POSCO has submitted a rebuttal to the Japanese government, which has decided to impose preliminary anti-dumping tariffs of 20% to 30% on Korean steel products. According to industry sources, POSCO filed the rebuttal with Japan's Ministry of Finance on August 7, arguing that the tariffs on Korean hot-dip galvanized steel and plates are excessive.
Galvanized steel plates account for about 25% of South Korea's steel exports to Japan. With exports to Japan decreasing to 359,000 tons in the first half of this year, the imposition of these preliminary tariffs is expected to further dampen trade.
POSCO reportedly included data from its previous responses, on-site inspections, and references to the World Trade Organization (WTO) anti-dumping agreement and case law in its submission.
On July 24, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced preliminary anti-dumping rulings against Korean galvanized steel plates, imposing tariffs ranging from 32.49% to 42.69% on companies including POSCO, KG Steel, Dongkuk Steel Mill, and SeAH Steel. The rationale was that Korean and Chinese hot-dip galvanized steel and plates were being sold at unfairly low prices, harming Japan's domestic industry.
The Japanese government determined that the dumping margin for Korean products ranges from 32.49% to 42.69%, leading to the decision to impose preliminary anti-dumping tariffs. POSCO faces a tariff of 29.2%, while KG Steel and other companies face rates as high as 38%.
This measure is in effect from August 8 until December 7, after which a final decision will be made. A POSCO official stated, "We submitted detailed clarifications based on factual evidence and the WTO anti-dumping agreement, and we hope the margin rates will be adjusted accordingly."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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