Japan’s steel associations have called on the government to introduce import trade measures to protect domestic producers from a surge in steel exports driven by China’s excess production capacity, the Japan Iron & Steel Federation and four other industry groups said.
The groups noted that many countries have already imposed trade restrictions, increasing export pressure on Japan. They warned that exporters, particularly from China, often bypass anti-dumping duties by routing shipments through third countries or making minor product modifications, practices known as circumvention.
Japan recently launched anti-dumping investigations into Ni-based stainless CR steel sheets and hot-dip galvanized steel sheets, but industry leaders fear that without stronger measures, any duties imposed could be undermined.
Unlike 18 G20 countries, Japan lacks a dedicated anti-circumvention system, forcing authorities to open fresh investigations whenever such practices occur.
The steel industry has urged Tokyo to swiftly establish an anti-circumvention framework, arguing it is vital to ensure the effectiveness of trade remedies and maintain fair competition. They also pressed for expanded investigative capacity, including a significant increase in staff handling trade enforcement.
