Australia starts 3rd sunset review on HSS imports from China, Korea, Malaysia

Australia's Anti-Dumping Commission has initiated the third sunset review of anti-dumping (AD) and countervailing measures on hollow structural sections (HSS) from the Chinese mainland, South Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan, according to a notice issued by the Commission on August 3.

The review was triggered by applications filed by domestic producers Austube Mills Pty Ltd. and Orrcon Manufacturing Pty Ltd. The goods subject to the review fall under Australian tariff codes 7306.30.00.31 through 7306.30.00.37, 7306.50.00.45, 7306.61.00.21, 7306.61.00.22, 7306.61.00.25, 7306.61.00.90, 7306.69.00.10 and 7308.90.00.65. The review excludes goods imported from South Korea's Kukje Steel Co., Ltd. and Hi-Steel Co., Ltd.

The dumping investigation period runs from April 1 2025 to March 31 2026. The Commission expects to release its Statement of Essential Facts by November 23 2026 and submit its final report to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science by 5 January 2027.

Currently, most exporters of the subject goods from the Chinese mainland face a combined AD and countervailing duty rate of 48.3%, while certain exporters, such as Huludao City Steel Pipe Industrial Co., Ltd., are subject to a rate of 30.4%. Korean exporters (excluding Hi-Steel and Kukje) face a 13.8% duty rate; the penalty for Malaysian exporters stands at 20.8%; and that for Taiwanese exporters (other than three companies with minimum export price arrangements) at 23.5%.

These measures were first imposed in July 2012, following an investigation initiated in September 2011. They were subsequently extended after sunset reviews in June 2017 and July 2022 and the existing measures are set to expire on July 3 2027.

The applicants contend that dumped exports have persisted since the last extension, and that global overcapacity and trade restrictions in other markets could make Australia an attractive destination for diverted shipments should the measures expire, according to the notice. They also allege that Chinese producers continue to benefit from countervailable subsidies.

Having found reasonable grounds in the applications, the Commission has proceeded with the review. Interested parties are required to lodge submissions by September 9 2026.

Written by Tiffany Hou, houtianhui@mysteel.com

Edited by Alyssa Ren, rentingting@mysteel.com