Dumping Disputes: Final Verdict from EEC
In a significant move to safeguard its internal steelmarket, the Eurasian Economic Commission’s Department for Internal MarketDefence issued a final ruling on 22 April 2025, confirming that revokinganti-dumping duties on galvanized rolled steel products from China andUkraine would likely lead to renewed harm to domestic producers.
"The continuation or reoccurrence ofinjury caused by dumped imports was determined with sufficient evidence,"stated EEC spokesperson Elena Marchenko. The EEC panel found that domesticindustries would remain vulnerable to price suppression, reduced productioncapacity utilization, and potential job losses if the duties were lifted.
Tariff Timeline: From 2019 to 2030
The original anti-dumping measures were enacted on 3December 2019, targeting galvanized steel imports from China and Ukrainewith duties ranging from 12.69% to 17.00% for China, and a steep 23.90%for Ukraine. These products fall under six specific tariff codes, including7210490001, 7210610000, and 7225920000, typically used inautomotive, construction, and household appliance manufacturing.
The decision to extend these tariffs for another five yearsnow pushes their expiration to December 2030, barring any future reviewsor WTO interventions.
China & Ukraine: Market Impact &Reactions
Both China and Ukraine have expressed concern over theextension. A representative from China’s Ministry of Commerce told GlobalTrade Daily, “These measures are protectionist in nature and lack asound economic basis.” Ukrainian steel exporters, already hampered bysupply chain disruptions due to conflict and logistics challenges, see thisruling as a further blow.
Viktor Hrytsenko, a trade adviser to Ukraine’s industrialsector, criticized the EEC’s stance: “Ukrainian producers are not in aposition to flood any market right now, this decision seems more political thaneconomic.”
EAEU’s Strategic Steel Shield
The Eurasian Economic Union, comprised of Russia,Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, has been pursuing policies ofindustrial protectionism in the wake of global trade fragmentation. Thegalvanized steel segment is seen as particularly crucial to infrastructure,defense, and residential development, areas where domestic demand has surgedsince 2022.
According to EEC economic analyst Timur Abdygaliev, “Galvanizedsteel is strategic, not just for industry, but for sovereignty. Local millsmust be shielded from predatory pricing that undermines long-termcompetitiveness.” The EEC noted that in the absence of the duties, Chinaand Ukraine could quickly regain a large share of the market, undercutting EAEUprices by as much as 20%.
Domestic Producers React: Relief &Reinforcement
Major galvanized steel manufacturers across the EAEU havewelcomed the ruling. Russian steelmaker Severstal issued a statement praisingthe decision as “a rational and necessary defense against disruptive pricingtactics.” In Kazakhstan, ArcelorMittal Temirtau noted the tariffs providethe stability needed to invest in modernizing galvanizing lines andimproving product quality.
Analysts estimate that the AD measures have helped EAEUproducers maintain a 65-70% market share in galvanized steel since 2020,even as global steel prices fluctuated due to energy shocks and post-pandemicrecovery patterns.
The Bigger Picture: Trade Protectionism RisingGlobally
This ruling aligns with a broader trend of increasedtrade defense actions worldwide, including similar measures by the U.S.,EU, India, and Turkey. As nations seek strategic autonomy, especially inessential sectors like steel, protectionist tools like anti-dumping duties arebeing used more aggressively.
Kristalina Georgieva of the IMF recently noted, “Self-relianceis staging a comeback.” This EEC decision further illustrates how tradepolicy is being shaped by security and sovereignty, rather than justeconomics.
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