Safeguarding Sovereignty & Steel Sectors Through Strategic Scrutiny

On June 9, Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry initiated a formal sunset review of anti-dumping duties imposed on certain coated flat-rolled steel products. These measures, originally enacted to counter unfair pricing from exporters in China, South Korea & Vietnam, are scheduled to lapse on December 11, 2025. The review aims to assess whether continuation is necessary to protect domestic producers.

Customs Codes & Coated Classifications Clarify Commodity Criteria

The products under scrutiny include flat-rolled non-alloy steel plated or coated with aluminium & zinc. These items fall under several specific HS codes and ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature, notably 7210.61.11 00 to 7212.50.29 90. These classifications encompass widely used steel materials in infrastructure, automotive, & consumer appliance sectors.

Defensive Duties & Dumping Deterrents Drive Domestic Durability

The existing anti-dumping duties, currently ranging between 0% & 37.14% of the export price, were imposed following prior investigations that confirmed price undercutting practices by foreign exporters. These duties serve as a bulwark for local steel manufacturers facing severe cost disadvantages due to artificially deflated imports.

Market Mechanics & Multilateral Manipulations Motivate Monitoring

The sunset review process involves meticulous examination of import volumes, price trends, domestic industry performance, & likelihood of recurrence or continuation of dumping. MITI will solicit data from relevant stakeholders, including foreign producers, importers, domestic manufacturers, & trade bodies.

Geostrategic Grappling & Global Gamesmanship Garner Government Gaze

This review comes amid intensifying global trade frictions, as countries worldwide reassess trade barriers & defensive instruments to secure industrial sovereignty. For Malaysia, maintaining a level playing field is pivotal to sustaining its domestic steel ecosystem, which remains vulnerable to pricing volatility & overcapacity from larger exporting economies.

Policy Persistence & Procedural Prudence Prevail Post Pandemic

Sunset reviews, conducted every five years, are a procedural safeguard under WTO-compliant trade law. Malaysia’s commitment to transparency & due diligence in such matters reflects its adherence to multilateral norms, while pragmatically addressing sectoral vulnerabilities in the post-pandemic industrial rebound.

Industrial Imperatives & Import Integrity Inspire Investigation

The outcome of this review will determine whether protective duties remain necessary or can be phased out without harming local capacity. MITI’s decision will balance trade liberalisation principles against the imperatives of nurturing self-reliant industrial development, especially in light of regional competition.

Future Forecasts & Fiscal Frameworks For Fair-Trade Fortification

Should the investigation conclude that dumping is likely to continue or recur, existing duties may be extended beyond their December 2025 expiration. Conversely, a finding of no imminent threat could see duties lifted, reshaping the import landscape for flat-rolled steel in Malaysia’s vibrant construction & manufacturing markets.

Key Takeaways

• MITI launched a sunset review on AD duties up to 37.14% on coated flat-rolled steel from China, South Korea & Vietnam.

• Products under review are aluminium- and zinc-coated flat non-alloy steel, under HS/AHTN codes from 7210.61.11 00 to 7212.50.29 90.

• The review will decide if duties should remain after their December 11, 2025 expiry date.