Turkey Imposes Anti-Dumping Duties on South Korean Thick-Gauge Rolled Steel

Turkey’s Anti-Dumping Action Targets South Korean Steel Imports

Turkey has introduced definitive anti-dumping duties ranging from 4.34% to 9.4% on thick-gauge rolled steel imported from South Korea, following the conclusion of a trade investigation. The decision, published in Turkey’s Official Gazette, applies for a period of five years and aims to protect domestic steelmakers from unfair pricing practices.

According to Steel Orbis, duties on major South Korean producers include 4.37% for POSCO, 4.34% for Hyundai, and 9.4% for other manufacturers. The Turkish Ministry of Trade calculated the dumping margin as a percentage of the CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) price, signaling that imported steel was sold below fair market value.

The products affected fall under multiple HS codes related to hot-rolled and alloy thick-gauge plates, widely used in shipbuilding, construction, and heavy machinery. The investigation covered imports between January and December 2023, concluding that the influx of dumped steel harmed Turkey’s domestic industry.

Regional Trade Tensions Intensify in Global Steel Market

This move by Turkey reflects rising protectionist trends in global steel trade. Notably, South Korea has also taken recent anti-dumping actions of its own. In July 2025, Korea’s Trade Commission recommended duties of up to 33.57% on hot-rolled carbon and alloy steel from China and Japan. Earlier this year, South Korea imposed temporary duties of 27.91% to 38.02% on Chinese thick-gauge steel, also used in industrial sectors.

These actions underscore increasing trade friction across Asia and Europe as countries seek to shield local producers from low-priced imports amid sluggish demand and overcapacity. The introduction of tariffs not only impacts pricing but also shifts global supply chains, with exporters now looking for alternative markets.

Meanwhile, steelmakers in Turkey—already facing rising input costs and competition from imports—may gain temporary relief from these duties. However, downstream consumers could experience higher material costs, especially in construction and shipbuilding.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Turkey’s anti-dumping measures signal a firm stance in defending its domestic steel sector amid global oversupply and aggressive export strategies. While the impact on South Korean giants like POSCO and Hyundai Steel may be limited due to diversified markets, this action contributes to the broader trend of escalating trade barriers in the global steel industry. At SuperMetalPrice, we expect continued regulatory scrutiny and pricing volatility in flat-rolled steel markets, particularly as countries weigh protectionism against competitiveness in downstream manufacturing.