South Korea Considers Anti-Dumping Duties on Hot-Rolled Steel from China and Japan

Trade Commission Proposes Tariffs to Protect Domestic Steel Industry

South Korea is moving to impose anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled steel imports from China and Japan. The Korea Trade Commission (KTC) has proposed preliminary tariffs ranging from 28.16% to 33.57%. These measures target hot-rolled carbon and alloy steel (HRC) that has undercut domestic pricing, particularly affecting producers like Hyundai Steel.

The investigation began in March 2025 after Hyundai Steel filed an official complaint. According to the company, a surge of low-cost Chinese and Japanese steel products disrupted the domestic market. The KTC responded with a recommendation that includes tariffs of up to 33.57% on Japanese imports and up to 33.1% on Chinese equivalents. South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance will make a final decision by the end of August 2025.

This potential ruling follows an earlier case this year, when South Korea imposed temporary anti-dumping duties on thick-gauge steel from China. That earlier decision targeted steel used in shipbuilding and construction, with rates between 27.91% and 38.02%. These steps indicate a broader policy shift toward shielding South Korea’s steel industry from foreign price pressures.

Regional Trade Actions Reflect Rising Pressure on Chinese Steel Exports

Meanwhile, South Korea is not alone in acting against Chinese steel dumping. Vietnam recently imposed its own anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese hot-rolled steel products. These range from 23.10% to 27.83% and will remain in effect for five years, following a local investigation triggered by domestic producers.

As global steel demand fluctuates, governments are increasingly focused on managing unfair pricing practices. Chinese steelmakers, facing domestic oversupply, have exported aggressively across Asia. This has triggered defensive trade policies from countries like Vietnam and South Korea, aiming to restore fair competition in their steel sectors.

The proposed South Korean anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled steel could set a precedent for further restrictions. If enacted, these tariffs may redirect trade flows, tighten regional supply, and impact steel pricing across Asia-Pacific markets.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

South Korea’s proposed anti-dumping duties highlight growing regional resistance to subsidized Chinese and Japanese steel exports. These measures, if confirmed, will likely tighten supply conditions for hot-rolled steel in Northeast Asia. For manufacturers and traders, expect increased volatility in pricing and a potential shift in sourcing strategies. This action also aligns with a broader trend of steel protectionism emerging across Asia, as governments prioritize industrial self-reliance amid global oversupply pressures.