Grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES), used in power transformers that transmit electricity from power plants to end users, is considered critical for the security of the EU’s energy infrastructure. For this reason, import developments related to this product group are being closely monitored.
EU-based producers state that high-volume imports—particularly from third countries led by China—are creating significant pressure, especially in the context of growing global overcapacity. As part of the investigation, the Commission will assess whether the increase in imports is causing injury to the domestic industry.
If the investigation concludes that rising imports are causing serious harm to EU industry, safeguard measures may be introduced in line with the Union’s interests. The situation of transformer manufacturers using GOES will also be taken into account during this process.
For safeguard measures to enter into force, approval by a qualified majority of EU member states is required. If the necessary conditions are found to be met during the investigation, provisional measures could be implemented within four to five months. Should such measures be imposed, definitive measures are expected to enter into force within 200 days, and no later than 9 to 11 months.
The scope of the investigation also includes laminations and cores used in power transformers, which are produced through further processing of GOES.
Meanwhile, GOES products are already subject to anti-dumping measures on imports from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. These measures consist of specific duties based on minimum import prices per tonne. However, as market prices have risen above these levels over time, the protection provided by the existing measures for EU producers has become limited.
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