VINACHEM

Steel, furniture, and electronics from Vietnam are increasingly targeted in global trade defense measures due to rapid export growth.
The European Commission (EC) has launched an anti-dumping investigation into cold-rolled steel coil imports from Vietnam. Several other Vietnamese export products are also under scrutiny for possible trade defense actions.

According to the Trade Remedies Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the EC has issued a formal notice initiating an anti-dumping investigation on cold-rolled steel coil products imported into the European Union (EU) from India, Japan, Taiwan, Turkey, and Vietnam.

The case stems from a request by the European Steel Association (EUROFER), aiming to protect the EU steel industry from the influx of low-priced steel products from abroad.

The subject of the investigation is cold-rolled steel coil, excluding stainless steel, coated steel, and color-coated steel.

The anti-dumping investigation period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, while the injury review period spans from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025.

The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months from the date of initiation and may be extended by up to 14 months.

In its notice, the EC outlined the allegations of dumping, injury, causation, pricing manipulation of raw materials, as well as investigation procedures and the rights and obligations of the involved parties. Businesses must use the EC’s TRON electronic system to submit and receive documents within the designated deadlines.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, this development could significantly affect Vietnam’s steel export activities. The Trade Remedies Authority has urged the Vietnam Steel Association and steel manufacturers and exporters to thoroughly examine the case, fully cooperate with the EC, and submit all required information properly and punctually. The Authority has pledged to support affected companies throughout the investigation process.

The Trade Remedies Authority also warned that multiple markets are intensifying the application of trade defense measures. Many Vietnamese products are now at risk of being investigated or subject to trade defense and anti-circumvention actions.

For instance, Vietnamese wood products, plywood, sofas, and bedroom furniture have seen rapid growth in exports, with market shares surpassing competitors. This surge has triggered trade complaints from the United States, which claims Vietnamese imports harm domestic producers.

The Authority has advised Vietnamese firms to avoid using major components manufactured in China for products intended for export to the U.S., to prevent accusations of circumvention.

In Australia, imports of hot-rolled structural steel from Vietnam have soared over 400%, now accounting for 24.4% of total imports — a substantial figure. Hollow structural steel products have also seen sharp increases, raising the likelihood of future protective actions from the Australian market.

Other industrial and manufacturing materials from Vietnam are also on watch lists. Exports of float glass to the U.S. have surged nearly 40 times, while in India, they represent 26% of market share. High-tenacity polyester yarn now makes up one-third of EU imports. In Indonesia, Vietnamese crushed glass holds over half the market.

In the broader manufacturing sector, Vietnamese exports of large-capacity washing machines, truck and bus tires, and electric bicycles to the U.S. have grown rapidly. Notably, tire exports to the EU reached USD 155 million, making up 17.2% of market share — a high enough figure to trigger an EU investigation.