Asian Steel Makers to Face Anti-Dumping Enquiry

The Australian Government has ordered an enquiry into the dumping of steel into the Australian market, as announced by Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne.

Announcing the beginning of the next stage of reform, the report comes Amid concerns about dumping behaviour by Asian manufacturers, particularly of steel and aluminium, the minister said that while the Government strongly supports free trade and open markets, free trade must also equal fair trade.

“In recent times I have expressed my ongoing concern about the negative impact Asian steel and aluminium markets are having on Australian manufacturers,” Mr Pyne said.
“Accordingly I have asked the Anti-Dumping Commissioner to prepare a report which will:

• identify trends in dumping and circumvention behaviour in Asian steel and aluminium markets
• identify existing dumping duties across all steel and aluminium products
• make recommendations on the most effective measures where there is evidence of these activities.

“Input into the reforms from stakeholders will also be critical so we’ll be out seeking feedback and ideas from Australian industry groups, manufacturers and producers over the coming months,” he said.

The report is expected to be delivered by mid-April.

Trading practices like systemic dumping, circumvention and subsidies are unfair on Australian businesses. When they occur, Australian law provides for remedies consistent with World Trade Organization agreements.
Tranche one of the anti-dumping reforms, implemented last year are already having an impact.

The reforms have also increased pressure on uncooperative exporters, established a new investigations unit which is up and running and provided additional support to Australian businesses engaging with the anti-dumping system.
The reforms also addressed the practice of overseas businesses that avoid paying dumping duties by slightly modifying their products and improved the way the Anti-Dumping Review Panel undertakes merits review of anti-dumping decisions.

The newly-established Anti-Dumping Information Service (ADIS), within the Anti-Dumping Commission, will prepare the steel and aluminium report.