Turkiye’s AD measures on South Korean and Chinese coated steel important, but inadequate, step

• AD duties insufficient to curb imports
• Rising imports, global shifts pressure Turkish steel sector

SteelOrbis: After the final disclosure issued by Turkiye’s Ministry of Trade on the anti-dumping investigation into imports of cold rolled, galvanized, and painted coils from China and South Korea, Association of Cold Rolled, Galvanized and Coated Coil Manufacturers (SOGAD) Secretary General Asuman Gürsoy said the move is a significant step toward tackling unfair competition faced by domestic producers.

Dumping margins calculated as a percentage of the CIF price are in the range of 34.85-36 % for China and 10.48-27 % for South Korea.

Highlighting that the dumping margins determined for Chinese companies are substantial for the sector, Gürsoy noted that the margins applied to South Korean products fall short of industry expectations and may not be sufficient to ease import pressure. In 2025, around 27% of Turkiye’s total imports of cold rolled, galvanized, and pre-painted steel products came from South Korea.

Gürsoy said, “According to feedback we have received from the market, some importing companies believe that the rates announced for South Korea will not have a restrictive effect on trade. Therefore, they continue their import planning and shape their commercial agreements accordingly. It is also stated that South Korean exporters believe they can easily absorb the possible duties. This situation shows that the deterrent effect of the announced rates on the market should be closely monitored by the sector.”

Pointing to current market conditions, Gürsoy said domestic producers have been facing significant pressure, noting that although the investigation began in 2024, imports rose further in 2025. Combined imports of the three product groups increased by 21% from South Korea and 32% from China in 2025, compared to 2024. She added that declining profitability and lower capacity utilization clearly reflecting that the sector is now experiencing even tougher conditions than during the initial stage of the antidumping case.

Addressing developments in global trade, Gürsoy said that measures such as reduced EU quotas, the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and US Section 232 tariffs are redirecting major exporters like China and South Korea toward alternative markets. As a result, Turkiye is likely to become a more prominent destination, with the duty-free framework under the Turkiye-South Korea Free Trade Agreement further reinforcing this shift.

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