Japan Launches Anti-Dumping Probes Into Steel Imports From China, South Korea, and Taiwan

Japan’s trade authorities have opened anti-dumping investigations into hot- and cold-rolled steel coils, sheets, and strips imported from China, South Korea and Taiwan.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Finance announced the start of the two separate probes on Monday.

Japanese steelmakers filed the applications on Feb. 27. Applicants for the hot-rolled products were Nippon Steel Corporation, JFE Steel Corporation, Kobe Steel, Ltd., and Nakayama Steel Works, Ltd.

For cold-rolled products, they were Nippon Steel Corporation, JFE Steel Corporation, and Kobe Steel, Ltd., according to the ministries.

The authorities reviewed the requests under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and Japanese law and found enough evidence to launch formal investigations.

Hot-rolled steel is produced at high temperatures and is used mainly in automobiles, construction, machinery, and steel pipe applications. Cold-rolled steel undergoes further processing at room temperature, resulting in a smoother finish, and appears in car parts, home appliances, furniture, and battery cases.

China is named in the probes, excluding Hong Kong and Macau. Taiwan is listed as the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu.

The investigations will determine whether the imports were sold at dumped prices and whether they caused material injury to Japanese producers.

The Japan Iron and Steel Federation welcomed the move.

“In Japan as well, the need for appropriate trade remedy measures has become increasingly urgent,” said Masayuki Hirose, chairman of the federation.

The probes are expected to take up to one year. Authorities will seek evidence from exporters, importers, and domestic producers. If they confirm dumping, injury, and a causal link, Japan could impose extra duties.

This latest action forms part of a recent series of similar cases by Japan. In August 2025, the ministries opened an anti-dumping investigation into hot-dipped galvanized steel coil, sheet, and strip from China and South Korea, following an application from Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, and others.

In July 2025, Japan began a probe into nickel-added, cold-rolled stainless steel coils, sheet, and strip from China and Taiwan.

Japan’s crude steel output fell to 80.67 million metric tons in 2025, its lowest level since 1969, according to the Japan Iron and Steel Federation.

The Japanese announcements did not include comments from the governments of China, South Korea, or Taiwan.

Those investigations will also determine whether imports were dumped and whether they caused material injury to domestic producers.