US steel giants target Türkiye in new antidumping probe

Four major U.S. steel producers have initiated an antidumping investigation against 10 countries, including Türkiye. US Steel, NUCOR, Steel Dynamics and Wheeling-Nippon Steel claim that increased steel imports from these countries are harming the U.S. market.

They have filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission seeking antidumping duties on corrosion-resistant flat-rolled steel.

Investigation details

The four steel giants are seeking antidumping duties on flat-rolled steel that resists corrosion.

The countries involved in the investigation include Türkiye, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Barry Schneider, Operations Director at Steel Dynamics, noted that imports of this type of steel from Türkiye have surged from 1.3 million tons last year to nearly 2 million tons in the first half of this year.

Türkiye has been a significant steel exporter to the United States, with exports of 127,000 tons in 2021 and 155,000 tons in 2022.

This trade generated revenues of $137 million in 2021 and $182 million in 2022.

Türkiye plays a crucial role in the U.S. steel market, making it a focal point in this investigation.

Historical context on steel trading

In 2018, then-President Donald Trump imposed high tariffs on imported steel, citing national security concerns.

Türkiye contested these tariffs, arguing they violated World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

In 2019, the U.S. reduced the additional tariffs on Turkish steel from 50% to 25%. The WTO ruled that these tariffs were inconsistent with global trade rules.

Developments, expectations

The U.S. Department of Commerce is expected to decide within 20 days whether to initiate the requested investigation.

The International Trade Commission must then conduct a preliminary injury assessment within 45 days. U.S. steel unions are also assisting the companies in this process.

Türkiye’s role and potential impact in this investigation are significant for international trade relations in the steel sector.