Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) have initiated anti-dumping investigations into imports of hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel coil, sheet, and strip originating from South Korea, China, and Taiwan.
The investigations follow applications filed on February 27, 2026, by major domestic steelmakers including Nippon Steel, JFE Steel, and Kobe Steel. Nakayama Steel Works also participated in the application concerning hot-rolled steel products.
According to the ministries, a preliminary review found sufficient evidence to justify the launch of the investigations under WTO rules and Japan’s trade remedy regulations.
The products under investigation include hot-rolled steel used in applications such as automobiles, construction materials, steel pipes, containers, and electrical equipment, as well as cold-rolled steel used in automotive components, home appliances, steel furniture, battery cases, and steel pipes.
The investigations are expected to be completed within one year. During the process, Japanese authorities will collect evidence and conduct verification procedures involving producers and exporters in the countries concerned, as well as domestic stakeholders.
Based on the findings, Japan will determine whether the products were imported at dumped prices and whether such imports caused material injury to the domestic steel industry before deciding on the possible imposition of anti-dumping duties.