Eurofer Pushes for Anti-Dumping Investigation into Vietnamese and Indian HDG Imports

European steel association

As Europe grapples with a surge in metal imports, the European Steel Association, known as Eurofer, has urged the European Commission to launch an anti-dumping investigation into hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) steel imports from Vietnam and India. The association has not issued a public comment, but industry insiders have been anticipating a formal investigation, particularly regarding Vietnamese imports.

India’s HDG shipments to Europe are already constrained by quotas, with limits set below 55,000 tons for category 4A HDG and under 78,000 tons for 4B. While India’s 4A quota has been quickly exhausted in recent quarters, its 4B quota remains less affected, reflecting varied market demand.

Vietnam’s impact on the EU market is especially pronounced, with monthly HDG shipments averaging over 100,000 tons between January and July—a stark increase from approximately 60,000 tons per month in the previous year. Indian HDG imports similarly increased, averaging close to 70,000 tons per month over the same period, up from around 45,000 tons last year. Other nations, including Taiwan, South Korea, Tunisia, and notably China, continue to ramp up their exports to Europe. China already faces substantial anti-dumping duties, ranging from 17.2% to 27.9%, underscoring Europe’s effort to protect its domestic market from excess supply.

Parallel HRC Investigation Intensifies Safeguard Measures

The HDG situation mirrors the EU's ongoing investigation into hot-rolled coil (HRC) imports from several key suppliers. Initiated on August 8, this probe responds to heightened HRC import volumes despite safeguard quotas set at 15% per supplier. Since September 24, the Commission has registered all products imported from countries under anti-dumping or anti-subsidy scrutiny, enabling possible retroactive duties. Provisional measures for HRC imports are anticipated by March 8, signaling further moves to fortify Europe’s metal industry against the impacts of foreign supply surges.

This escalating focus on trade protections reflects Europe’s broader concerns about maintaining competitive balance as global supply chains expand into emerging markets.