US Anti-Dumping Duties on CORE Steel Imports Impact Vietnam and Brazil Severely

US Anti-Dumping Duties on CORE Steel Imports Hit Vietnam and Brazil

The US Department of Commerce finalized anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on corrosion-resistant steel (CORE) imports on August 26, 2025. Vietnam faces the highest AD margins, ranging from 88.98% to 110.21%. Brazil’s rates span from 27.45% up to 137.76%. These tariffs impact major exporters such as Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, and Turkey. The ruling applies to CORE products widely used in auto bodies, appliances, and construction. It covers $2.9 billion worth of annual imports.

Vietnam and Brazil, two key suppliers to the US, have seen steep declines in export volumes since April 2025. That month marked the release of preliminary duties. Vietnam’s hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) sheet exports fell from 62,188 tonnes in September 2024 to just 896 tonnes by July 2025. Brazil exported no HDG sheet to the US in July.

Meanwhile, domestic coated steel prices in the US remain soft due to overcapacity and weak demand. However, some producers believe these trade measures may help support a price rebound. The full market impact will depend on inventory levels and how quickly import flows adjust.

Market Reaction and Outlook on US CORE Steel Imports

US producers Steel Dynamics Inc, US Steel, and Wheeling-Nippon initiated the petitions leading to these duties, aiming to curb what they deem unfairly priced imports. Despite the tariffs, some traders argue the price impact on domestic coated steel will be limited due to large inventories and low demand. However, Brazilian exporters describe the duties as making steel exports to the US “unviable,” intensifying trade tensions.

The International Trade Commission will decide if the US steel industry suffered material injury, potentially enforcing these duties fully. This development could stabilize domestic steel pricing and production by limiting lower-cost imports. Yet, uncertainties remain as demand in the US construction and manufacturing sectors fluctuates, and global competition continues from Asia and other regions.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The final US anti-dumping duties on CORE steel imports underscore ongoing trade frictions that reshape global steel flows. Vietnam and Brazil’s sharp decline in US exports exemplifies how protectionist policies impact key producers. While tariffs might offer short-term relief for US mills, persistent oversupply and weak demand temper long-term optimism. Industry players should watch evolving US domestic demand and international negotiations closely, as steel trade remains a complex balancing act between competitiveness and regulatory barriers.