On August 26, 2024, the Anti-Dumping Commission of Australia announced its decision to extend anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled structural steel sections imported from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the period from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. The review, initiated on November 22, 2023, was in response to an application from Liberty Primary Steel, a major player in Australia's steel industry.
The commission's ruling means that importers of hot-rolled structural steel sections will continue to face significant tariffs. For Japanese exporters, the duties are set at 12.15% for JFE Bars and Shapes Corporation and 12.23% for other Japanese firms. South Korean companies will encounter a 2.52% duty for Hyundai Steel Company and a 3.24% duty for other South Korean exporters. Taiwanese producers face varied rates, with Tung Ho Steel Enterprise Corporation subjected to 2.20%, TS Steel Co Ltd to 4.68%, and other Taiwanese exporters to 7.89%. Thai exporters are subjected to even higher duties, with Siam Yamato Steel Co Ltd facing 18.28% and other Thai firms 19.48%.
The products affected by these duties include hot-rolled structural steel sections such as I sections (130 mm-650 mm in height), H sections (130 mm-650 mm), channels (130 mm-400 mm), and equal and unequal angles with a combined leg length exceeding 200 mm. These products fall under the Harmonized System (HS) codes 7216.31.00, 7216.32.00, 7216.33.00, 7216.40.00, and 7228.70.00.
The decision to maintain these duties is aimed at protecting the Australian steel industry from what is perceived as unfair competition due to dumped imports, which could otherwise undermine local producers like Liberty Primary Steel. By enforcing these tariffs, the Australian government seeks to ensure a level playing field for domestic steel manufacturers and address concerns about market distortion caused by low-priced imports.
Liberty Primary Steel's application highlighted the adverse effects of dumped imports on the local market, prompting the Anti-Dumping Commission to reassess and extend the current measures. The ongoing duties are intended to safeguard the industry against potentially harmful pricing practices and ensure that Australian manufacturers can compete fairly.
