Vietnam has officially imposed final anti-dumping duties of up to 27.83% on specific hot-rolled steel products imported from China, marking the conclusion of a year-long investigation into market-distorting trade practices. The new tariffs, enacted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on July 6, will remain effective for five years and aim to safeguard the domestic steel industry from unfair pricing competition.

The action follows complaints from local producers about significant losses caused by a surge of low-priced Chinese imports. Provisional duties were first introduced in March 2025, but permanent measures were deemed necessary after evidence confirmed dumping practices. Major Chinese producers such as Baoshan Iron & Steel and Maanshan Iron & Steel will face the maximum rate, while Guangxi Liuzhou Iron & Steel Group will be subject to 23.1%, up from an earlier 19.38%.

With nearly 72% of Vietnam’s 8.8 million tons of hot-rolled steel imports between January and September 2024 originating from China, the impact of this move is expected to be substantial. Officials state that the tariffs are intended to restore market equilibrium and provide Vietnamese producers with breathing room to strengthen operations amid global economic uncertainty. Monitoring will continue to ensure enforcement and effectiveness.