[SMM Steel] Weak Exports Weigh on Domestic Market; Turkish HRC Prices Drop to 580 USD/tonne FOB

Japan's Ministry of Finance announced a preliminary affirmative determination in its AD investigation on hot-dip galvanized steel from China and South Korea, ruling that the products have caused injury to the domestic industry. Dumping margins for Chinese producers/exporters range from 63.95% to 68.67%, while South Korean companies face 32.49% to 42.69%. The Ministry has also extended the final investigation period by four months. Products covered under Japanese customs codes 7210.49, 7212.30, 7225.92, and 7226.99.

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs reports that the 10% Section 301 tariff on Taiwan will not stack on MFN tariffs. This rate is lower than the 12.5% applied to Japan and South Korea. Taiwan's rates for hand tools, plumbing hardware, and bicycles are 10%, below China's 40.1-43.1% and Vietnam's 15.1-18.1%. Textiles and medical equipment also face 10%, compared to China's 40-46.2% and South Korea's 12.5%. These lower rates are expected to boost Taiwan's US market sales.

Spanish energy company Moeve and ArcelorMittal have signed Spain's largest Energy Savings Certificate (CAEs) transaction, covering 2.1 TWh in annual energy savings. The agreement monetizes efficiency gains to fund ArcelorMittal's long products division decarbonization in Gijón, featuring a nearly finished EAF. After transition, the project will cut up to 1 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually from steelmaking in Asturias. CAEs certify energy savings equivalent to 1 kWh achieved over a year, supporting Spain's National Energy Efficiency Fund.