Protective Persistence & Policy Prudence Prompt Periodic Probe

On May 14, 2025, the Mexican government, through its Secretariat of Economy, launched an administrative review of the anti-dumping duties applied to cold-rolled flat steel originating in China. These duties, first imposed in June 2015, were designed to prevent injury to Mexico’s domestic steel sector from unfairly priced imports. The recent review request was formally submitted by local steel giant Ternium Mexico, S.A. de C.V., aiming to maintain trade protections in place.

Petitioner’s Plea & Perceived Peril Propel Procedural Process

Ternium Mexico argued that lifting the AD duties could result in material injury to the domestic steel producers due to a potential influx of underpriced Chinese imports. This concern is based on historical trends & ongoing competitive pressures from Chinese exporters. The company’s appeal triggered the statutory review process to assess whether continued imposition of duties is justified under Mexican trade laws.

Chronological Coverage & Comprehensive Criteria Clarify Case

The SE has defined the administrative review period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Simultaneously, an extended analysis period from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2025, has been established to observe trade behavior, pricing anomalies & market impact over the last five years. This thorough retrospective will help regulators evaluate the relevance & efficacy of the original measures under prevailing conditions.

Duty Disparities & Differential Duties Define Defensive Doctrine

Currently, Mexico imposes differentiated AD duties on Chinese steel exporters. Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd. is subject to a rate of 65.99%, while all other Chinese firms face a higher blanket duty of 103.41%. These rates will remain operative throughout the review period, preventing potential surges in low-cost imports during the ongoing assessment phase.

Specification Spectrum & Steel Subtypes Shape Sectoral Surveillance

The reviewed products include cold-rolled flat steel, both unalloyed & alloyed, containing at least 0.0008% boron. These are not plated or coated & feature widths of 600 mm or more, with thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 3 mm. The products are identified under Mexico’s TIGIE tariff codes 7209.16.01, 7209.17.01, & 7225.50.91. Such materials are critical for automotive, appliance & industrial fabrication sectors across Mexico.

Economic Equilibrium & Exporter Ethics Engage Enforcement Entities

The Mexican steel sector has witnessed an uneven playing field over the years due to aggressive pricing strategies by foreign producers. The AD duties initially served to level market conditions. Authorities now seek to verify whether the underlying causes of injury, such as cost disparities & volume surges, still persist. This process embodies both national economic interest & international trade compliance.

Global Glut & Geoeconomic Guardrails Guide Governmental Governance

China’s global dominance in steel exports has triggered several protective responses worldwide. The EU, US, India & others have introduced or extended AD duties on similar grounds. Mexico’s review, therefore, aligns itself with a broader multilateral trend aimed at curbing predatory pricing. The country’s regulatory approach balances its domestic manufacturing aspirations against obligations under WTO protocols.

Futuristic Forecasts & Fairness Framework Foster Fact-Finding Fidelity

The review will conclude within the next several months, during which stakeholders may submit evidence, economic data & commentary. Ternium Mexico, importers, Chinese exporters & legal experts will engage in this quasi-judicial process. Ultimately, the findings could reaffirm or revise existing duties depending on whether dumping & injury remain demonstrable, reinforcing confidence in Mexico’s structured trade remedy system.

Key Takeaways

• Mexico began reviewing anti-dumping duties on Chinese cold-rolled flat steel in May 2025

• Ternium Mexico requested the review to prevent injury from underpriced Chinese imports

• Duties of 65.99% to 103.41% remain in place during the review, which ends by March 2025