Thousands of Thai steel workers may be laid off. The management of the enterprises is demanding that the government find an opportunity to restrict cheap imports of steel and pig iron from China to the Thai market. It is expected to hit a record high in 2019.
About 500 of the country's steel mills, the Hot Rolled Steel Producers Association, G Steel, Sahaviriya Steel Industries and several others have prepared a joint appeal to the country's Prime Minister, stating that China, having lost the ability to sell its products on the US market, has redirected its efforts for Southeast Asia. The Thai government should take action to raise tariffs to prevent dumping of Chinese imports.
Nava Chantanasurakon, President of the Thai Association of Sheet Steel Producers, wrote in an address that in the event of a reduction in local production, Sahaviriya Steel will have to resort to layoffs. Representatives of other, especially small, companies adhere to the same opinion.
Unless the government resorts to tougher measures against Chinese imports, local manufacturers will have to lay off their employees to cut costs. Hundreds of workers will lose the opportunity to feed their families if the government does not intervene and find a way to solve it soon.
