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| Anti Dumping duty HRC |
The European Commission (EC) has officially reduced anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled steel (HRC) imports from Egypt’s Ezz Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel. This decision follows a comprehensive investigation covering imports from Egypt, Japan, and Vietnam between April 2023 and March 2024.
Final Anti-Dumping Duty Adjustments and Impact on Key Producers
The EC has set the new anti-dumping duty rate for Ezz Steel and other Egyptian producers at 11.7%, down from the previous 12.8% effective since April 7, 2025. Initially, the EC proposed a higher duty of 15.6%, but this was lowered after Ezz Steel's appeal. For Japanese companies, Nippon Steel faces a final duty of 30.4%, while Tokyo Steel’s rate remains at 6.9%. Other Japanese exporters have a 30.1% duty. Vietnam’s Formosa Ha Tinh Steel and other Vietnamese producers will face a 12.1% duty. These final rates mark a significant reduction from the preliminary duties announced in April 2025, where Nippon Steel faced a 42.5% duty.
Broader Market and Regulatory Implications
India was exempted from duties due to insufficient evidence of dumping, as was Vietnam’s Hoa Phat. Despite challenges from the European Steel Association (EUROFER) regarding Indian imports, the EC upheld its decision. The finalized duties will take effect in October 2025 and are subject to further adjustment after a July disclosure. Retroactive duties will not be applied. This decision affects key global steel trade flows and reflects the EC’s calibrated approach toward trade remedies in the hot-rolled steel sector.
ScrapInsight Commentary
The EC’s reduction in anti-dumping duties signals a balanced approach amid fluctuating global steel demand. Lower duties for Ezz Steel and Nippon Steel could ease supply constraints in Europe, supporting downstream industries. However, the relatively high rates on Japanese exports underscore ongoing trade tensions. Policymakers should monitor these adjustments for their impact on European steel prices and recycling economics.
