Steel News

Trade remedies are increasingly being applied by many countries through anti-dumping duties. Specifically, Mexico investigates anti-dumping coated flat steel in Vietnam. Facing that unfavorable situation, Vietnam has always expressed its opinion that Mexico is still a potential export destination in the Americas region thanks to the CPTPP.1. Total process of Mexico investigate anti-dumping on coated flat steel VietnamOn August 30, 2021, the Mexican government conducted an anti-dumping investigation based on lawsuits from domestic enterprises against Vietnam's galvanized steel. This incident also marked the first anti-dumping investigation case between the two countries. The parties involved in the lawsuit include domestic Mexican steel manufacturers and some large galvanized steel manufacturers in Vietnam such as Hoa Sen, Nam Kim, Ton Dong A,...On July 28, 2022, the Mexican Ministry of Industry and Trade published the official gazette on the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation against cold rolled steel originating from Vietnam. It is expected that within 130 days from the date of the announcement, the Mexican Ministry of Economy will make a preliminary conclusion on the case.According to the lawsuit filed by the Mexican side, the list of products related to the investigation is under HS codes: 7209.16.01, 7209.17.01, 7209.18.01, 7209.26.01, 7209.27.01, 7209.28.01, 7209.90. 99, 7211.23.03, 7211.29.99, 7211.90.99, 7225.50.07, and 7226.92.06.On September 15, 2022, after a series of preliminary review and appraisals, the Mexican Ministry of Economy had the final conclusion on the case of anti-dumping investigation on cold-rolled steel products of Vietnam. Specifically, the anti-dumping tax rate applied to these items ranges from 7% to 12.34%.2. The reason for the anti-dumping investigation from MexicoIn the period from 2018 to 2020, steel imports volume from Vietnam have increased significantly, creating a rivalry about production capacity and domestic steel consumption market. The import price of Vietnamese steel is even lower than the domestic steel price, leading to competition from many sides.Through the investigation process, Mexico concluded that Vietnamese coated steel products possess the same specifications and standards of steel grades as domestic steels in Mexico. Moreover, it has the same physical structure and there is no significant difference in chemical composition between Vietnamese steel and Mexican steel.Another factor leading to the anti-dumping investigation related to the distribution channel and consumers of Vietnamese steel in the Mexican market. Specifically, Vietnamese exporters as well as domestic steel manufacturers supply products to the same consumer market, including construction contractors, machinery and equipment manufacturers, auto parts manufacturers...In summary, the Mexican government said that the steel consumption market in Mexico has been unintentionally more complex than ever and there has been rivalry in the trading chain since the participation of Vietnamese enterprises . Many steel producers in Mexico have simultaneously adjusted and reduced selling prices to be able to compete with Vietnamese products.Strong production capacity and preferential prices brought by Vietnamese exporters have changed the situation of the steel industry here. The government believes that if they do not promptly apply the anti-dumping duty, in the future Vietnam's imports will continue to enter the Mexico market in a much larger quantity than the current one. Consequently, this escalating steel import makes the steel industry in Mexico have serious problems.3. Vietnam continue looking for chances when face of competitive pressuresAlthough the Mexican Ministry of Economy has imposed anti-dumping duties on galvanized steel products from Vietnam, it is still not enough to generate an interference of Vietnam steel exporters to the Mexican market.An important factor that has contributed to improving the import-export relationship between Vietnam and Mexico despite the imposition of anti-dumping duties is the influence of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). More specifically, Vietnam and Mexico are still members of the CPTPP, so Vietnam's coated steel products enjoy a preferential import tax rate of 0%. This proves that Mexico is still the most impressive steel market for Vietnam in the Americas region because of the fact that the final price to end users is still cheaper than the price from domestic manufacturers.To sum up, the reality that the anti-dumping investigation against Vietnam's coated steel products is still not enough to hinder the attractiveness of the benefits in the bilateral cooperation relationship between both countries. Vietnam's current steel production capacity also indirectly contributes to improving the economy for Mexico. The reason is that because Mexico mainly exports steel directly to the USA, leading to domestic demand not responding in time, the Vietnamese steel export strategy will be an appropriate choice because it not only helps Mexico to balance equals domestic steel demand but also supports the development of steel exports to the USA. 

Mexico is issuing anti-dumping duty policies to the steel industry imported from China, Taiwan, France, and Vietnam, ... to tighten the dumping situation, causing severe damage to the manufacturing industry's domestic steel production. However, with the efforts of the Vietnamese government in promoting import and export, Vietnamese steel importers in Mexico still enjoy many attractive incentives thanks to the lower anti-dumping duty rate than many other countries.1. Mexico: Increase anti-dumping duty on flat steel imported from ChinaOn April 5/2019, The International Trade Practices Unit (UPCI) of Mexico's Ministry of Economy opened an anti-dumping investigation on stainless steel products from China and Taiwan. Products subject to investigation in the HS code group include 7219.34.01, 7219.35.01, and 7220.20.02. The investigation got its official results on November 21, 2019, when the Mexican authorities imposed a temporary anti-dumping duty on goods imported from China with a duty rate of 88.42 – 121.46% depending on the company. Until October 2020, Mexico imposed an anti-dumping duty on stainless steel imports from China of $0.05 - $0.63/kg.Mexico's imposition of anti-dumping policies on steel in the market will protect domestic businesses and consumers against "takeover prices" and monopoly prices of importers from foreign companies. However, this also makes Mexican steel importers limited in supply and lose profits from cheap, quality products from abroad.2. Mexico: Extension of anti-dumping duty on some steel products imported from China, France, and GermanyOn June 25, 2014, two of Mexico's leading steel companies, Altos Hornos de México (AHMSA) and Ternium Mexico SA de CV, filed a complaint about dumping by exporters from China, France, and Germany. As a result, on September 12, 2014, the Mexico Ministry of Economy initiated an anti-dumping investigation on imported steel products, including hot-rolled coil, hot-rolled coil, hot-rolled coil plate, coil sheets, or hot rolled bands. The products under investigation are classified under the following HS codes: 7208.3601, 7208.3701, 7208.3801, 7208.3901, 7225.3002, 7225.3003, and 7225.3099.The competent authority of Mexico decided, on May 22, 2015, to impose a temporary anti-dumping duty on the aforementioned imported goods from China, France, and Germany, specifically:The duty rate applied to German steel imports is 36.08%, and ArcelorMittal Bremen GmbH is 25.43%.The duty rate applied to China's steel imports is 78.96%, and Tangshan Iron and Steel Group, Co. Ltd is 72.16%.The duty rate applied to French steel imports is 78.96%, and ArcelorMittal Mediterranée, S.A.S is 12.42%.On December 17, 2020, before the 5-year period of the decision to apply anti-dumping duty, the Mexican authorities conducted a sunset review of the official duty rate for goods imported from France, Germany, and China. Accordingly, Mexico has decided to impose definitive anti-dumping duty on steel imported from Germany of 137 USD/ton for ArcelorMittal Bremen and 166.01 USD/ton for other exporting companies. The duty rate on steel imported from China is $335.60/ton for Tangshan and $354.92/ton for other exporting companies. The duty rate for steel imported from France is 67.54 USD/ton for ArcelorMittal Mediterranee and 75.59 USD/ton for other exporting companies. The duty rate is extended for 5 years, valid from July 23, 2020.3. Solutions to import Vietnamese steel in the context of anti-dumping in MexicoAccording to data from the Trade Remedies Administration of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, Mexico, and Vietnam are all members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). As a result, Vietnam's tariff support regulations grant a preferential duty rate of 0% on many steel products, including coated flat steel. Thanks to this duty advantage, Vietnam's large steel enterprises have boosted exports to Mexico with a total value of up to 220 million USD, with flat-rolled, roller, coated, plated, and coated steel products accounting for nearly 80%. However, this rapid increase in exports has caused serious threats and damage, causing two large steel companies, Ternium Mexico and Teniga, to complain about imported painted flat steel from Vietnam, affecting the domestic steel industry.The Mexico Ministry of Economy began an anti-dumping investigation in August 2021 into imported Vietnamese galvanized steel and painted flat steel products with the following HS codes:7210.30.02, 7210.41.01, 7210.41.99, 7210.49.99, 7210.61.01, 7210.70.02, 7212.20.03, 7212.30.03, 7212.40. 04, 7225.91.01, 7225.92.01, 7226.99.99, 9802.00.01, 9802.00.02, 9802.00.03, 9802.00.04, 9802.00.06, 9802.00.07, 9802.00.00.04, 9802.00.06, 9802.00.07, 9802.0.320, 09.08.09.09.09 9802.00.19.The Unit of International Trade Practices (UPCI) of the Mexico Ministry of Economy issued a decision to reduce tax on steel products imported from Vietnam after the conclusion of an anti-dumping investigation that the industry Vietnamese steel operates under the market mechanism. The new duty rate for Vietnamese steel products ranges from 0-12.34% (from September 14, 2022). Specifically, the duty rate of 12.34% for products of Hoa Phat Group (lower 2.02% than the preliminary duty rate), Ton Dong A is 10.84% (lower 1.24% than the preliminary duty rate), for POMINA  is 8.29%, for Hoa Sen group is 7%, for Nam Kim is to 6.64% and for the remaining companies will decrease 1.5% to 10.84 %.This duty rate is significantly lower than the anti-dumping duty that Mexico imposes on other steel exporting countries. With the preferential duty rate of UPCI, it will help Vietnamese steel enterprises maintain their price advantage and continue to promote steel exports to the Mexico market. Data from the International Trade Center (ITC) 2020 shows that Vietnam achieved 170 million USD from exporting galvanized steel sheet to Mexico and obtained 370 million USD in 2019.Above is information about Mexico's latest anti-dumping duty policy for steel products imported from China, France, Germany, Vietnam,... Hopefully, the updated news of MRS Steel has provided importers more suggestions to import reputable and quality steel. Any need to import prestigious and high quality Vietnamese steel, please contact MRS Steel via Email vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn for the most dedicated support. 

Hot rolled coil is one of the materials with high application in industry and construction worldwide thanks to advantages such as easy processing, custom forming, low cost, easy maintenance,... MRS Steel will introduce to you the benefits of products as well as preeminent hot rolled coil production technology in Vietnam.1. What is hot rolled coilHot rolled coil is at high temperatures up to 1,700 degrees F. This is a higher temperature than the crystallization temperature of many other steels, which makes hot rolled coil products easier to apply. Products are manufactured in many different thicknesses, usually with a width of 1500mm or 2000mm and a minimum weight of 24 tons.The surface of hot-rolled coil will initially be a grayish-green color when finished, but it will eventually turn a dark brown color. Assuming that HRC is traded from Vietnam to different nations, the surface might go to gold because of the impact of ocean steam.2. How is hot rolled coil producedManufacturers can use scrap steel or iron ore to make hot rolled coil. The process of processing scrap steel is relatively simple when it is only necessary to classify the materials to transfer to an electric arc furnace (EAF) or an induction furnace (IF) to smelt into square billets and roll out hot rolled coil.More expertise and technology are required to produce hot rolled coil from iron ore. In the first step, iron ores are sintering, combined with coke coal and other additives such as lime, dolomite put into the iron furnace. Next, the liquid iron is transferred to the continuous smelting - casting - rolling combination to make the necessary steel grades and cast flat billets.  The flat billet will then be processed at the steel mill to produce the final product, hot rolled coil or cut sheet.3. Vietnam's cutting-edge technology for producing hot-rolled coilsFormosa and Hoa Phat are the two largest producers of hot-rolled coils in Vietnam at the moment. Hoa Phat Group has made an investment in the QSP hot-rolled coil factory, which is the most advanced continuous casting-rolling complex in the world. The complex of hot-rolled coil production lines includes 2 sheet billet casting machines, 2 Tuynel furnaces and a thin sheet rolling mill with a total output of 3.5 tons per year. All equipment and machinery of the factory are designed, supplied and installed by Danieli Group (Italy) with a commitment to modern thin sheet rolling lines, ensuring the highest HRC quality and minimizing energy consumable and environmentally friendly.4. Application of hot rolled coilHot rolled coil has the preeminent advantage of being cheap, easy to shape and preserve, but is not appreciated for its aesthetics, so it is often suitable for construction projects that do not require high form outside. Hot rolled coil is the main raw material for the production of cold rolled coil and widely used in many other fields and industries, such as:Manufacturing all kinds of section steel (V, U, I, H,…), welded pipe, cast steelRailways, automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, chassisProcessing household appliances, metal door frames, tempered glass doors…5. How to import hot rolled coil from VietnamAccording to statistics of the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), in March 2022, Vietnam exported 6,800 tons of hot rolled coil to the US, ranking fifth in the US's largest supplier of HRC. Currently, Hoa Phat Group's two hot-rolled coil production projects are Hoa Phat Dung Quat 1 has a capacity of 4 million tons per year and Hoa Phat Dung Quat 2 has a capacity of 5.6 million tons per year, including 2.6 million tons of steel billet and 3 million tons of HRC annually. Vietnam has been able to meet both its domestic and export requirements as a result of this, reducing its reliance on imports.Vietnam's hot rolled coil is made using a cutting-edge European continuous rolling casting production line that complies with stringent international standards like ASTM, JIS, and GB/T. In addition to the high quality of the product, the low cost of labor, and many other advantages, Vietnam's hot rolled coil production cost is better than that of some other exporting nations. This is also the driving force for many importers who want to buy hot rolled coil in Vietnam but still face difficulties in purchasing policy, legal and domestic customs.The current solution for steel importers from Vietnam is to find suppliers and sources to connect with the largest domestic steel corporations. This also helps you to reduce the risk of fraud, scam or avoid poor quality steel companies due to lack of understanding of domestic supply. In addition, before the continuous fluctuations of the market, the government may change import and export procedures and regulations without prior notice, making steel importers passive in updating information. Customers will save a lot of time, effort, and money on transportation if intermediary supply businesses provide prompt assistance, as well as ensure that imported goods are safe, accurate, and of high quality.Hopefully through the overview information about hot rolled coil and advanced HRC production technology in Vietnam that MRS Steel shared has helped you gain more useful knowledge. For any advice on importing Vietnamese steel in general and hot rolled coil in particular, please contact MRS Steel via hotline +84 76 911 2358 for 24/7 attentive support.

According to the new updated data from the Mexican Iron and Steel Association, HRC consumption reached 445,000 tons in March and increased 19.6% over the same period last year. The recent rise in consumption is not a new sign, it has been recognized since 2022. HRC (hot rolled coil) is considered to be the most consumed steel product in the Mexico steel market with the number touching 4.66 million tons.Regarding the import and export report in March, Mexico's HRC export volume showed signs of decline when it decreased by 60% and only reached 18,000 tons. In contrast, the volume of imported HRC steel recorded a significant growth when it reached 117,000 tons and there is a substantial difference between import and export volume.Similarly, HRC production also recorded a rapid escalation with a figure of 346,000 tons and it rose 15.9% compared to February as well as it increased 12.3% over the same period last year. The reason for this growth comes from the establishment of hot-rolled steel mills that have contributed certainly to the climbing of Mexico’s HRC output. The Mexican representative expressed the desire to develop its autonomy in steel production, thereby helping them strengthen the domestic market as well as reduce dependence on importing hot-rolled coil from foreign.Although Mexico is currently pursuing the strategy of self-reliance in hot-rolled steel production to replace imports, there are still some steel products that force Mexico to depend on imports. According to forecasts from many experts, the demand for main steel products including HRC, CRC and galvanized steel sheet will increase in the long term because the Mexican government has planned to invest in the auto industry.It can be seen that the demand for steel in Mexico is still very strong and is considered a potential market for many exporting countries. Mexico is an impressive galvanized steel export market for Vietnam steel businesses because Vietnam steel products are received a preferential tax rate of 0% based on the commitment of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Partnership Agreement. Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). 

On November 16, 2022, the European Commission (EC) imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on electrolytic chromium coated steel (ECCS) originating from China and Brazil. Despite complaints from the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) about the decision, the EC rejected the arguments and upheld the results. Will the EU's anti-dumping policies and regulations on Brazil and China help Vietnam enhance its advantage in importing steel to the EU?1. EU: Imposing temporary anti-dumping duty up to 77.9% on chromium coated steel from BrazilProducts made of chromium-coated steel, such as iron or non-alloy steel, that are plated or coated with chromium oxides or with chromium and chromium oxides, play a significant role in industries and consumer packaging. It is frequently used in food packaging or as optical fiber protection material and other electronic parts. The ECCS market value in the EU is up to 500 million Euros.On September 24, 2022, the European Steel Association Eurofer represented ArcelorMittal Atlantique et Lorraine (France), ArcelorMittal Etxebarri (Spain); ThyssenKrupp Rasselstein (Germany) and Acciaierie d'Italia, which account for 85-95% of ECCS output and revenue in the EU steel industry, requested an investigation into the dumping status of products imported from Brazil and China.On May 23, 2022, the European Commission made the decision to impose a temporary anti-dumping duty on the import of electrolytic chromium coated steel from China and Brazil with the CN codes 7210 50 00 and 7212 50 20. The anti-dumping duty rate will change for every business, specifically:For Baoshan Iron & Steel from China, the duty rate is 33.2%.For Handan Jintai Packaging Material, the duty rate is 53.9%.For GDH Zhongyue (Zhongshan) Tinplate Industry and Shougang Jingtang United Iron & Steel subject to a temporary duty rate of 36.7%For other manufacturers from China, when exporting ECCS to the EU, they face a temporary duty rate of 77.9%.Meanwhile, Brazil's Companhia Siderrgica Nacional (CSN) is subject to a provisional anti-dumping duty of 52 percent from the EU. The declaration of the final anti-dumping measures is anticipated for November 23, 2022.2. EU: Imposing definitive anti-dumping duty up to 53.2% on chromium coated steel from BrazilAccordingly, the European Commission has imposed an official anti-dumping duty from 30.7 to 77.9% on electrolytic chromium coated steel originating from China and Brazil, valid for 5 years from November 16, 2022.The EC said that the dumping of steel into the EU market has caused serious damage to domestic producers and the EU industry. The EU market share of China and Brazil has increased abnormally from 13.1% in 2018 to 15.4% in 2022.With the final tariff decision issued, exporters of electrolytic chromium coated steel from China and Brazil are subject to a duty rate of 239-607 euros per ton. Baoshan Iron & Steel Co of China's ECCS products are subject to a 30.7% anti-dumping duty; Handan Jintai Packaging Material is 53.9%; GDH Zhongyue (Zhongshan) Tinplate Industry is subject to a duty rate of 34.6%; the rest of Chinese companies is 77.9%. ECCS products from Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (CSN) and other Brazilian companies are subject to an anti-dumping duty of 53.2%.3. Advantages of exporting Vietnamese steel to the EU marketAccording to a report from the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), Vietnam exported more than 2.28 million tons of steel in the first three months of 2022. The EU ranked second in terms of Vietnam's steel export market, with more than 19 percent of the industry's export share. In July 2022, Vietnam also exported steel to major markets such as the EU with 1.1 million tons, up 18.1% over the same period in 2021.The bright spot in the picture of steel exports to the EU cannot ignore the advantage from joining the EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) from August 2020. The EVFTA has supported the export of many groups of products to the EU market, including steel products with many duty incentives that the Agreement brings.4. EU imports steel from Hoa Phat Group, Ton Dong ACurrently, in the context of the tense war between Russia and Ukraine, it is also an important event that changes the situation of Vietnam's steel exports to the EU. In early 2022, the EU decided to ban iron and steel imports from Russia as a sanction of the European Union. Russia ranks second in steel exports to the EU (after Türkiye) with a share of about 14.1% for flat steel and 19% for long steel.Turkey is one of Vietnam's biggest competitors in exporting steel to the EU because it has certain advantages in terms of distance, transportation, culture,... However, currently, Turkey is also in the stage of reorganization and construction to overcome the terrible consequences after the earthquake in February 2023. All these factors make the supply as well as the cost of steel production in the EU increase at an alarming rate.A limited amount of steel exports to the EU will create opportunities for Vietnamese steel exporters to access this market. Typically, Ton Hoa Sen, Ton Nam Kim, Ton Dong A, Hoa Phat, etc. with revenue growth in 2021 mainly thanks to exports to the EU market.Under the escalation of the world economic and political situation, the steel import market in the EU is still volatile and unpredictable changes. So, don't forget to follow MRS Steel to update more latest world steel news articles. For all inquiries and contact to import Vietnam steel, please contact Hotline +84 76 911 2358 for 24/7 support.

Improving steel quality is currently an important foundation for promoting the integration process, economic exchanges, and the expansion of trade exchanges among Vietnamese steel enterprises. Today, customers focus on product quality rather than price, so if you want to retain customers, you need to build a steel quality system.  In the international market, Vietnamese steel is increasingly appreciated for producing steel products that are both quality and affordable.Why improve steel quality?For businesses, improving steel quality is the most useful way to compete and attract customers. In today's conditions, improving product quality is one of the strategies to survive and develop businesses in a sustainable way and is also an important basis for promoting the process of integration, economic exchanges, and expanding international trade exchanges between enterprises. Product quality is critical for improving competitiveness and confirming the position of enterprises' products, goods, and brands in today's fiercely competitive market. Improving steel quality is not only important for businesses but also for the entire economy.When quality is guaranteed and improved, the number of products consumed increases, contributing to the creation of conditions for business development. In fact, Vietnam is now a country with a very strong steel industry in the region, and Vietnam steel has risen to 13th in the world. Improving Vietnam's steel quality close to the world, in particular, is one way to help the steel industry develop sustainably in the future and meet the stringent requirements of global markets. Vietnam's steel quality is improving day by dayIn recent years, Vietnam's steel industry has made significant progress and plays an increasingly important role in the steel industry in Southeast Asia. Vietnam currently holds the No. 1 position with 34% of total finished steel production in the region. Therefore, the requirements for steel quality in domestic and foreign markets are becoming increasingly strict. Vietnamese steel enterprises have invested trillions of VND to produce high-quality steel products favored by major markets in the world. The use of modern technologies and machines improves steel quality, allowing it to meet stringent requirements set by international standards for export and compete in demanding markets. Currently, Vietnamese steel has been exported to many countries and territories, especially the European and American markets. These are markets with very high requirements for product quality, which has also confirmed that Vietnam's steel quality is tending to go up. Opening a new step forward for our country's steel industryDuring the period of formation and development, Vietnam steel has constantly grown and brought to the market quality products with a variety of designs to meet the needs of the market. Vietnamese steel is also manufactured according to the standards of leading developed countries such as the US, UK, and Japan. Today, the steel quality of Vietnamese companies is increasingly gaining a foothold, and that also confirms a new step for Vietnam's steel industry on the world steel map.Vietnam steel - Leading in quality In the Vietnamese market, steel quality is always the top priority of enterprises. Steel products in Vietnam are strictly controlled according to ISO quality management systems such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17025:2017, and ISO 14001:2015 before being launched into the market. To achieve quality products, businesses all focus on investing in modern lines and equipment, regularly improving and upgrading equipment,... Vietnamese steel enterprises invest in training and improving employees' skills and abilities in addition to technology, equipment, and management software. Vietnamese enterprises have made investments to ensure the highest level of steel quality, which will be promoted in the future in order to maintain the reputation of Vietnamese steel branded products among customers.goods at home and abroad. Contributing to the development of Vietnam's steel industry in the world steel market.