South Korea plans to impose provisional anti-dumping duties of up to 38pct on Chinese hot-rolled heavy plates starting next month.
Following a Trade Commission meeting, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) determined that Chinese steel exporters were dumping products, causing significant harm to Korean producers. As a result, duties ranging from 27.91pct to 38.02pct will be applied ahead of a full investigation, which could take up to a year.
If the finance ministry approves the recommendation, Xiangtan, Sino, and Xiamen will each face an immediate 38.02pct tariff. Jiangsu Shagang and Baoshan will be subject to tariffs of 29.62pct and 27.91pct, respectively.
The probe was launched after Hyundai Steel filed a complaint on July 31, citing severe damage to the domestic industry from an influx of low-cost Chinese steel plates. The investigation focuses on thick sheets of 6mm or more, primarily used in shipbuilding and construction.
South Korea’s imports of HR heavy plates from China surged from 320,000 tons in 2021 to 1.17 mln tons in 2024, according to the Korea Iron & Steel Association. The share of Chinese-origin HR heavy plates in total imports also climbed from nearly 30pct in 2021 to over 64pct in 2024.
Additionally, South Korea’s trade regulator will launch anti-dumping investigations into HRC imports from China and Japan, following a request from Hyundai Steel in December.
