EU fights steel imports from China and Taiwan

The European Union has ordered customs officials to register stainless steel imports from China and Taiwan that pose a threat to the domestic market.

The investigation is carried out in two phases, in which, as a first step, it is planned to find out whether Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers of cold rolled flat products, used in almost all areas, from cars and tanks to boilers and kitchen products, are selling their products on the EU market below the cost of domestic market. The investigation also needs to determine whether Chinese exporters are receiving trade-distorting government aid. If violations are identified, it is proposed to introduce duties retroactively.

Trade safeguards are designed to maintain competitiveness against imported products from EU manufacturers such as Arecelor Mittal and Thyssen Krup AG. At the same time, the tax will be introduced on the import of stainless steel sold below the cost price, as well as in the case of dumping. Anti-dumping duties, or countervailing duties, can be imposed by the European Trade Commission without any specific laws, provided that the facts of unfair trade are clarified by the importers.

On June 26, 2014, the Commission launched an investigation to find out whether Chinese and Taiwanese cold-rolled flat products manufacturers were exporting their products to Europe at a discounted price. And since August 14, the Commission has been conducting a separate investigation to determine whether Chinese importers received any subsidies.