- Anti-dumping investigation mainly covers 304 and 316 grades
- Landed prices of imports $80-100/t lower than domestic prices
Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance has launched an anti-dumping (AD) investigation into certain cold-rolled stainless steel flat products from Vietnam, following a joint complaint filed by Taiwanese producers Yusco and Tang Eng. The producers alleged that a rapid increase in low-priced Vietnamese imports has pressured domestic prices, reduced market share and weakened profitability.
Vietnamese imports increase sharply
According to data submitted by the applicants, imports of Vietnamese cold-rolled stainless steel have increased significantly since 2024. Import volumes reportedly reached 6,196 t in June, around 11 times higher than February levels.
Import prices were reportedly around $80-100/t lower than comparable Taiwanese products, increasing competitive pressure on local producers.
The applicants claimed that increased Vietnamese shipments and lower-priced offers forced Taiwanese producers to reduce selling prices, resulting in customer losses, declining market share and weaker profitability. Some products were reportedly sold below production costs.
Investigation focuses on 304 and 316
The investigation covers cold-rolled stainless steel flat products in coil and non-coil forms, regardless of surface treatment or additional processing after cold rolling.
The products covered have thicknesses ranging from 0.05 mm to 6.10 mm, with around 50 tariff items included in the investigation. Products that are metallised or coated are excluded.
The investigation mainly covers 304 and 316 stainless steel grades, which are widely used in kitchenware, food-processing equipment, appliances, construction, aerospace, petrochemicals, machinery and transportation equipment.
Twenty Vietnamese companies under investigation
Taiwanese authorities have identified around 20 Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters for the investigation. These include POSCO VST, Yongjin Metal Technology (Vietnam), Tan Viet Metal Technology, Nam Phat Group, OSS Dai Duong International, Son Ha SSP Vietnam and Hoa Sen Nhon Hoi.
Other manufacturers, exporters and importers not specifically named in the announcement could also be subject to the investigation.
The applicants estimated a 31.36% dumping rate for the Vietnamese products under investigation in 2025.
Taiwan considers provisional duties
Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance will determine whether dumping has occurred, while the Ministry of Economic Affairs will assess whether the imports have caused injury to the domestic industry.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is expected to issue a preliminary injury determination within 40 days of notification. If injury is confirmed, the Ministry of Finance is expected to make a preliminary dumping determination within 70 days and consider provisional anti-dumping duties.
Yusco and Tang Eng have also requested retroactive application of duties, covering products imported during the 90 days preceding the imposition of provisional duties.
Impact on Vietnamese stainless steel exports
The investigation could affect trading and pricing strategies among Vietnamese stainless steel producers and Taiwanese importers, particularly if provisional duties are introduced.
Given the rapid increase in Vietnamese cold-rolled stainless steel imports into Taiwan, the outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by regional stainless steel producers and traders.
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