EC Reduces Anti-Dumping Duties on Hot-Rolled Steel Imports

Final Anti-Dumping Measures on Hot-Rolled Steel Imports Confirmed

The European Commission (EC) has finalized its anti-dumping investigation on hot-rolled steel (HRC) imports from Egypt, Japan, and Vietnam. The outcome includes adjusted duties for major steel producers such as Ezz Steel and Nippon Steel. Ezz Steel will face a reduced rate of 11.7%, down from the previously enforced 12.8% in April. This follows an appeal that successfully lowered the originally proposed 15.6% duty.

For Japan, the final anti-dumping duty for Nippon Steel stands at 30.4%, while Tokyo Steel will continue to face 6.9%. Other Japanese exporters will be subject to a 30.1% duty. Vietnam’s Formosa Ha Tinh Steel and similar Vietnamese producers remain at 12.1%. These rates reflect minor adjustments from preliminary duties imposed in April 2025.

The EC’s investigation spanned imports between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. India was exempted early in the process due to insufficient evidence of dumping, and the EC upheld this decision despite opposition from the European Steel Association (EUROFER).

New Rates Set to Take Effect in October 2025

The final anti-dumping duties are scheduled to take effect in October 2025, following disclosure procedures in July. The Commission clarified that no retroactive tariffs will apply to previous shipments. This ruling concludes a nine-month registration period that began in October 2024, during which the EC evaluated import volumes for potential retroactive enforcement.

Meanwhile, the steel sector continues to monitor the evolving regulatory landscape. The EC’s decision brings clarity to affected exporters while reinforcing its position on fair market competition within the EU.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The EC’s revision of anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled steel imports marks a strategic balance between trade defense and diplomatic fairness. While Nippon Steel faces steep tariffs, Egypt’s Ezz Steel secured a rate reduction, signaling the Commission’s responsiveness to appeals and market data. For European buyers and global exporters alike, these finalized measures provide short-term clarity but hint at sustained vigilance in the steel trade space. Stakeholders should prepare for further regulatory adjustments as EU steel protectionism continues to evolve.