Egypt launches safeguard investigation into imports of hot-rolled steel

Egypt has initiated a safeguard investigation on hot rolled flat products (HRC and/or HRFS), which the country has notified the World Trade Organization.

The products under investigation fall under the Egyptian customs codes 7208.10, 7208.25, 7208.26, 7208.27, 7208.36, 7208.37, 7208.38, 7208.39, 7208.40, 7208.51, 7208.52, 7208.53, 7208.54, 7208.90, 7211.14, 7211.19, 7225.30, 7225.40, 7226.91 and 7226.99.

As noted, the investigation was launched on April 22 this year and was initiated after consideration of an application for safeguard measures filed by the Egyptian industry. The document states that the increase in imports of the relevant goods has caused serious damage to national producers who manufacture similar products.

The available data also indicate a sudden, recent, significant and sharp increase in imports. This has resulted in a significant decrease in sales, loss of market share, increased inventories and reduced profits for local producers.

The complaint was filed in January this year by Al-Ezz Dekheila Steel Company and Al-Ezz Flat Steel Production Company. The investigation covers data from 2021 to the first half of 2024 and may be extended to the second half of last year. Interested parties can submit comments within 30 days (from April 27).

In March of this year, South Korea initiated an investigation into allegations of dumped imports of hot rolled carbon and alloy steel (HRC) coils from Japan and China. The complaint was filed in December 2024 by Hyundai Steel, the country’s second largest steel producer.