Thailand's FTI lobbies for action against Chinese steel imports

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), a private sector grouping representing the country's key industries, says Thailand's steel industry is in crisis due to the inflow of steel products from China and is pressing the Bangkok government to help solve the problem, according to the latest release from the Iron and steel institute of Thailand (ISIT) on March 5.

Tough competition from imported products saw Thailand's steel capacity utilization rate last year drop to 31%, and the trend is even worse this year, the release quotes FTI Chairman Kriengkrai Thiannukul as saying. "If government departments do not take timely action, then Thai steel mills will have to close down