15 Chinese Steel Tariff Codes Under Fire as Brazil Extends Antidumping Probe to 18 Months

On April 3, 2025, Brazil’s Foreign Trade Secretariat under the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services released Preliminary Determination No. 23/2025, confirming preliminary evidence of dumping concerning galvanized and aluminized flat steel products originating from China. Despite the positive findings, no provisional duties will be imposed for now, as Brazilian authorities aim to further verify data and evaluate the impact of China’s export rebate policies.

The investigation, which began on September 2, 2024, was triggered by a petition from major Brazilian steelmakers including ArcelorMittal S.A., Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional, and Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais S.A.. The dumping probe covers the period from January to December 2023, while injury analysis spans a longer period from January 2019 to December 2023.

This case involves 15 tariff codes under the Mercosur system, including 7210.30.10, 7212.20.90, 7225.99.90, and others that cover a wide range of coated steel coils and sheets.

Authorities have decided to extend the deadline for a final ruling to 18 months from the date of initiation, reflecting the complexity of the case and the significance of China-Brazil steel trade relations. The outcome may heavily influence future steel import conditions and bilateral economic dynamics between the two countries.