Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department has launched an anti-dumping investigation into the import of aluminium extrusions from China. This action comes in response to complaints from domestic steel manufacturers who argue that the increasing volume of imports is affecting local production.
Ministry to launch an investigation
Caretaker Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has announced that the ministry is launching an investigation as part of a broader effort to manage the growing influx of Chinese goods into Thailand. A ministry source, speaking anonymously, revealed that Phumtham has instructed relevant agencies to implement policies and measures to safeguard local industries.
“With the trade war happening, local steel operators are concerned about Chinese steel products being dumped in Thailand and Southeast Asia as China seeks other markets to offset declining steel exports to the US after tariffs were imposed.”
The Commerce Ministry is proactively pursuing trade remedies, including anti-dumping measures, countervailing duties, and safeguard actions, to counter import that pose a threat to the domestic sectors. These initiatives focus on implementing higher tariffs and anti-dumping duties, particularly steel products imported from China, Taiwan, Japan, the European Union, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Preliminary affirmative determination
The Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Committee, chaired by Phumtham, has issued an initial affirmative determination in its investigation into aluminium extrusions from China. The investigation is expected to last nine months. If dumping is confirmed, the ministry will impose anti-dumping duties on these imports for five years, with the possibility of review later.
According to the Bangkok Post, if dumping continues beyond the initial five-year period, the duties could be extended for an additional five years under current regulations. Phumtham noted that since 2023, Thailand has imposed anti-dumping duties in 20 cases, mainly related to steel products, to protect local industries and lessen the impact of the US-China trade war.
Alongside the 20 cases where duties have already been imposed, the Thai government is now evaluating the extension of anti-dumping duties on cold-reduced carbon steel from China, including both coiled and uncoiled varieties. Additionally, similar measures are being considered for applying to hot-rolled steel sheets and steel tubes and pipes from China, South Korea, and Taiwan.
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