Guatemala rejects imposition of anti-dumping duties on Chinese galvanized steel imports

Author: Paul Ploumis11 Jun 2015 Last updated at 02:09:00 GMT

SAO PAULO (Scrap Monster): The Ministry of Economy of Guatemala has decided against imposing anti-dumping measures on imports of galvanized steel from China. The decision is further to investigations carried out upon request by Ternium International Guatemala, SA in December 2013. The Resolution 583 published by the Ministry has decided to allow imports of these products from People’s Republic of China.

The decision by Guatemala authorities is in opposition with the decisions made by other countries in the region. Currently, Latin American region has 24 resolutions in place against dumping of steel products from China. Nearly 12 investigations are in progress in other countries in the region. According to government import data, the galvanized steel imports from China to Guatemala have surged by over 46% during January to November in 2014 as compared with those during the same period in 2013. The increased imports from China continue to affect domestic production capacities in vast majority of Latin American countries.

According to Sebastian Castro, Director-Central America, Ternium, Chinese imports pose serious threat to production industry in Guatemala. It leaves almost 250 direct jobs in Guatemala at risk. Also, the indiscriminate dumping of Chinese products threatens more than 350 direct and over 1,200 indirect jobs in Central America.

Commenting on the decision by the Ministry of Economy of Guatemala, Alacero called upon every country in the region to implement effective defense mechanisms to prevent unfairly traded goods entering their market.

Latin American Association of Steel- Alacero is civil nonprofit organization that brings together the steel value chain in Latin America to promote the values of regional integration, technological innovation, excellence in human resources, job security, corporate responsibility and socio-environmental sustainability.