Background of the Review

The U.S. Department of Commerce issued its preliminary findings on May 22, 2025, regarding the antidumping review of cut-to-length carbon-quality steel plate from South Korea. This review assessed whether these products were being sold in the U.S. market at less than fair value during the review period from February 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. CTL plates are vital in construction, infrastructure, and heavy machinery, making such trade probes critical for industrial fairness and policy enforcement.

No Evidence of Dumping by Key Exporters

The USDOC found that Dongkuk Steel Mill Co., Ltd. and Hyundai Steel Company did not sell CTL plates in the U.S. at dumped prices. The weighted average dumping margin for both firms was preliminarily calculated as zero. This exculpates them from penalties and maintains their reputation in the international market. These results reinforce earlier trade practices demonstrating compliance with U.S. trade laws.

Rescission of Review for Four Korean Companies

The administrative review was rescinded for four South Korean firms: Ajin Industrial Co., Ltd., Dae Ik ENG Co., Ltd., Ohsung Co., Ltd., and Samjin Lnd Co., Ltd. This decision came after petitioning U.S. companies, Nucor Corporation, SSAB Enterprises, LLC, and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc, submitted withdrawal requests. The rescission indicates that there was no longer sufficient interest from domestic producers to pursue further inquiry into these firms' trade behavior.

Industry Support & Legal Framework

The initial review was part of routine trade enforcement under the Tariff Act of 1930, especially section 751(a), which governs antidumping duty reviews. It aims to protect U.S. industries from unfair international pricing strategies. U.S. steel manufacturers often lobby for such reviews when they suspect price manipulation that could harm domestic output or jobs. Withdrawal of interest from firms like Nucor and Cleveland-Cliffs signals a strategic shift, possibly due to limited impact or improved bilateral trade dynamics.

Timeline for Final Results

Although the current findings are preliminary, the USDOC has set a deadline of no later than 120 days from publication to release its final review results. This deadline puts the final ruling around September 2025. Until then, the findings serve as a benchmark for all involved parties to adjust their compliance, documentation, and pricing strategies accordingly.

Broader Implications for U.S.-Korea Trade

The findings contribute positively to ongoing trade relations between South Korea and the United States, especially in the steel sector. As both countries are major players in global industrial exports, a clean record for firms like Hyundai and Dongkuk strengthens mutual trust. It also helps Korean exporters maintain steady access to the lucrative U.S. construction and infrastructure market without facing dumping penalties or heightened duties.

Market Reaction & Industry Response

Although the USDOC’s announcement was procedural, it triggered responses within both U.S. and South Korean steel markets. Analysts noted a likely stabilization of import volumes and pricing trends. U.S. buyers reliant on Korean CTL plates may welcome the decision for ensuring supply chain continuity without cost spikes from antidumping tariffs. Meanwhile, Korean companies view the clean audit as validation of their pricing integrity.

What Comes Next for the Firms Involved

Dongkuk Steel and Hyundai Steel are now in a favorable position going forward, as continued compliance with U.S. trade standards will bolster their reputation. For the four companies whose reviews were rescinded, the removal from investigation lists lifts potential burdens of scrutiny, allowing them to focus on operational efficiencies. Final results in September will solidify these outcomes, but for now, the steel plate trade between the two countries remains robust and uninterrupted.

Key Takeaways

• USDOC found zero dumping margin for Dongkuk Steel and Hyundai Steel in the 2023-24 review of CTL plates.

• Four South Korean companies had their reviews rescinded after withdrawal requests by Nucor, SSAB, and Cleveland-Cliffs.

• Final decision from USDOC is expected within 120 days, around September 2025.