[SMM Iron & Steel] Japan Launches Anti-Dumping Investigations on CRC and HRC Imports from Three Asian Nations

Published: Jun 4, 2026 14:45

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Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has officially initiated an anti-dumping investigation into cold-rolled coil (CRC) and hot-rolled coil (HRC) imported from South Korea, China, and Taiwan. The probe, prompted by petitions from domestic producers including Nippon Steel and JFE Steel, targets the growing market penetration of these imports. According to METI, CRC import volumes increased from 830,818 metric tons (mt) in fiscal year 2021 to 874,353 mt in fiscal year 2023, while HRC imports surged from 1.22 million mt in FY2021 to 1.43 million mt between October 2024 and September 2025. Scheduled to conclude within one year, this defensive trade measure highlights the intense pressure on Japanese steelmakers caused by lower-priced imports amid stagnant domestic demand. If duties are imposed, it could significantly restrict regional trade flows, forcing foreign suppliers to divert tonnages elsewhere while simultaneously tightening local supply to support the profit margins and pricing power of Japanese mills.

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