Australia initiates anti - dumping and countervailing duty exemption investigation on Chinese - related welded pipes

On January 25, 2024, the Anti - Dumping Commission of Australia issued Announcement No. 2024/004, announcing the initiation of an anti - dumping exemption investigation on welded tubes (Certain Hollow Structural Sections) imported from Mainland China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan region. At the same time, a countervailing duty exemption investigation was also initiated on welded tubes from Mainland China. This measure was taken in response to an application from the Australian local enterprise Schiavello Manufacturing Pty Ltd.

The focus of this investigation is on steel electric - resistance - welded tubes. These tubes have specific circular and seamless specifications, comply with the EN10305 standard, are cold - drawn, and may or may not have grooves. The involved size specifications include: outer diameter 51.0 mm x inner diameter 47.0 mm, outer diameter 63.5 mm x inner diameter 59.5 mm, and outer diameter 76.2 mm x inner diameter 72.2 mm, with a wall thickness of 2.0 mm for all. These products share the following characteristics: variable length, surface roughness not greater than 1.6 microns, strict control of outer and inner diameter tolerances, and straightness tolerance. In addition, these tubes are all made of E355 - SR grade steel, cold - drawn and stress - relieved in a controlled environment. These exempt products involve Australian customs codes 7306.30.00.31 and 7306.30.00.34.

This investigation dates back to September 19, 2011, when Australia launched anti - dumping and countervailing duty investigations on welded tubes from Mainland China, which were later extended to similar products from South Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan region. In the following years, Australia carried out several rounds of investigations and rulings, including anti - circumvention investigations, exemption investigations, and sunset reviews, involving welded tube products from multiple countries.

The latest investigation announcement requires stakeholders to submit questionnaires and relevant materials before February 16, 2024. These materials will provide important information for the Australian Anti - Dumping Commission to make a fair ruling.

This series of investigations and rulings demonstrates Australias determination to protect its domestic steel industry from the impact of the international market. Welded pipes, as important construction and industrial materials, have a high demand in the global market. These measures taken by Australia may have a significant impact on exporters in relevant countries and may also cause fluctuations in the supply and price of the global steel market.

Original announcement:ANTI-DUMPING NOTICE NO 2024/004