Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) has announced a definitive plan to impose anti-dumping duties on imported hot-rolled H-section structural steel from China, following the conclusion of its investigation. The duties, slated to remain in effect for five years, target products under HS codes 7216.33.11.000, 7216.33.19.000, and 7216.33.90.000, which cover key H-beam steel profiles widely used in construction and infrastructure projects.

The approved duty rates are set at 30.86% for Maanshan Iron & Steel (Magang) and 54.19% for Hebei Jingxi Section Steel and all other Chinese producers and exporters, calculated based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of the products. This decision culminates an inquiry that began in November 2024, initiated in response to petitions from Thai domestic steel producers who argued that surging imports of competitively priced Chinese H-beams were harming local industry.

Thailand’s domestic H-beam production is dominated by two major producers, including Siam Yamato Steel, with a combined annual capacity of approximately 1.6 million tons. However, during the investigation period, domestic demand accounted for only about 21.9% of this capacity, highlighting the competitive pressure local mills face.

China’s H-beam sector, by contrast, boasts a significant annual capacity of around 34 million tons, with production estimated near 24 million tons. With domestic consumption in China projected between 21–22 million tons, an estimated annual surplus of 2.41–2.51 million tons is seeking international markets, often at prices difficult for producers in importing countries to match.

This Thai ruling is part of a broader trend of trade remedies targeting Chinese steel. Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia, and South Africa have already implemented anti-dumping measures on similar hot-rolled H-beam products from China. The move reflects growing global efforts to protect domestic steel industries from imported products believed to be sold at unfairly low prices.

Data from early 2025 underscores the significance of the Chinese supply to Thailand’s market: between January and July, Thailand imported 57,032 tons of H-beam products from China, representing a substantial 90.5% of its total imports in this category. A public hearing regarding the final investigation results is scheduled for October 2, after which the DFT is expected to formalize the measures.