Japan launches anti-dumping investigation against China and South Korea steel

Wednesday 13 August 2025 - 11:30

Japan announced on Wednesday the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation into imports of hot-dip galvanized steel from China and South Korea. The move follows a complaint filed on April 28 by Japanese steelmakers including Nippon Steel and Kobe Steel.

Domestic producers claim that falling local demand and the rise of cheaper imports have forced them to lower their prices. Hot-dip galvanized steel, primarily used in construction for metal structures exposed to weather, is at the center of this investigation.

This inquiry comes after a similar investigation in July regarding nickel-based cold-rolled stainless steel sheets imported from China. The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Ministry of Finance plan to conclude the probe within a year, after which potential anti-dumping duties may be imposed.

“This investigation is conducted fairly and independently, following World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, to address unfair import practices,” said Tadashi Imai, chairman of the Japan Iron and Steel Federation and also president of Nippon Steel. He added that the industry will continue monitoring unfair import practices and consult the government when new trade measures become necessary.