Japan has begun imposing provisional antidumping (AD) duties on imports of hot-dip galvanized steel coils, sheets, and strips originating from China and South Korea. According to statements issued by Japan's Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the duty rates will range from %29.2 to %55.3, and the measures will remain in effect from August 8, 2026, to December 7, 2026.
The decision follows complaints from Japanese steel producers that low-priced imports from China and South Korea have distorted market conditions and placed downward pressure on domestic steel prices. The antidumping investigation was initiated following an application submitted on April 28, 2025, by Nippon Steel Corporation, Nippon Steel Coated Sheet Corporation, Kobe Steel Ltd., and Yodogawa Steel Works Ltd. (Yodoko).
Japan's Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry officially launched the investigation on August 13, 2025, and collected information and evidence from the interested parties. The authorities stated that producers and exporters in China and South Korea were given the opportunity to present their views and defend their positions. Following the preliminary review, the Japanese authorities published preliminary findings on July 24, 2026, concluding that the products had been imported at dumped prices and that these imports had caused material injury to Japan's domestic industry.
The provisional antidumping duties apply to steel products coated using the hot-dip galvanizing process, which provides high corrosion resistance.
Japan emphasized that the current measures are provisional. As the investigation continues, the Japanese authorities will conduct a final assessment in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and relevant domestic legislation. Based on the final determination, Japan will decide whether to impose definitive antidumping duties and establish the final duty rates.
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