Australia aims at anti-dumping measures against Asian steel makers

Australia has initiated on Thursday an investigation on the impact of Asian steel makers in the Australian market as part of the government's second stage of anti-dumping reforms, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne announced.

Pyne said the report will identify trends in dumping and circumvention behaviour in Asian steel and aluminium markets, identify existing dumping duties across all steel and aluminium products, and make recommendations on the most effective measures where there is evidence of these activities.

"In recent times I have expressed my ongoing concern about the negative impact Asian steel and aluminium markets are having on Australian manufacturers," Pyne said.

"The findings of the report, expected to be delivered in early April, will inform the next tranche of anti-dumping reforms," he said.

The government also welcomes feedback and ideas from Australian industry groups, manufacturers and producers over the coming months, he said.

Pyne said trading practices like systemic dumping, circumvention and subsidies are unfair on Australian businesses. "When they occur, Australian law provides for remedies consistent with World Trade Organization agreements."

This prepares the government's second stage anti-dumping reform following the anti-dumping reform measures implemented last year.

The reforms have increased pressure on uncooperative exporters, established a new investigations unit which is up and running and provided additional support to Australian businesses engaging with the anti-dumping system, Pyne said.

The reforms also addressed the practice of overseas businesses that avoid paying dumping duties by slightly modifying their products and improved the way the Anti-Dumping Review Panel undertakes merits review of anti-dumping decisions.

The newly-established Anti-Dumping Information Service (ADIS), within the Anti-Dumping Commission, will prepare the steel and aluminium report. Enditem