The Anti-Dumping Commission of Australia has initiated a detailed investigation into the importation of hot-rolled deformed steel reinforcing bars from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam. The investigation, which began on 24 September 2024, has been launched following a formal complaint from Infrabuild NSW Pty Limited, an Australian steel manufacturer. The complaint raises concerns about the alleged dumping and subsidisation of these steel products, which may harm local producers by undercutting prices and destabilizing the market.
Hot-rolled deformed steel reinforcing bars are vital components in the construction industry, particularly for reinforcing concrete in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. These bars are typically made through a rolling process that gives them specific deformations, such as indentations, ribs, or grooves, which help improve bonding with concrete. The investigation covers a range of steel rebar products, irrespective of grade, alloy content, coating, or length. However, coil forms, plain round bars, stainless steel, and reinforcing mesh are excluded from the investigation.
The ADC’s inquiry aims to determine whether these imported goods are being sold at unfairly low prices, a practice known as dumping, and whether they are benefiting from government subsidies in the exporting countries. Dumping refers to the practice of selling goods in another country at a price lower than the market value in the exporter’s home country. If such practices are found to be occurring, the ADC may recommend the imposition of anti-dumping duties to mitigate the harmful effects on Australia’s domestic steel industry.
The investigation period for this case spans from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, while the injury examination period covers the three years from 1 July 2020 onwards. The purpose of this examination is to assess whether the influx of low-priced rebar imports has caused significant damage to Australian manufacturers, such as a loss in market share, decreased sales, reduced profits, or the loss of jobs. The ADC will also consider whether these imports have had a disruptive impact on the domestic pricing structure, forcing local companies to lower their prices to compete unfairly.
Several key milestones will guide the investigation’s process. Initially, stakeholders were required to submit their responses to the ADC by 31 October 2024. Following this, a Preliminary Affirmative Determination may be issued by 25 November 2024, based on the findings of the early stages of the review. If the PAD indicates that the dumping or subsidisation is causing harm to the Australian industry, the ADC will recommend the introduction of temporary duties on the imported rebar. If no such determination is made, a Day 60 Status Report will be published on the same date.
The Statement of Essential Facts, which will summarize the commission’s findings, is expected to be released by 4 August 2025. Interested parties will have 20 days to respond to the SEF, after which the ADC will make a final recommendation regarding the imposition of anti-dumping duties. The final decision will be made by the Australian Minister for Industry within 30 days of receiving the recommendation, likely by 6 October 2025.
The global rebar market has witnessed increasing concerns about dumping in various regions, particularly from countries with lower production costs. These trade practices can disrupt the stability of the steel industry in developed economies like Australia, where manufacturers face higher operational costs. Rebar imports from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam are being scrutinized not only for pricing but also for any government-backed subsidies that could be making these imports even more competitive. Subsidies may include financial support for manufacturers or reduced production costs through state-sponsored infrastructure or energy subsidies, which give exporters an unfair advantage in global markets.
Should the investigation conclude that dumping and subsidisation have occurred, the ADC may propose significant measures to protect Australia’s domestic steel market. These measures could include the imposition of tariffs on imported rebar, thus raising the price of the imports and creating a more level playing field for local producers. However, if the investigation finds no evidence of harm to the domestic market, the Australian government may decide to lift any temporary duties that might have been imposed earlier in the process.
This investigation is a crucial part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair competition in the steel industry, especially as the construction sector is a key driver of the national economy. If the findings confirm that the local industry has been negatively affected, the imposition of anti-dumping measures will be a necessary step to safeguard Australian jobs and businesses. Conversely, if the investigation clears the imported goods of unfair pricing practices, it will help foster stronger trade relations between Australia and the countries involved in the dispute.
Throughout the review process, stakeholders in the Australian construction and steel industries will closely monitor developments, as the outcome will likely influence future trade practices and pricing in the steel reinforcing bar sector. This case is part of a larger global trend where countries increasingly investigate anti-competitive trade practices to protect their domestic industries from economic harm caused by unfair foreign competition.
