Vietnamese coated steel producers are facing preliminary anti-dumping duties ranging from 40% to 88%, following a decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC).

On April 4, the DOC released its preliminary findings in an anti-dumping investigation targeting coated steel products imported from multiple countries, including Vietnam. The investigation was launched in September 2024 in response to petitions filed by U.S. steel manufacturers.

Preliminary Duties up to 88.12% for Vietnamese Exporters

The initial results show Vietnamese steel exporters may face anti-dumping duties as high as 88.12%. Some companies were individually assessed:

The DOC is expected to announce its final determination by August 18, with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) making a final injury determination in October 2025.

Vietnam’s Coated Steel Exports to the U.S. in Decline

According to DOC data:

• U.S. imports of coated steel from Vietnam were valued at USD 626 million in 2021
• Rose to USD 751 million in 2022
• Dropped significantly to USD 241 million in 2023

A February 2025 report from MB Securities (MBS) notes that HRC and coated steel account for roughly 60% of Vietnam’s total steel exports to the U.S., with typical import duties between 21–36%, and some coated steel products taxed around 22%.

Market Economy Status Still an Issue for Vietnam

According to Luong Hoang Thai, Director of the Trade Remedies Authority (Ministry of Industry and Trade), one reason for Vietnam’s high duty rates is that the U.S. does not recognize Vietnam as a market economy. As a result, the DOC uses surrogate country pricing to calculate dumping margins.

“This does not accurately reflect the production and export realities of Vietnamese enterprises,” Mr. Thai said.

Potential Countervailing Duties Also in Play

In addition to anti-dumping duties, Vietnamese steel companies are also subject to an ongoing countervailing duty (CVD) investigation. The outcome could result in additional duties on steel exports to the U.S.

So far, preliminary results show that Hoa Sen and Ton Dong A received 0% CVD rates, meaning their total final duty rate will equal their anti-dumping duty only.

The DOC has not yet disclosed the surrogate country or specific calculation methodology. These details will be made public in the next phase, allowing Vietnamese companies to submit evidence, challenge assumptions, and highlight differences in cost structures.

Minimal Short-Term Impact but Ongoing Caution Required

One Vietnamese steel company stated that although the preliminary duties are high, the announcement has not significantly worsened business conditions, as U.S. clients had already been cautious since the September 2024 investigation launch, fearing retroactive tax risks.

“While the preliminary duties are high, they haven't caused significant additional disruption,” a company representative noted.

Vietnam Not Alone – Other Nations Also Affected

Vietnam is not the only country affected. Other coated steel exporters hit with preliminary duties include:

• Brazil: 118.63%
• Canada (one company): 52.08%
• Taiwan (three companies): 67.9%
• Australia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Turkey, UAE, South Africa: lower than Vietnam in most cases

Source: VNExpress