EU anti-dumping investigation reinforces steel importers' concerns about prices
Potential duties could increase the cost of imports into the EU of certain types of cold-rolled flat products from India, Japan, Taiwan, Turkey and Vietnam after the European Commission launched a new anti-dumping investigation this month.
The notice published by the Commission on September 18 stated that the anti-dumping investigation was initiated by the complaint of the European Steel Industry Association Eurofer dated August 4. It will be valid from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
The Commission indicated that the dumping margin could range from 10% to 50%, which increases the likelihood of introducing expensive new duties. Temporary measures can be introduced within seven months with four weeks' notice before any duties are imposed
The investigation represents a further strengthening of EU trade protection measures, in particular against imports from India, Japan and Vietnam. Importers are currently awaiting the results of an anti-dumping investigation into hot-rolled coils produced in these countries, which should be completed in mid-October.
- This article was first published in the September issue of the MEPS International Steel Review. The monthly report provides subscribers with information on steel prices, indexes, market commentary, and forecasts from key global steel markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. Contact the members of the European Parliament for detailed information on how to subscribe.
Many steel importers from the EU have already stopped placing new orders as they await clarity on the cost of CBAM taxes, which will apply from January 1, 2026. The European Commission has not yet published the emission benchmarks needed to calculate their potential cost.
However, according to European Parliament respondents, some steel suppliers in China, India, and South Korea, as well as some major European traders, are currently listing prices that include the estimated cost of CBAM taxes and other duties. Some materials were booked on these terms. Most suppliers estimate the cost of CBAM at 40-70 euros per ton.
Revision of EU protective measures reduces imports of cold-rolled steel
The application of anti-dumping duties to imports of cold-rolled flat steel products from India, Japan, Taiwan, Turkey and Vietnam could further support demand for EU plants. Shipments from these countries, the five largest suppliers of cold–rolled steel to third EU countries, accounted for 67.7% of total EU imports in 2024, amounting to almost 1.85 million tons.
Imports from the EU cold-rolled sheet category of non-alloyed and other alloys in the first five months of 2025