Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of hot-dip galvanized steel from China and South Korea following an April 28 petition by domestic producers including Nippon Steel and Kobe Steel. The petitioners cite weaker domestic demand and pressure from cheaper imports as drivers for price undercutting. METI said the probe, conducted with the Ministry of Finance, will aim to conclude within a year and will determine whether anti-dumping duties are warranted. The product under review is widely used in construction and outdoor applications; imports from Hong Kong and Macau are excluded. The move follows Japan’s recent initiation (in July) of a separate anti-dumping investigation into nickel-based stainless cold-rolled steel sheets and strips from China and Taiwan. Tadashi Imai, chairman of the Japan Iron and Steel Federation and president of Nippon Steel, said the action aligns with WTO rules and is intended to counter unfair trade practices. He warned that rising global protectionism could expose Japan to further inflows of low-priced steel, threatening domestic manufacturing. No provisional duty rates were announced; next steps include data collection from exporters and Japanese buyers to assess dumping margins and injury. Timeline and scope may be adjusted depending on cooperation from foreign producers and importers. Any duties would apply prospectively if the probe confirms dumping and injury.