Japan Initiates Investigation into Antidumping Duties for Certain Zinc-Coated Steel Strips and Plates from South Korea and China
Tokyo, Japan – August 13, 2025 – The Ministry of Finance (MOF) of Japan announced today the commencement of an investigation into the potential imposition of antidumping duties on certain zinc-coated steel strips and plates originating from the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China. This significant development signals Japan’s commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive market for its domestic steel industry.
The announcement, made public on August 13, 2025, at 01:00 JST, indicates that the MOF has received a petition and has determined that sufficient grounds exist to launch a formal inquiry into allegations of unfair trade practices. Specifically, the investigation will focus on whether the imported zinc-coated steel strips and plates from South Korea and China are being sold in the Japanese market at dumped prices, meaning they are being sold at a lower price than their normal value in the exporting country.
Antidumping duties are a protective measure employed by countries under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules to counteract the negative effects of dumping on domestic industries. If the investigation concludes that dumping has occurred and has caused or threatens to cause material injury to the Japanese industry, the government may impose these duties to level the playing field.
The scope of the investigation encompasses “大韓民国産及び中華人民共和国産溶融亜鉛めっき鋼帯及び鋼板” which translates to “zinc-coated steel strips and plates originating from the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China.” This category likely refers to specific types of coated steel products used in various industrial applications, such as construction, automotive manufacturing, and appliances.
The MOF’s decision to initiate this investigation underscores the importance of fair trade practices in global commerce. The process will involve a thorough examination of export prices, normal values, and the extent of any injury to the Japanese steel sector. Domestic producers will likely be invited to provide evidence and participate in the proceedings. Likewise, exporters from South Korea and China will have opportunities to present their case.
This investigation is a critical step in safeguarding the interests of Japanese manufacturers and workers within the steel industry. The Ministry of Finance is expected to conduct the inquiry diligently and impartially, adhering to established international trade norms and procedures. Further updates on the progress of this investigation will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders and the public alike.
大韓民国産及び中華人民共和国産溶融亜鉛めっき鋼帯及び鋼板に対する不当廉売関税の課税に関する調査を開始します
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財務省 published ‘大韓民国産及び中華人民共和国産溶融亜鉛めっき鋼帯及び鋼板に対する不当廉売関税の課税に関する調査を開始します’ at 2025-08-13 01:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.