Japan steel groups seek reforms to stop tariff evasion as China exports surge

FILE PHOTO: Workers load steel products for export to a cargo ship at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China May 27, 2020. Japan has recently launched an anti-dumping investigation into hot-dip galvanised steel from China and South Korea. - China Daily via Reuters.

TOKYO: Japanese steel lobby groups said on Monday (Aug 18) they have requested the early introduction of measures to prevent the evasion of anti-dumping tariffs aimed at protecting domestic industries from unfair imports.

The move comes as record steel exports from China, the world's largest producer, have sparked a protectionist backlash globally, with almost 40 countries starting anti-dumping investigations since January last year.