Joint media release with the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, and the Assistant Minister for Science, the Hon Karen Andrews MP

In a major win for local steel makers the Australian Government will today implement anti-circumvention measures against foreign steel importers who have been avoiding anti-dumping duties by slightly modifying their products.

Making the announcement today of duties payable in excess of $4 million, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne said the decisions would prevent certain steel exporters in China, Taiwan and Malaysia making minor changes to their products to circumvent existing anti-dumping measures.

“Australian steelmakers need to be able to benefit from free and fair trade,” Mr Pyne said.

“When foreign suppliers try to get around Australian anti-dumping duties, in this case by substituting selected steel products with alloyed for unalloyed steel, this Government is committed to action.

“We are a world leader in fighting the avoidance, or circumvention, of anti-dumping measures.

“The Australian Government will continue to work to give Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commissioner the power and capabilities he needs to ensure that local producers are not injured by unfair competition.”

Assistant Minister for Science Karen Andrews was proud to be part of Australia’s effective and equitable anti-dumping process.

“Our system is fair and transparent in providing support for Australian manufacturers.”

Across the two types of goods, the duties for alloyed galvanised steel will range from 2.6 per cent to 62.9 per cent and for alloyed hollow structural sections from 3 per cent to 57.1 per cent.

Information on the decisions can be found at http://www.adcommission.gov.au