Govt launches probe on alleged dumping of stainless steel

The International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) logo is seen on a convenience store signage at the KL International Airport.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has launched a preliminary investigation on cold rolled stainless steel (CRSS) imports that originate in, or are exported from, China, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

In a statement, the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) said the Government received a petition on April 17 from a domestic producer requesting an anti-dumping probe on imports of CRSS.

The petitioner alleged that imports of CRSS from the three countries were being dumped into Malaysia at prices much lower than their domestic prices.

Miti said the petitioner further claimed that imports from the alleged markets had increased in terms of absolute quantity and that the petitioner suffered material injury.

“The Government has considered the evidence of dumping, injury and causal link and decided to initiate a preliminary investigation on imports of CRSS from the alleged markets,” the ministry said.

“In accordance with the Countervailing and Anti-Dumping Duties Act 1993 and its related regulations, a preliminary determination will be made within 120 days from the date of initiation. If the preliminary determination is affirmative, the Government will impose an anti-dumping duty at the rate that is necessary to prevent further injury.”

This latest investigation comes a month after the Government began imposing a three-year definitive safeguard duties on steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) and steel wire rods and deformed bar in coils.

In connection with the CRSS probe, Miti will provide a set of questionnaires to interested parties, including importers, foreign producers, exporters and associations.

Other interested parties may request for the questionnaires no later than May 29, said Miti.

Interested parties may also provide additional supporting evidence to Miti by June 15.

Miti said if no additional information was received within the specified period, the Government would make its preliminary findings based on the available facts.