On July 6, 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade officially announced the application of anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel imports from China, following an investigation lasting more than a year. The measure aims to protect Vietnam’s domestic steel industry from the adverse effects of low-priced imports that undermine local competitiveness.

Anti-Dumping Duties up to 27.83% on Chinese HRC Steel

According to the latest decision, the anti-dumping duties range from 23.1% to 27.83%, depending on the exporter. The measure takes effect from July 6, 2025, and will remain in place for five years.

The taxed products include:

• Flat-rolled steel or alloy steel, hot-rolled and not surface-treated (not pickled, oiled, or coated)
• Thickness: 1.2 mm to 25.4 mm
• Width: not exceeding 1,880 mm
• Carbon content: not exceeding 0.3%

Excluded products:

• Stainless steel
• Hot-rolled steel in plate form
• Steel with special surface treatments

Investigation Triggered by Domestic Producers

The investigation was initiated in July 2024, based on a petition by Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel Co., Ltd. and Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation, two of Vietnam’s largest HRC producers.

The findings confirmed that Chinese HRC was being dumped, causing significant injury to the domestic industry. While imports from India were also part of the investigation, they accounted for less than 3% of the total market share and thus were excluded from the duties, with previously collected provisional taxes refunded.

A Milestone in Vietnam’s Trade Defense Strategy

This tax policy is not just a technical measure to regulate imports—it also marks a strategic move by Vietnam to protect domestic industries, in line with WTO trade remedy regulations.

Given the global steel market’s challenges—oversupply, raw material price volatility, and ongoing trade tensions—establishing a fair and healthy competitive environment is critical for sustaining domestic production and long-term investment.

Positive Outlook for Vietnam’s Steel Sector

For domestic steel producers—especially those with integrated production chains and advanced technologies—the anti-dumping duties are expected to:

• Reduce competitive pressure from cheap imports
• Create more room for recovery and investment
• Support product quality upgrades to meet export standards in markets such as the EU, the US, and ASEAN

This is a timely opportunity for Vietnam’s steel industry to accelerate technological improvements, quality control, and market expansion, aiming for sustainable growth and regional competitiveness in the steel supply chain.

Source: VnExpress