Mexico Maintains Anti-Dumping Duties on I-Beams & H-Beams from Spain
On March 11, 2025, the Mexican Secretariat of Economy (SE) announced its preliminary determination following an administrative review of the anti-dumping (AD) duties imposed on I-shaped and H-shaped steel beams imported from Spain. This measure comes as part of a regular review process that assesses whether existing duties are still justified based on market conditions and their impact on the domestic industry.
Background of the Case
The anti-dumping duties were first imposed to prevent unfair pricing practices by foreign producers, notably ArcelorMittal Olaberria-Bergara SL, which produces I-beams and H-beams that were being sold at below fair market value in Mexico. Gerdau Corsa, Deacero, and Grupo Simec, three of Mexico's largest steel producers, requested the review to ensure continued protection from these practices.
The products in question—I-shaped and H-shaped steel beams—are primarily used in construction and structural engineering, critical components for building infrastructure such as bridges, high-rise buildings, and industrial facilities. These products are classified under the Mexican tariff codes 7216.32.99 and 7216.33.01 in the TIGIE (Mexican General Import and Export Tariff).
The Administrative Review Process
The administrative review was officially launched on June 19, 2024, with the goal of assessing whether the anti-dumping duties should be adjusted, reduced, or maintained based on the market behavior during the review period from January 1 to December 31, 2023. This process evaluates whether the continued imposition of the duties is necessary to protect the domestic steel industry from significant harm caused by low-priced imports of these steel products.
The Preliminary Decision
After a detailed investigation and evaluation of the information submitted by the domestic steel producers and other interested parties, the Secretariat of Economy decided to maintain the existing duties on Spanish I-beams and H-beams. The duties, set at US$0.0613/kg, remain unchanged as the authorities concluded that the ongoing protection was necessary to avoid harming Mexico’s steel producers.
This decision is a response to the domestic industry's concerns about the effects of unfair trade practices that led to the initial imposition of the anti-dumping duties. If the duties were removed, the Mexican market could again be flooded with cheap imports, undermining the ability of local producers to compete fairly.
The Products Affected: I-Beams and H-Beams
The products subject to these duties are integral to Mexico's construction and infrastructure development sectors. I-beams and H-beams are types of structural steel beams that are essential for supporting heavy loads in large-scale construction projects. These beams are typically used in applications such as bridges, buildings, factories, and warehouses.
The I-beams (named for their "I" shape) and H-beams (shaped like an "H") are strong, durable, and versatile, making them the go-to choice for civil engineering and structural construction. The continued imposition of duties ensures that local producers of these products remain competitive against subsidized foreign producers, particularly from Spain, which have historically been able to undercut local prices through dumping.
What Happens Next?
The preliminary determination is part of an ongoing process. Interested parties have the opportunity to submit comments or data to Mexico's Secretariat of Economy regarding this decision. The final determination is expected later this year, though it is unlikely that the duties will be removed given the preliminary ruling and the continuing need to protect the domestic industry from unfair trade practices.
This decision not only affects ArcelorMittal Olaberria-Bergara SL but also sets a precedent for other international producers exporting steel beams to Mexico. As long as the duties are upheld, it will remain difficult for foreign producers to sell these products in the Mexican market at artificially low prices.
Broader Implications
The preliminary decision by Mexico's Secretariat of Economy is part of a larger global trend of nations taking more aggressive actions to protect their domestic industries from unfair trade practices. Other countries, such as the US and European Union, have similarly imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of various steel products from nations like China and India. These measures are seen as vital for preserving local jobs and ensuring the sustainability of the domestic steel industry, particularly in sectors vital for national infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
• Preliminary Decision: Mexico's Secretariat of Economy (SE) has decided to maintain the anti-dumping duties on I-beams and H-beams from Spain, particularly targeting ArcelorMittal Olaberria-Bergara SL.
• Duty Rate: The duties will remain at US$0.0613/kg.
• Review Period: The administrative review covers the period from January 1 to December 31, 2023.
• Request for Review: The review was initiated by Gerdau Corsa, Deacero, and Grupo Simec to assess the fairness of the duty measures.
• Targeted Products: The duties apply to I-shaped and H-shaped steel beams, vital components in construction and structural engineering.
• Protecting Domestic Industry: The decision is aimed at protecting Mexico’s steel producers from unfairly priced imports.
• Global Context: The case highlights broader efforts by countries worldwide to prevent dumping and ensure fair competition in the steel industry.
