The Ministry of Finance and Economy of South Korea has decided to impose temporary anti-dumping duties on imports of cold-rolled galvanized steel from China. The duty rates range from 22.34% to 33.67%, and they will remain in effect until the conclusion of the final investigation into dumping imports.
This is reported by Finway
Conditions for Implementation and Scope of Duties
The duties were introduced on May 22, 2026, based on the April recommendations of the Korea Trade Commission, which were reviewed based on complaints from local producers Dongkuk CM, KG Steel, and SeAH CM. The measures will be in effect for four months – from June 12 to October 12, 2026.
The restrictions apply to flat cold-rolled steel with a zinc or zinc-containing coating less than 4.75 mm thick, used in construction, the automotive industry, and the manufacture of household appliances. The duties cover 11 relevant HS codes. At the same time, products with electrolytic galvanization or galvanized by annealing are not subject to these restrictions.
Impact on the Market and Prices
“Against this backdrop, the spot market in China has shown a slight decline: the quotations for 3 mm thick SS400 hot-rolled coil, according to Platts estimates, have decreased by $1/ton to $502/ton FOB China, while prices for similar products in Southeast Asia have fallen by $5/ton to $574/ton CFR.”
The introduction of anti-dumping duties has already affected market conditions: spot prices for Chinese 3 mm thick hot-rolled coil SS400 have decreased by $1 per ton, reaching $502 per ton FOB China. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, prices for similar steel have dropped by $5 per ton to $574 per ton CFR. Experts believe that further changes in the market will depend on the results of the final investigation and the final decision of the Korean authorities regarding customs policy towards Chinese metal products.