Mexico Launches Review of Anti-Dumping Measure on Micro-Welding Wire from China
On March 3, 2025, the Mexican Secretariat of Economy (SE) began an administrative review of an existing anti-dumping (AD) measure concerning micro-welding wire imported from China. The review is being conducted in response to a request from Electrodos Infra, Lincoln Electric, and Plásticos y Alambres, three major players in the welding wire sector in Mexico. This review will specifically focus on solid carbon steel wires made from manganese-silicon alloy and used for welding, which may or may not be copper-coated.
The ongoing anti-dumping measure has been in place to protect domestic producers of welding wire from unfairly priced imports from China. These measures aim to prevent dumping, which occurs when products are sold at below-market prices, undermining local manufacturers. This review will assess the necessity and the impact of continuing or adjusting these duties on Chinese-made welding wire.
The Products Under Review
The products in question are solid carbon steel wires composed of manganese-silicon alloy, used primarily for welding. These wires may be copper-coated or not, and they have a diameter range of 0.6 mm to 1.6 mm. They are specifically used in electric arc heating to weld two or more pieces of steel, making them critical components in various industrial applications, especially in the steel and construction sectors.
The products under review fall under the following tariff codes of the TIGIE (Mexican General Import and Export Tariff):
• 7229.20.01
• 7229.90.99
• 8311.90.01
This range of products is essential for welding applications across various industries, including automotive manufacturing, construction, and machinery production, which rely on strong, reliable welding solutions.
Review Period
The review will cover a specific period from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. During this period, the effectiveness and necessity of the anti-dumping measures will be thoroughly evaluated to determine whether they should be continued, adjusted, or lifted based on market conditions, pricing trends, and the overall impact on local industry players.
While the review is ongoing, the current anti-dumping measures will remain in effect. This means that Chinese imports of micro-welding wire will continue to face tariffs intended to protect domestic producers during the review period.
Stakeholders Involved in the Request
The administrative review was initiated at the request of Electrodos Infra, Lincoln Electric, and Plásticos y Alambres, all of which are significant stakeholders in the Mexican welding wire market. These companies have raised concerns about the potential harm caused by unfairly priced Chinese imports and have requested a reassessment of the anti-dumping tariffs.
• Electrodos Infra: A key player in the production of welding products in Mexico.
• Lincoln Electric: A major global provider of welding solutions, also involved in the Mexican market.
• Plásticos y Alambres: A prominent company in the production of wire and related products in Mexico.
These companies have a vested interest in ensuring that the market remains fair and that local producers are not undercut by cheap imports that could compromise their operations.
Ongoing Anti-Dumping Measures
The current anti-dumping (AD) duties were originally imposed to safeguard the domestic welding wire industry from the influx of undervalued imports from China. The Mexican authorities consider these tariffs necessary to protect local industry, ensure fair competition, and encourage the development of a competitive domestic market for welding wire.
The review will assess whether these measures are still necessary or if adjustments should be made. The review process includes consultations with key stakeholders, analysis of market conditions, and an evaluation of the impacts of the existing tariffs.
Next Steps in the Review Process
As part of the review process, the Mexican Secretariat of Economy (SE) will carefully consider feedback from both domestic producers and foreign exporters, including Chinese manufacturers. The results of the review will guide future decisions regarding the continuation, modification, or removal of the anti-dumping measures.
The review will examine the pricing of micro-welding wire and its impact on Mexican steel and manufacturing industries, ensuring that domestic businesses are not harmed by dumping practices. The final decision will reflect the balance between protecting local producers and maintaining fair trade relations.
Key Takeaways:
• Review of Anti-Dumping Measure: The Mexican government has launched an administrative review of anti-dumping measures on micro-welding wire from China.
• Request for Review: The review was initiated by Electrodos Infra, Lincoln Electric, and Plásticos y Alambres due to concerns over unfair pricing from China.
• Product Under Review: The products in question are solid carbon steel wires made of manganese-silicon alloy, with or without copper coating, and used in electric arc welding.
• Tariff Codes: The products are under tariff codes 7229.20.01, 7229.90.99, and 8311.90.01 of the TIGIE.
• Review Period: The review will assess imports from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.
• Impact on Current Measures: The existing anti-dumping measures remain in effect throughout the review process.
• Purpose of Review: To evaluate the ongoing necessity of the anti-dumping tariffs and their impact on Mexican producers.
• Stakeholders Involved: Key stakeholders, including Electrodos Infra, Lincoln Electric, and Plásticos y Alambres, are requesting the review.
• Review Process: The review will consider the impact on domestic industries and the fairness of steel imports during the review period.
