Japan issues preliminary ruling to levy antidumping tariffs on stainless steel imports from China and Taiwan
2026-06-23 10:12:29 [Print]
Japan's Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry have issued a preliminary ruling to impose antidumping duties on cold-rolled stainless steel products-including coil, sheet, and strip-that contain nickel and are imported from China and Taiwan. The decision follows an official investigation launched on July 22, 2025.
The probe was initiated in response to a petition filed on May 12, 2025, by four domestic producers: Nippon Steel Corporation, Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd., NAS Stainless Steel Strip MFG. Co., Ltd., and Nippon Kinzoku Co., Ltd. Japanese authorities have provisionally determined that the subject products were imported at unfairly low prices, thereby inflicting significant harm on the nation's domestic industry.
According to Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, the duties could take effect as early as next month. The proposed tariff rates are as high as approximately 45% for Chinese products and around 21% for those originating from Taiwan.
Data from the Japan Iron and Steel Federation shows that China accounts for roughly 20% of Japan's total steel product imports, while Taiwan holds a 17% share. South Korea remains Japan's largest steel supplier by a wide margin, commanding approximately 62% of the import market.
The probe was initiated in response to a petition filed on May 12, 2025, by four domestic producers: Nippon Steel Corporation, Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd., NAS Stainless Steel Strip MFG. Co., Ltd., and Nippon Kinzoku Co., Ltd. Japanese authorities have provisionally determined that the subject products were imported at unfairly low prices, thereby inflicting significant harm on the nation's domestic industry.
According to Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, the duties could take effect as early as next month. The proposed tariff rates are as high as approximately 45% for Chinese products and around 21% for those originating from Taiwan.
Data from the Japan Iron and Steel Federation shows that China accounts for roughly 20% of Japan's total steel product imports, while Taiwan holds a 17% share. South Korea remains Japan's largest steel supplier by a wide margin, commanding approximately 62% of the import market.
