- Taiwan also investigating Vietnamese stainless steel imports
- Previous anti-dumping measures expired in November 2024
Vietnam is considering a renewed anti-dumping investigation into cold-rolled stainless steel imports from China, Indonesia and Taiwan, nearly two years after previous measures expired in November 2024. The application, filed by local stainless steel producers, has prompted a review of whether fresh trade restrictions should be introduced to protect the domestic industry.
According to Vietnam’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRAV), under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, domestic stainless steel producers submitted the application on 4 August 4, 2026. Following requests for additional information on August 18, the authorities confirmed on 29 September that the application was complete and met the required legal criteria.
Vietnamese authorities are now reviewing the application and supporting evidence. A decision on whether to initiate a formal investigation is expected around mid-November 2026. No formal investigation has yet been initiated, and no new anti-dumping duties have been imposed.
Investigation timeline and scope
Under Vietnam’s Foreign Trade Management Law, the investigating authority must review the application within 45 days of confirming its validity and recommend whether to initiate an investigation to the Minister of Industry and Trade.
The review will focus on whether the applicants represent the domestic industry, whether evidence supports allegations of dumping, and whether the imports have caused or threaten to cause injury to Vietnamese manufacturers.
The Trade Remedy Bureau requested local cold-rolled stainless steel producers and sellers to submit production capacity and output data for 2021-2026, their views on the proposed investigation, and supporting documents by 12 October. The authorities have not yet disclosed the names of the companies that filed the application.
Previous anti-dumping measures ended in Nov’24
Vietnam first imposed anti-dumping duties on cold-rolled stainless steel imports from China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan in 2014. Following a sunset review in 2019, the measures were extended, keeping restrictions in place for approximately a decade.
However, on 12 November, 2024, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade decided not to extend the measures following its second sunset review, under Decision No. 3011/QĐ-BCT. The decision followed a review of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, Vietnam’s foreign trade management legislation and stakeholder submissions.
The latest application was filed approximately one year and nine months after the previous measures expired. Unlike the earlier measures, the new application covers China, Indonesia and Taiwan, excluding Malaysia. The specific reason for Malaysia’s exclusion has not been disclosed.
POSCO VST and Inox Hoa Binh participated as applicants in the previous investigation. Their participation in the latest application has not been confirmed.
At the time the earlier duties were terminated, Vietnamese authorities indicated that they would continue monitoring imports and take appropriate action to protect the legitimate interests of domestic producers and consumers.
Taiwan’s investigation adds to regional trade uncertainty
Trade remedy developments are also unfolding in Taiwan, where stainless steel producers Yusco and Tang Eng have sought anti-dumping action against cold-rolled stainless steel imports from Vietnam.
Taiwanese authorities initiated a preliminary investigation into the potential injury to the domestic industry in August and held a public hearing on September 14, involving domestic producers, importers and overseas manufacturers.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs subsequently extended the deadline for its preliminary injury determination to October 16, citing the need for further examination of the submitted data.
Vietnam has also filed an application for an anti-dumping investigation into cold-rolled stainless steel from Taiwan. However, there is no confirmed evidence that the two cases are directly linked. Vietnam submitted its application on August 4, before Taiwan launched its formal investigation into the potential injury caused by Vietnamese imports.
Outlook
The immediate focus is on Vietnam’s decision, expected around mid-November 2026, on whether to launch a formal investigation. If initiated, the investigation could lead to renewed trade restrictions on cold-rolled stainless steel imports from China, Indonesia and Taiwan, depending on the findings.
The potential impact on Asian stainless steel trade will depend on the scope of any formal investigation, the evidence of dumping and injury, and the final determination by Vietnamese authorities. Developments in Taiwan’s parallel proceedings could also influence regional trade conditions.
For now, the case remains at the application-review stage. Market participants will be watching for the initiation decision and subsequent findings before assessing the implications for regional stainless steel exports.
Note: This article is published as part of a content exchange agreement between SteelDaily and BigMint.
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