Japan has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into nickel-based stainless cold-rolled steel sheets and strips imported from China and Taiwan, according to its trade and finance ministries. 

The probe follows a May 12 petition from Nippon Steel and other domestic producers, who allege unfair pricing pressures due to cheap imports.

Japanese manufacturers claim that weakening domestic demand has been worsened by an influx of underpriced steel imports, forcing them to slash prices. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Finance aim to complete the probe within a year and will determine whether to impose anti-dumping duties.

The petition asserts that Chinese imports are being sold in Japan at 20% to 50% below local prices, and Taiwanese imports at 3% to 20% below. Domestic producers argue these low-priced imports have made it impossible to reflect rising production costs in their pricing, leading to reduced operating profits and broader economic harm.

The investigation comes amid growing international scrutiny of China’s overcapacity and government-subsidized steel production, which critics say distorts global markets. While many countries have imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese steel, Japan has so far refrained.

Nippon Steel President Tadashi Imai, who also chairs the Japan Iron and Steel Federation, has warned that rising global protectionism could expose Japan to a surge in low-cost steel imports, damaging domestic output.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs responded by saying it would support its exporters to safeguard trade interests. China’s commerce ministry has yet to comment.

This move marks a shift in Japan’s trade stance and could signal tougher measures ahead against unfair trade practices in the steel sector.

Source: EconoTimes