On 25 January 2024, the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission issued Announcement 2024 004, announcing the launch of an anti-dumping exemption investigation into certain hollow structural sections imported from Chinese mainland, South Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan. At the same time, a countervailing duty exemption investigation was also launched for welded pipes in Chinese mainland. The move was made in response to an application from Australian homegrown company Schi**Ello Manufacturing Pty Ltd.
The focus of this investigation is on steel resistance welded pipes that have specific round and seamless specifications, meet EN10305 standards, are cold-drawn, and are available with or without grooves. The dimensions involved include: outer diameter 510 mm x inner diameter 470 mm, outer diameter 635 mm x 59 inner diameter5 mm and outer diameter 762 mm x 72 inner diameter2 mm, the wall thickness is 20 mm. These products have the following common characteristics: length variation, surface roughness is not greater than 16 microns, tight outer and inner diameter tolerance control and straightness tolerances. In addition, the tubes are all E355-SR grade steel, which is cold-drawn and stress-relieved in a controlled environment. These exempt products relate to the Australian Customs Code 730630.00.31 and 730630.00.34。
The investigation dates back to 19 September 2011, when Australia launched an anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation against welded pipes in Chinese mainland and extended to similar products in South Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan. In the years since, Australia has conducted multiple rounds of investigations and rulings, including anti-circumvention investigations, waiver investigations and sunset reviews, involving welded pipe products in multiple countries.
The latest investigation notice requires stakeholders to submit a questionnaire and related materials by 16 February 2024, which will provide important information to the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission to make a fair decision.
This series of investigations and rulings demonstrates Australia's determination to protect its domestic steel industry from international market shocks. As an important construction and industrial material, welded pipes are in high demand in the global market. These measures in Australia could have a significant impact on exporters in the countries involved, as well as volatility in the global steel market.
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