South korea: South Korea's trade watchdog on Thursday made a preliminary decision to impose anti-dumping tariffs on hot-rolled steel plates from Japan and China after its initial investigation identified potential damage to the domestic industry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Trade Commission (KTC) will ask the Ministry of Economy and Finance to impose an anti-dumping tariff of between 28.16 and 33.57 percent on hot-rolled thick plates imported from the two countries. This decision comes in response to findings from an investigation into alleged dumping activities that could harm local steelmakers.
To prevent further damage during the upcoming formal investigation period, the KTC also recommended imposing anti-dumping tariffs of 43.35 percent on optical fiber products from China and Japan. This measure aims to protect domestic producers from unfair pricing practices that could undermine the local market.
The KTC initiated its investigation into the alleged dumping by six Japanese firms, including JFE Shoji Corp., and five Chinese producers, such as Benxi Iron and Steel Group. This action followed a complaint filed by Hyundai Steel Co., a leading South Korean steelmaker, which raised concerns about the impact of these imports on the domestic industry.
In a separate probe, the commission is also examining allegations that three Chinese companies sold single-mode optical fiber products below fair market value. This investigation was initiated after a complaint by LS Cable and System Ltd., South Korea's largest cable manufacturer, which alleged unfair competition from these imports.