[SMM Steel] Japan Launches AD Probe into Flat Steel Imports from China, South Korea and Taiwan

[SMM Steel] Australia's Anti-Dumping Commission has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of zinc-coated (galvanized) steel from South Korea and Vietnam following a complaint filed by domestic producer BlueScope Steel. The investigation covers imports during January-December 2025, with allegations that the products were sold below normal value and caused material injury to Australia's domestic steel industry. The case adds to the growing number of trade remedy measures affecting global steel trade flows.

[SMM Steel] Turkey's scrap imports increased by 0.4% YoY to 6.59 million tonnes in January-April 2026, while import value rose 1.5% YoY to $2.51 billion. The US became Turkey’s largest scrap supplier, with shipments rising 34% YoY to 1.41 million tonnes, overtaking the Netherlands, whose exports fell 26.6% YoY to 861,246 tonnes. Strong growth was also recorded from Romania, while lower imports from Belgium and Germany limited overall import growth.

[SMM Steel] Interpipe CEO Luca Zanotti criticized the EU’s upcoming steel import restrictions, arguing that applying tariff quotas to Ukraine contradicts the EU’s previous commitment to support the country until 2028. He warned that the new measures could further pressure Ukraine’s steel sector, whose production capacity has already fallen by 80% since the start of the war, according to OECD data. Zanotti emphasized that Ukraine’s steel industry poses no threat to the EU market and highlighted ongoing challenges including labor shortages, limited power supply, and Europe’s highest electricity costs. The EU is set to tighten steel import safeguards from July 1, including raising out-of-quota duties to 50% and reducing duty-free quotas.