The EC is launching an investigation into imports of grain-oriented electrical steel

European manufacturers of these products are facing intense import pressure

The European Commission has launched a new investigation to assess whether protective measures are needed regarding imports of grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES). This is stated in a press release from the institution.

This product is used in electrical equipment, such as power transformers, and is therefore critical to the security of the bloc’s energy infrastructure.

According to the statement, EU-based GOES producers are facing intense import pressure from third countries, particularly China, especially against the backdrop of growing global overcapacity.

If the investigation confirms that the bloc’s industry is suffering serious harm due to increased imports of these products, the EC may propose protective measures—if deemed in the EU’s interest. The interests of end users—European transformer manufacturers—will also be carefully assessed.

The relevant protective measures will require the support of a qualified majority of EU member states. Provisional measures may be imposed within 4–5 months if the investigation confirms that the conditions for doing so are met. If provisional measures are imposed, definitive measures must be imposed within 200 days, but no later than 9–11 months from the start of the investigation.

Grain-oriented electrical steel is already subject to anti-dumping measures on imports from five producing countries (China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States)—specifically, special duties linked to a minimum import price per ton. However, as market prices have since risen above these levels, the current protection has become limited.

As a reminder, in December of last year, the Indian government imposed an anti-dumping duty on imports of Chinese cold-rolled non-oriented electrical steel (CRNO) in the amount of $223.82/ton; the protective measure will remain in effect for 5 years.