Steel News

Welcome to the Weekly Steel Market Update from MRS Steel. In this comprehensive report, we provide a detailed analysis of global steel prices, offering insights into price fluctuations across key markets and product categories. We invite you to explore the latest trends and market developments, keeping you well-positioned in the ever-evolving international steel sector.Exporting CountryProductSupplierImporting CountryPrice (USD/MT)Trade & Shipment TermChinaHRC Q195Anfeng/Zongheng/Ruifeng/Ganglu/GoutangVietnam495-496 CFREarly Nov ShipmentChinaHRC Q235Anfeng/Zongheng/TonghuaVietnam496-499 CFREarly Nov ShipmentChinaHRC SAE1006 50% 2mmRizhao/Anfeng/Zongheng/TonghuaVietnam500-505 CFROct/Early Nov ShipmentChinaWire rod 6.5mm meshQingdao/Tangshan/Rizhao/Benxi/ShagangVietnam498 CFRNov ShipmentIndonesiaWire rod 6.5mm meshDexinVietnam502 CFRNov ShipmentKoreaHRC SAE 1006Huyndai/Dongkuk/PoscoVietnam500-510 CFRNov ShipmentJapanHRC SAE 1006Nippon/JFEVietnam505-510 CFRNov ShipmentJapanWire rod 6.5mm meshDexinThailand502 CFRNov ShipmentChinaWire rod 6.5mm meshQingdao/Tangshan/Rizhao/Benxi/ShagangThailand480-490 CFRNov ShipmentIndonesiaWire rod 6.5mm meshDexinThailand498 CFRNov ShipmentThailandWire rodAlliance SteelThailand500-505 CFRNov ShipmentChinaWire rodQingdao/Tangshan/Rizhao/Benxi/ShagangPhilippines485-490 CFRNov ShipmentMalaysiaWire rodAlliance SteelPhilippines500-505 CFRNov ShipmentPhilippinesWire rodDexinPhilippines485-490 CFRNov ShipmentChinaHRC IS2062/E250 BRJSW/TataIndia568-580 EXWEXW MumbaiIndiaHRCEdermir/BorcelikTurkey570-575 EXWEXW PriceTurkeyHRCNMLKTurkey485-495 CFRCFR TurkeyRussiaHRCMagnitogorsk/NMLKTurkey485-495 CFRCFR TurkeyIndiaHRC S235JSW/TataTurkey530-535 FOBFOB IndiaChinaHRC SAE 1006Baowu/Ansteel/HBIS/ShangangGCC525-530 CFRNov ShipmentChinaHRC SS400/S235JRBaowu/Ansteel/HBIS/ShangangGCC515-520 CFRNov ShipmentChinaHRC A36/Q195/Q235Rizhao/TanghanGCC500-505 CFRNov ShipmentIndiaHRC SAE 1006JSW/TataEU585-590 CFRNov ShipmentEUHRCThyssenkrupp AG/Salzgitter AG/TaTa Steel Europe/ArcelorMittal DuisburgEU625-642 EXWEXW GermanyEUHRCTenaris/ArcelorMittal Italia/ADIEU614-625 EXWEXW ItalyEUHRCErdemir GroupEU570 CFRCFR EU PortEUHRCÇolakoÄŸlu MetalurjiEU530-550 EXWCFR EU PortTurkeyHRCErdemir GroupEU540-560 EXWEXW ItalyIndiaHRCJSW/TataEU530-535 CFRCFR AntwerpTaiwanHRCShangchenEU575-585 CFRCFR EU PortChina’s export strategy and price fluctuationsThe prices of Chinese HRC for different grades (Q195, Q235, SAE1006) range from $495 to $505 CFR for the Vietnam market, indicating a slight increase over recent weeks. This price rise can be attributed to China's ongoing efforts to stabilize their steel market amidst oversupply and regulatory pressures. However, these adjustments also reflect China's strategy to maintain competitiveness in international markets by keeping prices attractive for key importers like Vietnam​.The Chinese domestic and export wire rod prices also remain competitive in different ASEAN regions, such as Thailand and the Philippines, with offers varying between $485 and $505 CFR.Korean and Japanese competitivenessKorean suppliers like Hyundai, Dongkuk and Posco have set HRC SAE1006 prices in the range of $500-510 CFR for Vietnam, while transactions have been heard at around $490 CFR. This pricing indicates that Korean mills are aiming to stay competitive against Chinese offerings, adjusting prices to maintain market share in Southeast Asia.Japanese HRC prices for SAE1006 remain slightly higher ($505-510 CFR) with potential transaction prices of $500 CFR for the Vietnam market. This suggests that Japanese suppliers are maintaining a premium over Chinese and Korean offerings, possibly leveraging their perceived quality and consistency.India’s domestic price drops and anti-dumping measuresIndia's JSW and Tata have dropped domestic HRC prices (IS2062/E250 BR) to around $568-580 EXW Mumbai, likely due to subdued domestic demand and the impact of regulatory challenges, including import restrictions and BIS licensing issues.Furthermore, anti-dumping measures against Indian imports in regions like Turkey (11.65% margin on Tata Steel) and the EU are influencing India’s export strategy and competitiveness.Europe's steel market dynamicsThe European HRC market has been under pressure from oversupply, with tradable values declining to around €540-560 EXW Germany and €530-550 EXW Italy. Demand in key steel-consuming sectors remains low and the competition from external imports has pushed European mills to reduce prices. This situation is aggravated by the ongoing anti-dumping investigation against imports from Egypt, India, Japan and Vietnam, which affects the volume and price dynamics of HRC in Europe.Turkey's Erdemir and other mills are offering at around €510/mt ($570 CFR), indicating their attempt to remain competitive despite the downward pricing trend in the EU.* Please note that all pricing information in this article is based on data collected and analyzed by our team and is intended for reference purposes only. Prices are subject to change and may not be accurate at all times.

Brazil recently launched an anti-dumping investigation into pre-painted steel products from China and India, as its actions are believed to be an attempt to protect its domestic steel industry from unfair competition.Join MRS Steel to learn more about the incident by reading the article below.Brazil investigates anti-dumping of pre-painted steel from China and IndiaKey points of the issueCause of the incident: There have been allegations that pre-painted steel imported from China and India is being sold at prices lower than its actual value, putting pressure on domestic manufacturers and threatening the survival of the domestic steel industry.Countermeasures: Brazil’s Foreign Trade Department (SECEX) has received a request and initiated an anti-dumping investigation into pre-painted steel products from China and India. The investigation was requested by domestic steel producers CSN and Tekno Industry and Trade. Accordingly, Brazil steel producers have asked the government to impose tariffs on imported steel products. The total amount of steel and iron imported from China increased from $1.6 billion in 2014 to $2.7 billion last year. According to domestic producers, in the first eight months of this year, Brazil imported more than 148,000 tons from China and over 5,000 tons from India. The large volume of steel imports from China and India has made the business situation of domestic enterprises difficult. Therefore, the Federal government of Brazil has conducted an investigation and applied anti-dumping tariffs on pre-painted steel products imported from these two countries. This tax is intended to regulate prices and protect the domestic market.Chinese and Indian exporters react: Chinese and Indian manufacturers and governments have protested against the measures, arguing that they are unfair and detrimental to free trade. They may also file complaints with international trade organizations such as the WTO.Impact of the event: With the investigation and the imposition of anti-dumping duties on pre-painted steel products from the world's two largest steel-producing countries, China and India, this could escalate trade tensions between these countries and Brazil, affecting global steel prices and supplies.The surge in steel imports is a particularly challenging problem for the Federal government of Brazil. Brazil’s measures come as the world braces for an increase in exports from China, as the world’s second-largest economy struggles with excess capacity amid a slowing real estate sector and weak domestic demand.Imported galvanized steel products are considered unfair competition to domestic productsWhat are the opportunities for Vietnam's steel industry?When Brazil conducts anti-dumping investigations into pre-painted steel from China and India, what opportunities will arise for Vietnam's steel industry?Increasing exports: With the anti-dumping investigation, the Brazil market may seek alternative sources of supply. This presents an opportunity for the Vietnamese steel industry to export products to this potential market.Promoting domestic production: With the opportunity to export to Brazil, this also presents a chance for the Vietnamese steel industry to boost domestic production to ensure a stable supply for export.The article on MRS Steel has provided you with information about Brazil's anti-dumping investigation into pre-painted steel products from China and India. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us for answers.

U.S initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of corrosion-resistant flat products (CORE) from ten countries, including Vietnam.Several major American steel manufacturers, including Steel Dynamics, Nucor Corporation and U.S. Steel, have formally petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the International Trade Commission (ITC) to launch an anti-dumping investigation into imports of corrosion-resistant flat products (CORE).These products, which include a range of steel materials used widely in construction, automotive manufacturing and other critical industries, are being imported from 10 countries at prices the petitioners allege are unfairly low. The countries identified in the petition are Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Vietnam.U.S. probes CORE imports from 10 countries, including VietnamThe complainants argue that imports from these countries have caused substantial damage to the U.S. domestic industry and that the situation will worsen if no action is taken. Additionally, investments by producers in these countries to increase galvanized steel production capacity have raised concerns about the potential for increased exports to the United States.Barry T. Schneider, President and COO of Steel Dynamics, stated, "Between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2024, CORE imports from the ten subject countries increased from less than 1.25 million tons to almost 2 million tons, a significant increase of 57%. The surge in unfair CORE imports has had a substantial negative impact on the volumes, prices and profitability of the domestic steel industry, necessitating these cases."The products in question fall under the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) codes: 7210.30.0030, 7210.30.0060, 7210.41.0000, 7210.49.0030, 7210.49.0040, 7210.49.0045, 7210.49.0091, 7210.49.0095, 7210.61.0000, 7210.69.0000, 7210.70.6030, 7210.70.6060, 7210.70.6090, 7210.90.6000, 7210.90.9000, 7212.20.0000, 7212.30.1030, 7212.30.1090, 7212.30.3000, 7212.30.5000, 7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 7212.50.0000, 7212.60.0000, 7225.91.0000, 7225.92.0000, 7226.99.0110, and 7226.99.0130.In July of this year, the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) and six other industry groups urged the House of Representatives to include the Playing Field 2.0 Act in the upcoming legislative package aimed at protecting the United States from unfair trade practices by China.The petition underscores the necessity of implementing measures to safeguard the domestic steel industry from the increasing influx of imported steel products, ensuring fairness and sustainability for U.S. steel producers.The official announcement regarding this anti-dumping investigation has not yet been released. Readers are encouraged to follow MRS Steel for the latest updates on developments in the international and Vietnamese steel markets. 

Canada has imposed temporary anti-dumping duties ranging from 6.1% to 38.9% on wire rods imports from Vietnam, which are lower than those imposed on China and Egypt.Recently, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) released a preliminary conclusion on its investigation into anti-dumping measures on wire rod products originating from China, Egypt and Vietnam. According to the conclusion, the temporary anti-dumping duties for Vietnamese companies range from 6.1% to 38.9%, the lowest compared to the rates imposed on Chinese companies (50.9% - 71.1%) and Egyptian companies (49.7% - 99.8%).Canada imposes lower anti-dumping duties on Vietnam wire rods importsCanada's anti-dumping investigation on steel wire rods from three countriesThe CBSA stated that the essential information used to make the decision would be published within the next 15 days and posted on their official website. During this period, the CBSA will continue its investigation and is expected to issue a final conclusion on September 4, 2024.This investigation began on March 8, 2024, to determine whether the import of wire rod products from China, Vietnam and Egypt has caused damage to the Canadian steel industry. The wire rod products under investigation fall under HS codes: 7213.91.00.42, 7213.91.00.43, 7213.91.00.49, 7213.91.00.50, 7213.91.00.60, 7213.91.00.70, 7213.99.00.11, 7213.99.00.12, 7213.99.00.31, 7213.99.00.32, 7213.99.00.51, 7213.99.00.52, 7227.20.00.20, 7227.20.00.90, 7227.90.00.60, 7227.90.00.70, 7227.90.00.81, 7227.90.00.82, 7227.90.00.83.CBSA continues steel wire rods dumping probe, final decision due September 4Final determination and impact on Vietnamese companiesOn September 4, 2024, the CBSA issued a final determination on the anti-dumping duties for the involved countries. Specifically, the duty rates for Vietnamese companies such as Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel are 17.7% and Hoa Phat Hai Duong Steel is 13.5%. In contrast, the rates for Chinese and Egyptian companies remain significantly higher. For example, Chinese company Jiangsu Shagang faces a 34.0% duty, while other Chinese companies are subject to 46.2%. Egyptian company Suez Steel faces an 8.6% duty, while other Egyptian companies are subject to 21.3%.CBSA sets final anti-dumping rates with Vietnam lower than othersNext steps for Canada and VietnamThe Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) continues to investigate whether these imports have caused significant damage to Canada's domestic industry and will issue a conclusion by October 4, 2024. If the CITT does not find any evidence of injury, the case will be dismissed.Given this situation, the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam recommends that exporting companies register as parties involved in the case to receive necessary information and respond within the stipulated timeframe. Businesses are also advised to closely coordinate with the trade remedies authority to receive timely support and protect their interests.According to statistics from Trademap, Vietnam's export turnover of wire rod products to Canada has increased significantly in recent years, from USD 10 million in 2020 to USD 21 million in 2021, reaching approximately USD 40 million in 2022. This growth demonstrates the competitiveness of Vietnam's steel industry while posing significant challenges in dealing with increasingly strict trade remedy measures from Canada.As Canada intensifies its monitoring and regulation of steel imports to protect its domestic market, it is expected that further investigations and anti-dumping duties will be imposed on other steel products from Vietnam in the near future. Follow MRS Steel for the latest news on the steel market in Vietnam and worldwide.

The Indian government will need to carefully consider the interests of all stakeholders before making a final decision on imposing anti-dumping duties on HRC steel imports from Vietnam.The recent anti-dumping investigation into Vietnamese HRC imports has been met with strong opposition from the Indian steel user community. They fear that the imposition of such duties could lead to higher steel prices, negatively impacting industries that depend on steel, such as automotive parts, agricultural tools,...Balancing trade protection and steel user interests in India's HRC probeAccording to Upkar Singh Ahuja, President of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) in Punjab, "We do not want anti-dumping duties applied." He argues that imposing these duties would create a financial burden on SMEs, raising input costs and reducing their competitiveness. Some industrialists oppose the anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese HRC, concerned that large steel corporations in India might gain monopolistic control over the market by raising prices unreasonably.Akash Bassi, Vice President of CICU, also emphasized that anti-dumping measures could hinder free trade, create trade conflicts and disrupt supply chains. Other industry representatives, such as Honey Sethi and Rajnish Ahuja, also noted that the steel industry is currently profitable, the additional duties are unnecessary and could threaten the sustainability of SMEs.India's anti-dumping investigation into HRC imports from Vietnam is generating mixed opinions within the industry. While some large producers support the duties to protect their interests, many SMEs are concerned that this will increase production costs, reduce competitiveness and harm the local economy. The Indian government will need to carefully weigh the interests of all parties involved before making a final decision on imposing these anti-dumping duties.

On August 14, 2024, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) in India officially initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imported Vietnamese HRC steel.According to MRS Steel, this investigation was launched at the request of the Indian Steel Association, which represents two major steel producers: JSW Steel Limited and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Limited.India launches anti-dumping investigation into Vietnamese HRC steel importsWhich Vietnamese HRC products are under investigation?The investigation targets HRC products, both alloyed and non-alloyed, not clad, not plated or coated, with a thickness of up to 25mm and a width of up to 2100mm. These products fall under HS codes 7208, 7211, 7225 and 7226. The investigation will focus on the period from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, with damage assessments covering the years from 2020 to 2023.Vietnamese steel alleged to be dumpedIndian steel producers allege that Vietnamese HRC is being imported into India at "dumping prices," causing significant harm to the domestic steel industry. They argue that there are no substantial differences in the physical and chemical properties, production process, technology, functionality or usage between their products and the imported steel from Vietnam.To counter the threat of cheap imports, they have proposed the implementation of anti-dumping duties on HRC imports from Vietnam to safeguard their domestic industry.Indian steelmakers push for anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese HRC importsImpact on the global steel marketThis investigation by India could have wide-reaching implications for the global steel market, particularly for Vietnam, which is among the top 5 steel exporters to India. According to BigMint research, during the fiscal year 2023-2024, India imported 3.55 million tons of HRC and plate steel, of which 620,000 tons (nearly 20%) were from Vietnam. This figure represents a threefold increase compared to the 22,000 tons imported in the fiscal year 2022-2023.Vietnam's steel exports to India triple, facing Indian market scrutinyResponse from VietnamTo respond to this investigation, the Vietnam Trade Remedies Authority has urged domestic businesses to actively cooperate with DGTR by providing comprehensive and accurate information. Additionally, businesses are advised to proactively request relevant information from DGTR to protect their interests in the investigation.As India initiates an anti-dumping investigation into Vietnamese HRC steel, the outcome could have a profound impact on trade relations and reshape the global steel market dynamics. Vietnamese steel producers must stay vigilant, actively participate in the investigation process, and defend their interests. Stay updated on the developments of this case to understand its full implication.

The situation of Vietnam's steel industry in the first 6 months of 2024 is showing positive signs when consumption output shows signs of good growth.To know more about Vietnam's steel industry, please follow the article below with MRS Steel.Vietnam's steel industry is showing positive signsBright spots from the domestic steel marketAccording to the report of the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), in the first 6 months of 2024, finished steel production increased by 10.1% over the same period last year to 14.427 million tons. In addition, sales reached 14.274 million tons, up 14.4% over the same period in 2023. In particular, export output reached 4.216 million tons, up 8.6% over the same period in 2023.Since the beginning of the year, the steel industry has benefited greatly from increased domestic consumption due to the recovery of the real estate market. In addition, the Government is making efforts to promote disbursement and speed up the progress of key projects. This is a bright spot for the recovery of the steel industry.According to the financial report, the highest profit continues to be Hoa Phat Group Joint Stock Company when it achieved a net profit in the second quarter of 2024 of nearly 3,320 billion VND, an increase of 127% over the same period. In the first 6 months of 2024, Hoa Phat recorded a profit after tax of nearly 6,189 billion VND, nearly 3.4 times higher than the same period last year. In the first 5 months of 2024, Vietnam exported about 5.505 million tons of steel, an increase of 25.61% over the same period last year. The export value reached 4.041 billion USD, an increase of 17.19% over the same period in 2023. This is a signal reflecting the recovery of the export market in the last months of 2024 and early 2025.The domestic steel market is gradually recoveringChallenges from trade defenseCurrently, trade defense is one of the major challenges for steel manufacturing enterprises. Recently, the EU has also initiated an investigation into HRC from Vietnam. This requires enterprises to have effective calculations and business strategies, especially to comply with regulations and proactively coordinate in issues related to trade defense.In addition, at the end of July 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade decided to investigate and apply anti-dumping measures on some HRC steel products originating from India and China. This decision is beneficial for domestic HRC producers but disadvantageous for many businesses that depend on imported HRC sources. For example, Hoa Phat is focusing on putting the Hoa Phat Dung Quat 2 Iron and Steel Production Complex into operation with the expectation of producing 5.6 million tons of HRC steel per year, bringing Hoa Phat's total crude steel production capacity to over 14 million tons/year.MRS Steel has provided you with the latest information about the Vietnamese steel industry. Hopefully, it will help your operations in the near future. If you have a need to buy Vietnamese steel products, please contact us via this form.

The Vietnam steel export report for the first six months of 2024 shows an impressive recovery in the steel industry, with 6.49 million tons exported, generating nearly $4.78 billion. The U.S. accounted for the largest market share with 14.5% of total exports, followed by Italy and Cambodia. With the potential for export growth in the second half of 2024 and the 2025-2027 period, Vietnam’s steel industry is expected to continue conquering international markets, leveraging its competitive production costs and stable product quality.The Vietnamese steel industry shines globally: 6.49 million tons exported in H1 2024, with the U.S. leading the wayEconomic and social situation in June and H1 2024In June and H1 2024, the economic and social situation continued its positive trend, with many sectors achieving better results than in May and the same period in 2023. The construction sector increased by 7.34%, the highest growth compared to the same period in the years 2020-2024. However, the growth of the steel industry has not been stable, with production and sales of steel products indicating that domestic demand has not fully recovered.Steel production and sales situationJune 2024Vietnamese crude steel production reached 878,343 tons, down slightly by 0.4% m/m but up 27.4% y/y. Finished steel production reached 2.463 million tons, down 4.95% m/m but up 22.4% y/y. Construction steel, HRC, galvanized steel and steel pipes maintained high growth rates, while cold rolled coil (CRC) production decreased by 10.5%.Finished steel sales reached 2.362 million tons, down 7.53% m/m but up 9.3% y/y. Finished steel exports reached over 662,000 tons, up 10.9% m/m but down 8.9% y/y.First six months of 2024Finished steel production reached 14.427 million tons, up 10.1% y/y. Finished steel sales reached 14.274 million tons, up 14.4% y/y, with exports reaching 4.216 million tons, up 8.6% y/y.Steel import and export situationImportsVietnam imported 1.547 million tons of steel in May 2024, up 20.57% m/ and up 84.72% y/y. In the first five months of 2024, Vietnam imported 6.919 million tons of steel with a value of over $5.015 billion, up 50.21% in volume and up 27.47% in value compared to the same period in 2023.ExportsIn May 2024, Vietnam exported 1.117 million tons of steel, up slightly by 0.78% m/m but down 1.37% y/y. The export value reached more than $797 million, down 4.53% m/m and down 14.36% y/y.Top 3 largest export market share in the first 6 months of 2024In H1 2024, Vietnam exported 6.49 million tons of steel, earning nearly $4.78 billion at an average price of $735.8/ton. The U.S. was the largest market, accounting for 14.5% of total volume and 16.5% of total export value, followed by Italy and Cambodia.Export volume Vietnamese types of steel in the first 6 months of 2024Market assessment and forecast for Vietnamese steelThe Vietnamese steel market in H1 2024 has shown positive signs of recovery, with prospects for further export growth in the second half of 2024 and the 2025-2027 period. According to the WSA report, global steel demand is expected to grow slightly in 2024 and 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. As one of the largest steel producers in Southeast Asia, Vietnam will continue to benefit from this trend. OECD Steel Market Developments also indicates that steel prices may continue to fluctuate due to changes in raw material supply and protectionist measures from major economies. However, Vietnam has the advantage of competitive production costs and stable product quality, and it will continue to be a major steel supplier to the international market.Top countries importing Vietnamese GI in the first 6 months in 2024In addition, favorable international trade and tariff policies from the U.S. and EU will also be key factors influencing Vietnam's steel exports. Starting August 1, 2024, Chinese steel exports to the U.S. are subject to a tax rate of up to 50%, while Vietnamese steel only faces a 25% tariff under Section 232, making Vietnamese steel a more optimal choice for U.S. importers.For the latest updates on the steel market and Vietnamese steel import-export situation, customers can contact MRS Steel via WhatsApp: +84 769 112 358 or Email: vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn for 24/7 support.

Recently, the Trade Remedies Authority (Ministry of Industry and Trade) and the European Commission issued a notice initiating an anti-dumping investigation into certain types of hot-rolled coil originating from Egypt, India, Japan, and Vietnam imported into the EU. This is part of the European Union's effort to protect its domestic industry from unfair competition from other countries.Hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel from Vietnam is facing anti-dumping measures by the EUThe decision to initiate the investigation was made based on the request received by the European Commission from the European Steel Association on June 24, 2024, concerning hot-rolled coil products. The products under investigation are classified under the following HS codes: 72081000, 72082500, 72082600, 72082700, 72083600, 72083700, 72083800, 72083900, 72084000, 72085210, 72085299, 72085310, 72085390, 72085400, 72111300, 72111400, 72111900, ex 72251910, 72253090, ex 72254060, 72254090, ex 72261910, 72269191, and 72269199.The anti-dumping investigation period covers from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, while the damage investigation period spans from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024. The Trade Remedies Authority also noted that the European Commission’s initiation notice includes comprehensive information about the involved parties. The notice details the investigation procedures, relevant deadlines, the rights and obligations of the parties, and provides guidance on how to upload and submit documents through the EC's electronic system, TRON.HRC is one of the important products of the steel industryThis investigation reflects the EU's increasing concern for maintaining fairness in international trade and protecting its regional industry from potential harm caused by unfair competitive practices.In addition to facing anti-dumping duties in the EU, domestic hot-rolled coil products in Vietnam are also competing with low-priced steel imports from abroad. Previously, in July 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued a decision to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into hot-rolled coil imported from China and India, after observing that such practices were harming local businesses.Currently, the two companies in Vietnam exporting hot-rolled coil are Hoa Phat Group and Formosa Ha Tinh. These are the only two companies in Vietnam that produce and export HRC. According to data from Customs and the Steel Association’s report, in 2023, the combined sales volume of HRC from Hoa Phat and Formosa Ha Tinh reached 6,808,337 tons, with 3,405,633 tons exported, accounting for nearly 50% of Vietnam's total HRC sales. Notably, in the first half of 2024, the sales volume of these two companies reached 3,312,675 tons, with 1,181,649 tons exported, representing almost 40% of their total sales in the first half of 2024.Formosa and Hoa Phat are the two companies exporting hot-rolled coil steel from VietnamFacing the wave of trade protectionism, affected manufacturing and exporting companies, in collaboration with the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), need to thoroughly review all relevant information and documents. They must fully cooperate with the European Commission (EC) to provide the required information and documentation in the prescribed format and within the deadlines. Regular coordination and information sharing are essential to receive timely support from the Trade Remedies Authority.In the article above, MRS Steel has provided you with information about the situation. Stay tuned to MRS Steel for the latest updates and insights on the global steel industry.

On May 14, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden announced an increase in tariffs on $18 billion worth of imports from China, including electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, semiconductors, iron and steel, in a bid to protect American industries. The tariff increase is expected to significantly impact Chinese exporters, prompting U.S. importers to look for cheaper alternative sources, such as Vietnam.New US tariffs on Chinese imports open doors for Vietnam's booming export marketOn May 22, 2024, the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced proposed amendments to tariffs on Chinese imports, effective from August 1, 2024.ImportCurrent rateNew rateElectric vehicles (EVs)25%100%Semiconductors25%50%Solar cells25%50%Syringes and needles0%50%Some steel and aluminium products*†7.50%25%Lithium-ion EV batteries7.50%25%Lithium-ion non-EV batteries*7.50%25%Battery parts*7.50%25%Some personal protective equipment (PPE)*†7.50%25%Rubber medical and surgical gloves*7.50%25%Natural graphite and permanent magnets0%25%Other critical minerals0%25%Ship-to-shore cranes0%25%The US has imposed additional Section 301 tariffs on these products, including steel and aluminum products, electric vehicles, batteries and semiconductors. These products will face significant tax increases, such as for electric vehicles, quadrupling from 25% to 100%. Other categories such as steel and aluminum products were previously not subject to tax or only 7.5% but will soon be subject to import tax of up to 25%.US proposes steep tariff hikes on Chinese imports, effective August 1, 2024Thus, China is currently subject to both Section 232 and Section 301 tariffs. This means that steel exports from China to the US are subject to a tax rate of up to 50%. Meanwhile, steel from Vietnam is only subject to a 25% tax rate under Section 232. This difference creates a clear competitive advantage for the Vietnamese steel industry in the US market.In response to the increased tariffs on Chinese steel, U.S. steel importers are actively looking for alternative sources of supply and Vietnam has emerged as an ideal choice with many of the following advantages:High-quality productsVietnamese steel is produced according to international standards ASTM, EN, JIS,..., achieving certifications for quality and environmental management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001,... These certifications not only confirm product quality but also ensure a safe and environmentally friendly production process.Large steel mills in Vietnam such as Hoa Phat, Hoa Sen, Formosa,... use modern production lines and advanced technology from the world's leading metallurgical brands like Danieli, Tenova, ... Currently, Vietnam has become self-sufficient in raw material input (HRC), so 100% of products can prove their origin, meet strict international standards, ensuring reliability and stability for construction and industrial projects in the US.Vietnamese steel ensures high quality and reliability for US construction and industrial projectsCompetitive priceWith a 25% tariff under Section 232, Vietnamese steel has a more competitive price than Chinese steel in the current context. This is also the reason why more and more American importers are contacting and looking for Vietnamese steel sources to optimize costs.Favorable geographical locationVietnam is strategically located in Asia, near the world's  major maritime routes, including routes connecting Southeast Asia with North America and Europe. This helps reduce transportation costs and delivery times, a crucial factor in maintaining a stable supply chain.The shipping time from Vietnam to major U.S. ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, Savannah,... only takes about 30-45 days depending on the specific conditions and schedule of each shipment.Compared to other countries in the region, transit time from Vietnam to the US is equivalent or even shorter due to the development of direct maritime routes and modern port infrastructure in Vietnam. This helps optimize the supply chain and ensure stable supply for U.S. importers.Vietnam's strategic location and efficient maritime routes ensure faster and cost-effective delivery to major US portsStable supplyVietnam has many modern steel plants, ensuring continuous supply capability and meeting large demands from international partners. According to the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), Vietnamese crude steel output in 2023 reached about 24 million tons, up 8% compared to 2022. Construction steel output reached 11 million tons, up 9% over the previous year. It is forecasted that in 2024, finished steel production could reach 29 million tons, a 6.7% increase compared to 2023. In the first three months of 2024, Vietnam's steel exports reached 3.23 million tons, valued at $2.39 billion, a 40.6% increase in volume and 38.9% increase in value compared to the same period in 2023, with major export markets including the U.S., Italy, and Cambodia.The increase in tariffs on Chinese steel not only impacts trade relations between the US and China but also creates significant changes in the global steel market, opening up opportunities for steel manufacturers in other countries, especially Vietnam. Currently, Vietnam is one of the world's largest steel producers with crude steel output ranking 12th globally. In particular, MRS Steel has many years of experience in exporting steel to the US, knowledgeable about products, markets, tariff policies, logistics,... helping importers significantly optimize the time and effort of purchasing Vietnamese steel. Contact MRS Steel via Email: vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn or Whatsapp: +84 769 112 358 to receive detailed advice from our team of experts!