Korea trade panel recommends duties on Chinese galvanized steel, offset plates

The industry ministry's trade commission said Friday it had finalized anti-dumping rulings on Chinese galvanized cold-rolled steel and offset printing plates, recommending that the finance minister impose duties on both for five more years.

For galvanized cold-rolled steel, the Korea Trade Commission recommended a combination of price undertakings from 10 Chinese exporters and anti-dumping duties of 22.34 to 33.67 percent. Baotou faces 22.34 percent, Shougang Jingtang 26.28 percent and Winston 33.67 percent, while Baoshan Steel and other suppliers face 25.75 percent. Baotou, Shougang Jingtang and Baoshan Steel accepted the price undertakings, while Winston declined. The product, under 4.75 millimeters thick, is used in roofing and exterior construction materials, auto parts, appliances, furniture and piping.

The investigation opened last November after a request from DONGKUK CM, KG Steel and SEAH CM, with a preliminary ruling in April, a public hearing in July and the final determination on Friday.

The commission also recommended extending a 10.32 percent anti-dumping duty on all Chinese suppliers of offset printing plates for five years. It found that dumping and injury to the domestic industry would likely resume if the current measure, in place since May 3, 2021 and ranging from 8.78 to 10.32 percent, were allowed to lapse. The suppliers covered are Kodak Graphic, Boshika, Huaguang Graphic, Huaguang Baoli and Zongyin. The review followed a request for an expiry review filed by Jeil C&P last October 31.

The commission, chaired by Lee Jae-hyung, also received a report on the opening of an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese seamless steel pipes. The probe began on Oct. 8 after a request from Iljin Steel, with a preliminary ruling scheduled for February 2027, a public hearing for May 2027 and a final determination for July 2027.