HRC steel importers who have been accused of dumping with a margin of high in the range of 23-49%.On July 7, 2022, in the face of arguments about unfair competition, the Turkish Ministry of Commerce decided to impose an anti-dumping duty on importers from the EU and Korea. The tax rate will be calculated in the range of 7-18.8% for HRC products from Europe and 7-8.95% for HRC products originating from Korea.What is the cause of escalating tension? "What we have been doing is a proper answer for the EU after everything they have done to Turkey in the past four years," the Turkish Steel Association vice president declared.In addition, he also said that the imposition of the tax would be an essential step to prevent unfair trade between domestic and foreign manufacturers.Turkey is one of the largest export markets for the EU, and they often look to this country as a solution to eliminating the inventory situation when the demand for steel in the European region is significantly reduced. EU producers have been accused of regularly selling large shipments of steel to Turkish users at lower prices than the prices in Europe, specifically a large factory in France sold steel in Turkey for about €750/ton, while the domestic price is much more expensive with a specific price above €900/tons.Although the imposition of an anti-dumping tax has the participation of the EU and South Korea, this is actually seen as a response from the Turkish manufacturers to the EU since the case of anti-dumping duties on HRC products from Turkey in January 2021.Vietnam's Perspective Before Recent Anti-Dumping LawsuitsAs of 2023, Turkey will always be a potential steel export market for Vietnamese suppliers. The trading relationships become significant in the context of steel demand in Turkey increasing sharply to serve the reconstruction of construction structures after the earthquake in January.Although Turkey has previously initiated an anti-dumping investigation on stainless steel pipes from Vietnam, the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Trade has not yet made a final decision on this matter. It can be seen that commercial cooperation between the two countries has always maintained a stable status based on bilateral interests.Particularly for HRC products, Vietnam is considered one of the most potent steel manufacturers with annual output of HRC steel reaching more than 8.6 million tons. Thanks to strong production capacity and technological advances, Vietnam has been able to supply and export HRC worldwide. In just 6 months of 2021, Vietnam's HRC export volume has reached 700,000 tons. 

On October 7, 2020, the EU officially imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty on hot-rolled stainless steel coils and sheets (SSHR) imported from Indonesia, China, and Taiwan. This move is to protect the interests of manufacturers in the European Union such as Belgium, Italy, and Finland against dumping by foreign enterprises. This decision contributed to the protection of nearly 200,000 domestic steel industry jobs and increased the EU's total number of trade remedies measures to 56.1. EU imposes temporary anti-dumping duty on steel imported from Indonesia, China, Taiwan1.1. Steel groups are imposed anti-dumping dutyOn June 28, 2019, the European Steel Association (Eurofer) accused manufacturers of hot rolled stainless steel coils and sheets (SSHR) from Indonesia, China, and Taiwan of dumping, affecting domestic manufacturers and market steel prices. The European Commission accepted the complaint and initiated an anti-dumping investigation on the products subject classified under the HS codes of HS 7219.11, 7219.12, 7219.13, 7219.14, 7219.22, 7219.23, 7219.24, 7220.11 and 7220.12.The general director of EUROFER said that the steel industry of Indonesia, China, and Taiwan have too much capacity, so they export cheap SSHR to European Union nations. Their dumping has caused a lot of damage to the European steel industry, so remedial measures are necessary.1.2. The temporary anti-dumping duty rate for Indonesia, China, and TaiwanOn January 25, 2020, the EC requested import registration for goods from Indonesia, China, and Taiwan for a period of 9 months. Regulations imposing import registration requirements officially took effect on January 24, 2020.On April 8, 2020, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2020/508, imposing temporary anti-dumping duties on goods imported from Indonesia, China, and Taiwan, specifically:The duty rates for imports from China range from 14.5 to 18.9% of the net free-at Union-frontier price before duty depending on the company.The duty rate for imports from Chinese Taipei ranges from 6 to 7.5% of the net free-at Union-frontier price before duty depending on the company.The duty rate for imports from Indonesia is 17% of the net free-at Union-frontier price before duty depending on the company. 2. EU imposed definitive anti-dumping duty on Indonesia, China, TaiwanOn October 7, 2020, the European Commission imposed definitive anti-dumping duty on SSHR from Indonesia, China, and Taiwan. Specifically:The duty rate for imports from Indonesia is 17.3% of the net free-at Union-frontier price before duty depending on the company.The duty rate for imports from Taiwan is 4.1% or 7.5% of the net free-at Union-frontier price before duty depending on the company.The duty rate on imports from China is 9.2 - 19% of the net free-at Union-frontier price before duty depending on the company.One of China and Indonesia's most important industrial exports is stainless steel sheet and cold-rolled coil. Although there is no accurate report on the damage from the new anti-dumping duty from the EU,  it will have a direct impact on the two countries' export and production activities. Faced with the risk of oversupply and great economic damage, the countries involved have made recommendations and objections to the EU's decision to impose anti-dumping duties.Accordingly, the European Commission issued the Commission's Implementation Regulation (EU) 2020/1713 on November 17, 2020, amending the definitive anti-dumping duty rate on SSHR imported from China, Taiwan, and Indonesia in the case of a specific safeguard duty is also applied to the same good. If the official safeguard duty rate is 25% out-of-quota, importers are exempt from anti-dumping duties.