Japan initiates anti-dumping inquiry on nickel stainless steel imports from China, Taiwan

• Investigation triggered by petitions from Nippon Steel
• Probe to cover “golden size”, thick, ultra-thin sheets

Japan Metal Daily: The Japanese government has initiated an anti-dumping (AD) investigation into imports of nickel-based stainless steel cold-rolled steel plates, sheets, and strips originating from China and Taiwan. The investigation was prompted by petitions from major domestic steel producers, including Nippon Steel Corporation, citing concerns over imported products being sold at dumped prices, which are significantly below reasonable market levels.

The investigation targets nickel-based stainless steel cold-rolled sheets widely used in Japan, focusing primarily on the popular “golden size” base thicknesses of 1.5-2 mm SUS304 2B finish, which dominates volume. Thick sheets (3 mm and above) and ultra-thin sheets (under 0.5 mm) are also included and expected to be significantly impacted.

According to trade data from Japan’s Ministry of Finance, roughly 170,000 tonnes (t) of nickel-based stainless steel cold-rolled plates and coils were imported in 2024, with wide-width coils (600 mm or wider) making up 95% of this volume. Thickness composition includes 52% base-size (1-3 mm), 18% thick (3 mm+), and 30% thin materials (under 1 mm). Within thin categories, 23% are between 0.5-1 mm, and 7% are ultra-thin at less than 0.5 mm.

A significant share of imports comes from China, which holds a dominant position, especially in thick and ultra-thin materials — 55% and 69%, respectively — compared to Taiwan and South Korea. Wide-width products above 1 metre are limited in supply, with only a few companies, such as China’s TISCO, providing 2-metre coil widths.

If Japan proceeds with the anti-dumping measures, imports of nickel-based stainless steel cold-rolled sheets from China and Taiwan will likely decline sharply, especially impacting the supply of “golden size” and thin materials. This will increase demand for domestic producers to fill the gap, particularly for thick, ultra-thin, and wide-width coils, where alternative suppliers outside China and Taiwan are limited.

The government aims to conclude the investigation within one year, determining if dumped imports have materially harmed Japan’s stainless steel industry and whether AD duties will be imposed to protect domestic manufacturers.

Note: This article has been published in accordance with a content exchange agreement between Japan Metal Daily and BigMint.