Four major U.S. steel producers—US Steel, NUCOR, Steel Dynamics, and Wheeling-Nippon Steel—have launched an antidumping probe, citing concerns over rising steel imports from Türkiye and nine other nations. The companies argue that corrosion-resistant flat-rolled steel flooding the market undermines U.S. producers, warranting government action.
Their petition, submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission (ITC), seeks antidumping duties on imports from Türkiye, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. The spotlight falls heavily on Türkiye, a key player in steel exports to the U.S.
David Schneider, Operations Director at Steel Dynamics, noted Türkiye’s steel exports surged from 1.3 million tons last year to nearly 2 million tons during the first half of this year, heightening concerns within the U.S. market. In previous years, Türkiye exported 127,000 tons of steel in 2021 and 155,000 tons in 2022, generating revenues of $137 million and $182 million respectively.
The surge in Türkiye’s steel exports places it at the center of the investigation. Turkish steel holds a vital role in the U.S. market, fueling this scrutiny by U.S. steel giants. Previous tensions in the U.S.-Türkiye steel trade are well-documented, with high tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in 2018, citing national security concerns. Türkiye contested these tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO), leading to their eventual reduction from 50% to 25% in 2019.
Despite these disputes, Turkish steel exports continued to grow, making it a central focus of the current antidumping probe. U.S. producers argue that the influx of Turkish steel threatens domestic industry stability, especially as imports climb at a rapid rate.
The U.S. Department of Commerce will determine whether to advance the investigation within 20 days, with the ITC expected to follow up with a preliminary assessment within 45 days. Support from U.S. steel unions adds weight to the investigation, reflecting widespread concern over market conditions.
Should duties be imposed, ripple effects are expected across the global steel trade. Türkiye, alongside the other targeted nations, faces several consequences that could reshape its trading relationships with the U.S. and alter the dynamics of international steel markets.
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