The Background: Revisiting the Dumping Allegations
Australia has long maintained AD measures to shield its domestic steel industry from unfair international pricing practices. The latest development came after two SSAB entities—SSAB EMEA AB and SSAB Swedish Steel Pty Ltd (SSAB AU)—lodged requests prompting a reinvestigation. These companies argue that the current anti-dumping measures unfairly affect their exports of quenched & tempered (Q&T) steel plates from Sweden, Finland, and Japan.
The ADRP, after evaluating the requests and legal considerations, has asked the Anti-Dumping Commission to specifically reassess whether lifting duties on Q&T steel plate imports from Sweden would lead to continued or renewed material harm to the domestic Australian industry.
Focus on Swedish Wear Grade Plate Undercutting
At the heart of the dispute lies the pricing behavior of SSAB AU, which was found to have sold Swedish-made wear grade Q&T steel plates in Australia at prices that significantly undercut those of domestic producers. This form of pricing, often termed "dumping," allows foreign firms to seize market share while driving down prices for local manufacturers, ultimately threatening their viability.
The Commission had previously concluded that revoking the AD measures would likely cause further injury, especially due to the undercutting impact of SSAB’s imports. However, with the new application and legal review, the case has reopened for thorough reinvestigation.
Scope of the Reinvestigation & Timeline
The reinvestigation will cover imports of Q&T steel plates falling under HS codes:
• 7225.40.00 (statistical codes 21, 22, 23, 24)
• 7225.99.00 (statistical code 39)
These products are typically used in heavy-duty industries such as mining, construction, and machinery where superior strength, durability, and abrasion resistance are critical.
The Anti-Dumping Commission has set an initial stakeholder engagement deadline of April 28, 2025, allowing interested parties—importers, exporters, manufacturers, and trade bodies—to present evidence or arguments regarding the case. Following this, the Preliminary Reinvestigation Report (PRR) will be released on the Commission’s website, allowing another 14-day feedback window for responses.
The final reinvestigation report is scheduled for submission to the ADRP by July 18, 2025.
Potential Outcomes & Implications for Stakeholders
Depending on the findings, several outcomes are possible:
• Upholding the AD duties: If dumping is confirmed to be causing injury, the duties may continue or even be adjusted.
• Amending the duty levels: A revised rate may be applied based on updated market data.
• Revocation of duties: If the investigation finds no current threat of injury, duties may be removed for certain exporters or all three countries.
This reinvestigation is particularly important for domestic Australian producers who have long relied on these duties for price protection. It is also significant for global suppliers and steel consumers in Australia who face higher input costs due to AD duties.
Trade Relations & Global Steel Dynamics
This case forms part of a broader trend where steel-producing nations regularly challenge or defend against anti-dumping tariffs. Sweden, Finland & Japan are known for high-quality Q&T steel production, often targeting export markets like Australia, where infrastructure & mining demand high-performance steel.
Global steel markets are currently under pressure due to excess capacity in some regions and sluggish demand in others. This volatile backdrop heightens trade sensitivities and makes anti-dumping enforcement a critical aspect of international commerce.
Australia’s firm stance on reviewing and possibly upholding trade remedies also sends a message about maintaining fair competition, ensuring that domestic manufacturers are not drowned out by artificially low-priced imports.
Key Takeaways:
• Australia’s ADRP has requested a reinvestigation into anti-dumping duties on Q&T steel plates from Finland, Japan & Sweden.
• SSAB EMEA AB & SSAB AU initiated the appeal, challenging the continuation of duties.
• The reinvestigation will reassess whether removing duties on Swedish steel would cause industry injury.
• Pricing analysis found SSAB AU undercut Australian industry prices with dumped Swedish wear grade plate.
• Products under review fall under HS codes 7225.40.00 & 7225.99.00.
• Stakeholders must submit their views by April 28, 2025.
• A Preliminary Reinvestigation Report (PRR) will be published for feedback before the final report.
• Final reinvestigation report will be submitted to ADRP by July 18, 2025.
• Decisions may lead to continuation, modification, or revocation of duties.
• The case reflects broader steel trade dynamics & Australia’s commitment to enforcing fair trade rules.
