Overview
- The investigation, announced on August 13, targets hot-dip galvanised steel imports from mainland China and South Korea while excluding Hong Kong and Macau.
- Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel and other domestic producers filed the April 28 petition, citing soft home demand and a flood of lower-priced imports that pressured local prices.
- Officials will invite Chinese and South Korean exporters to submit evidence as part of the WTO-compliant process for assessing dumping and injury.
- Tadashi Imai, chairman of the Japan Iron and Steel Federation, said the probe is fair and independent under WTO rules and pledged ongoing monitoring of unfair import practices.
- This move follows July’s launch of a separate inquiry into nickel-based stainless cold-rolled steel from China and Taiwan as Japan steps up trade-defence measures.