South Korea Imposes Up to 8.41% Anti-Dumping Duties on Thai Copper Tubes

The South Korean government will impose anti-dumping duties of up to 8.41% on seamless copper tubes imported from Thailand.

The Trade Commission of the Ministry of Trade announced on June 18 that during its 474th meeting, it concluded that the low-priced imports of these products have caused substantial harm to the domestic industry.

Seamless copper tubes are essential materials widely used in various applications, including air conditioners, refrigerators, industrial heat exchangers, and HVAC systems. Industry representatives emphasize the importance of creating a fair competitive environment, given the product's broad application across domestic manufacturing.

Consequently, the Trade Commission recommended that the Minister of Economy and Finance impose a 4.93% anti-dumping duty on Hong Kong-based Hoi Leung Metal Company and its affiliates, while a duty of 8.41% will be applied to Fine Metal Technologies and its affiliates. Other Thai exporters will face a duty rate of 4.93%.

Earlier this year, the Trade Commission acknowledged the existence of dumping and potential harm to the industry during a preliminary investigation in January. As a result, provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 3.64% to 8.41% have been in effect since March on Thai seamless copper tubes.

This investigation was initiated in September of last year at the request of domestic manufacturers Neungwon Metal Industry and LS Metal. The Trade Commission determined that the increase in imports of Thai seamless copper tubes has led to a decline in market share and profitability for domestic companies, resulting in significant harm.