Australia Reviews Extension of Anti-Dumping Duties on Vietnamese Galvanized Steel

Overview

Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission has initiated a review to determine whether to extend anti-dumping duties on galvanized steel imported from Vietnam, India and Malaysia. The review, opened on 9 September, follows a request from Australian steelmaker BlueScope and could impact Vietnamese exporters including Hòa Phát (HPG), Nam Kim (NKG) and Hoa Sen (HSG). The current duties are scheduled to expire on 16 August 2027.

Key Facts

• Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission opened the review on 9 September.
• Anti-dumping measures were first imposed in August 2017 and extended for five years in 2022.
• Current duties are set to expire on 16 August 2027.
• BlueScope has requested an extension, arguing that removing duties could lead to a surge in imports from Vietnam, India and Malaysia.
• The review is based on an initial assessment, not a final conclusion.
• Vietnam’s Trade Remedies Authority has urged affected exporters to prepare responses and data.
• In a previous case, BlueScope alleged dumping margins as high as 56.21% for Hoa Sen.

What Happened

Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission announced on 9 September that it has launched a review into whether to extend anti-dumping duties on galvanized steel from Vietnam, India and Malaysia. The measures were first applied in August 2017 and were extended for five years in 2022. Under the current schedule, the duties will expire on 16 August 2027. One year before expiry, BlueScope formally requested an extension, claiming that without the duties, galvanized steel from the three countries could surge back into Australia, pressuring prices and harming domestic producers.

After reviewing BlueScope’s application, market conditions, global steel overcapacity and trade trends, the commission found that the Australian steel industry could continue to suffer injury if the measures are terminated. However, this is only a preliminary assessment to open the investigation, not a final determination. Vietnam’s Trade Remedies Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has advised Vietnamese exporters to arrange personnel, collect data and respond fully to Australia’s questionnaires. It also warned that incomplete, late or uncooperative responses could put companies at a disadvantage.

Market Context

Hòa Phát (HPG) trades on the HOSE exchange and closed at VND 20,800 on 24 September 2026. Nam Kim (NKG) and Hoa Sen (HSG) are also listed on HOSE, closing at VND 9,700 and VND 10,000 respectively. The Vietnamese steel sector has faced increasing trade barriers in export markets, with anti-dumping investigations becoming more frequent. Domestic demand and export diversification are key themes for these companies as they navigate global overcapacity and protectionist measures.

Strategic Significance

The review highlights the persistent trade risks facing Vietnamese steel exporters. While the duties are not set to expire until 2027, the outcome of this review will determine whether exporters retain access to the Australian market under current terms. For Hòa Phát, Nam Kim and Hoa Sen, a decision to extend duties would reinforce the need to diversify export markets and focus on higher-value products. Hoa Sen has already stated it will boost domestic market share and reduce export dependence, while Nam Kim aims to develop higher-value coated steel products. The review also underscores the importance of active participation in trade defense cases to mitigate potential adverse rulings.

What to Watch

• Submission deadlines for exporter questionnaires and data to the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission.
• The commission’s preliminary findings and any provisional decisions.
• Responses from Hòa Phát, Nam Kim and Hoa Sen regarding their export strategies and market diversification.
• Updates from Vietnam’s Trade Remedies Authority on support for affected businesses.
• The final determination on whether to extend the duties beyond 16 August 2027.