- Sunset review window opens ahead of deadline
- European mills likely to seek continuation
The European Commission has announced that anti-dumping duties on cold-rolled flat stainless steel (304 grade and equivalents) from India and Indonesia are scheduled to expire on 19 November 2026, unless a sunset review is initiated. The duties have been in force since June 2016.
Sunset review to determine continuation
Under EU trade defence rules, domestic stainless steel producers must submit sufficient evidence before the expiry deadline to demonstrate that dumping and material injury would persist if measures are removed. Only then can the Commission initiate a sunset review. If launched, existing duties typically remain in place until the investigation concludes.
Trade barriers remain firm on Indonesia
Currently, Indonesian stainless steel exports to the EU are subject to both anti-dumping and countervailing duties linked to subsidy findings. The EU has also intensified investigations into alleged circumvention via third countries, including Turkiye and Taiwan, where Indonesian-origin material is further processed before export.
Regional industry bodies, including the European Steel Association (EUROFER), have consistently opposed low-cost imports from Asia, citing margin compression and capacity underutilisation among EU mills. Market participants expect European producers to file for a sunset review before November, given ongoing pressure in the stainless flat segment.
Outlook
Actual tariff removal remains uncertain and will depend on whether EU producers seek a review. Until procedural clarity emerges, trade flows of Indian and Indonesian 304 CRC into the EU are expected to remain cautious.
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