Ministry finds preliminary dumping in Chinese heavy sections probe

The UAE’s anti-dumping investigation into imports of heavy steel sections from China has reached a preliminary stage, with the Ministry finding evidence of dumping, material injury to the domestic industry and a causal link between the dumped imports and the injury, according to the Ministry’s preliminary report dated 25 June 2026.

Commenting on the findings, Michael Rion, Chief Commercial Officer of EMSTEEL Group, said the report sends a clear signal to the market, confirming preliminary evidence of dumping, material injury and a causal relationship between Chinese imports and the damage suffered by the UAE industry.

According to the preliminary report, Chinese imports reached 177,800 tons during the dumping investigation period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, accounting for 49.6pct of the UAE’s total imports of the product. Import volumes increased by 509pct compared with 2021, while the investigation identified a 21pct preliminary price undercutting margin. The Ministry also found evidence of price suppression, preventing the domestic industry from raising prices, and confirmed the existence of material injury indicators.

The report recognized Emirates Steel as representing 100pct of the UAE’s domestic production of the like product.

The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by Emirates Steel, the country’s sole producer of heavy steel sections, alleging that Chinese imports were being dumped into the UAE market and causing material injury to the domestic industry.

The preliminary findings are consistent with recent trade data showing a sharp increase in Chinese structural section shipments to the UAE. According to previously reported MESTEEL statistics, imports under the four HS codes covered by the investigation increased to approximately 345,000 tons in 2025 from 117,000 tons in 2024, led by H-sections (HS 721633), whose imports surged by 244pct YoY.

The investigation covers heavy sections of iron or non-alloy and alloy steel, not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, classified under HS subheadings 721631 (U-sections), 721632 (I-sections), 721633 (H-sections) and 722870 (alloy steel angles, shapes and sections other than stainless steel).

The dumping investigation covers the period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, while the injury assessment examines developments from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2025.

Following the preliminary findings, Rion said EMSTEEL will request the Ministry to proceed with effective trade remedy measures, including the imposition of provisional anti-dumping duties, to restore fair competition and protect the long-term resilience of the UAE steel industry.

The Ministry will now review submissions from interested parties before issuing its final determination on whether anti-dumping duties should be imposed on imports of heavy steel sections from China.

UAE imports of Chinese structural sections