Japan Probes Cheap Steel Imports from China, Taiwan

Japan has launched an anti-dumping investigation into nickel-based stainless cold-rolled steel sheets and strips from China and Taiwan, the trade and finance ministries announced Tuesday. The move follows a May 12 petition by Nippon Steel and other domestic producers, who say falling domestic demand has forced them to lower prices amid a flood of cheaper imports. The investigation, expected to conclude within a year, will determine whether anti-dumping duties should be imposed. According to the petition, imports were priced 20–50% below Chinese domestic levels and 3–20% below Taiwanese prices. The probe comes amid global concerns over Chinese steel overcapacity and subsidized exports, which have distorted global markets. While other countries have imposed anti-dumping measures against China, Japan has yet to act. Meantime, Taiwan’s economy ministry said it would support affected firms to protect export interests.