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South Korea - Imposes High Tariffs on Thick Steel Plates From China

South Korea - Imposes High Tariffs on Thick Steel Plates From China

Steel NewsDate: 04-03-2025 by: Nhu Quynh

Recently, South Korea has officially imposed anti-dumping duty on steel plates imported from China. This choice was made in light of China's low-cost steel, which severely strained the domestic steel mills and compelled the government of South Korea to take action to safeguard indigenous companies.

To know more about the incident, please follow MRS Group through the article below.

South Korea has officially imposed anti-dumping duty on steel plates
South Korea has officially imposed anti-dumping duty on steel plates

Reasons for South Korea's anti-dumping duty on China steel plates

Recently, China has boosted steel plates exports at low prices, causing many countries to worry about the risk of dumping. In addition to causing significant pressure on Korean steel mills, the result also upsets the market and fosters an unfair competitive environment.

Following an examination, the South Korean government came to the conclusion that the domestic steel industry was suffering greatly as a result of steel plates imported from China being sold for less than its true value. Therefore, the country has decided to impose an anti-dumping duty to limit negative impacts and protect domestic enterprises. 

Chinese steel plates is being dumped in the Korean market
Chinese steel plates is being dumped in the Korean market

Anti-dumping duty on Chinese steel plates

Based on a report from the Korea International Trade Association, anti-dumping duty will be applied to each Chinese enterprise depending on the level of violation. Specifically:

  • China Baowu Steel Group: 27.91%

  • Shagang Group: 29.62%

  • Hunan Valin Xiangtan Iron & Steel and Xiamen ITG Holding: 38.02%

  • Others: 31.69%

According to the findings of a preliminary inquiry, there were "sufficient grounds" to infer that dumped imports had seriously harmed the domestic industry, according to The Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy. Steel mills with serious violations may be subject to higher taxes to minimize negative impacts on the Korean steel industry.

An anti-dumping duty will be applied to each enterprise
An anti-dumping duty will be applied to each enterprise

Forecasting steel market trends in the coming time

The imposition of anti-dumping duty on steel plates from China may help maintain stability in steel prices in the Korean market, but at the same time it will affect supply. A significant step in assisting South Korea in shielding its domestic industry from the pressures of cheap steel is the decision to put anti-dumping tariffs on China steel plates. But this action also poses serious problems for the world steel market, requiring companies to swiftly modify their plans in order to respond to changes in global commerce.

The steel industry in China has challenges
The steel industry in China has challenges

Where is the opportunity for Vietnam's steel industry?

South Korea's imposition of anti-dumping duty on China steel plates could create many opportunities for Vietnam's steel industry, including:

Expanding export market share to Korea

Many Vietnam steel mills are seizing the chance to increase their market share in this industry as a result of South Korea's high tariffs on China steel plates. Vietnam steel can boost exports to South Korea with tariff benefits from trade agreements and product quality.

Improve competitiveness

Vietnamese enterprises can upgrade production technology to improve steel quality to meet Korean standards. Expanding capacity and diversifying products will help reduce dependence on supplies from China, creating a sustainable competitive advantage.

Opportunities for collaboration and investment attractiveness

Korean steel mills can cooperate with Vietnam partners to maintain stable supply while expanding investment opportunities. Vietnam also has the potential to attract FDI from international steel mills wanting to build manufacturing plants to mitigate the impact of trade barriers.

Stabilize selling prices and reduce competitive pressure

Reducing imports of cheap steel from China helps reduce fierce competition in the regional steel market. Vietnamese enterprises can adjust their selling prices more reasonably and are not under competitive pressure from Chinese steel.

Vietnam must take advantage of Korea's anti-dumping of China steel plates
Vietnam must take advantage of Korea's anti-dumping of China steel plates

Protectionist trade trends may bring long-term advantages

If many other countries also apply similar measures as Korea, Vietnam's steel industry can benefit when exporting to markets apart from Korea. This is an opportunity for Vietnam to build its own steel brand, creating a sustainable competitive position in the international market.

However, to take advantage of these opportunities, Vietnamese enterprises need to improve product quality, optimize production costs, and ensure compliance with international standards.

The above article has provided you with the latest information on South Korea's imposition of anti-dumping duty on Chinese steel products, as well as the impact of this policy on the regional steel market and opportunities for Vietnam steel mills. Follow MRS Group on a regular basis to stay up to date on global steel market news.
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