The UK Trade Remedies Authority published its initial findings late Feb. 25, proposing that antidumping and countervailing measures on organic coated steel, or OCS, imported from China be maintained for an additional five years, until May 4, 2029. This proposal aims to protect the UK industry from potential harm that could occur if these measures were removed.
OCS is used to maintain the durability of various structures, particularly in construction, as well as in metal furniture, heating and ventilation systems, and a range of domestic appliances.
In its statement, the TRA concluded that removing these measures would likely result in a recurrence of dumping and subsidization practices, which have historically undermined domestic production. Since their implementation in 2013, these measures have proven effective in keeping Chinese OCS imports below 1,000 mt annually.
Tata Steel UK is the sole producer of OCS in the UK, manufacturing it at the Shotton facility in North Wales. The company contributes approximately GBP 222 million ($280 million) annually through OCS sales and employs around 8,100 individuals across its various operations.
This transition review was initiated on April 15, 2024, examining data from the period April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, with the injury assessment covering from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2024.
Currently, antidumping duties imposed on Chinese OCS imports range from 5.9% to 26.1%, while countervailing duties vary from 13.7% to 44.7%, depending on the specific exporter.
The TRA has opened a window for businesses potentially impacted by these findings to voice their opinions. Interested parties can submit comments to the TRA via the TRA’s public file until March 18, 2025, allowing for a collaborative approach to shaping the future of the UK OCS market.
The UK government and TRA view these measures as crucial in maintaining a level playing field for UK manufacturers and ensuring the sustainability of local production. Last week, the UK government accepted the recommendation to maintain an antidumping measure on imports of corrosion-resistant steel from China for an additional five years.
Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, assessed the weekly steel hot-rolled coil (HRC) UK at GBP530/mt DDP West Midlands Feb. 20, stable week over week.
