Japan: JISF to continue monitoring steel imports, take action on unfair trade

• AD measures curb some imports, buyers shift to alternative origins
• Weak Chinese domestic demand could keep steel exports elevated

At a press conference on 25 September, Masayuki Hirose, chairman of the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF) and president of JFE Steel, discussed anti-dumping (AD) measures on imported steel. He said that if unfair imports are found to have the potential to harm Japan’s domestic steel industry, the federation would take appropriate measures, including promptly requesting trade remedies.

Hirose reiterated JISF’s intention to continue monitoring steel products beyond nickel-based stainless cold-rolled steel and hot-dip galvanised steel (GI), which are currently subject to provisional anti-dumping (AD) duties. The federation will also monitor products other than hot-rolled and cold-rolled strips and plates for which AD investigations have already begun, and will take proactive measures where necessary.

Regarding the impact of the provisional AD measures, Hirose said that imports of some products have declined, but imports from countries and regions outside those covered by the measures have tended to increase. However, he said it was too early to make a specific assessment only two months after the duties were imposed. He added that the industry expects a prompt final decision on the AD measures.

On China’s steel exports to the Middle East, Hirose noted that shipments had been disrupted by prolonged tensions in the region. He said China’s monthly steel exports to the Middle East, including semi-finished products, were around 1.4 million tonnes (mnt) last year. Although these exports fell by about half in April and May this year, he said there were likely to be detour routes, while the suspension of Iran’s semi-finished steel exports has also contributed to a recovery in export volumes.

Hirose further pointed out that China’s domestic steel demand remains stagnant, while steel production has not declined significantly. He emphasised the need to continue closely monitoring China’s export trends.

In the Middle East, he said attention should be paid not only to steel trade trends but also to demand-generating industries such as automobiles.

Note: This article is published as part of a content exchange agreement between Japan Metal Daily and BigMint.