Japan Launches Anti-Dumping Investigation on Nickel-Based Stainless Steel from China and Taiwan

Japan has officially launched an anti-dumping investigation into nickel-based stainless cold-rolled steel sheets and strips imported from China and Taiwan, according to announcements from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Finance.

The investigation follows a petition filed on May 12 by Nippon Steel and other major Japanese stainless steel producers, including Japan Metal, NAS Stainless Strip, and Japan Yakin Kogyo. Domestic manufacturers claim that they have been forced to lower prices as local buyers shifted to cheaper imported stainless steel, leading to reduced operating profits and market damage.
 

Concerns Over Low-Priced Stainless Steel Imports

According to the application submitted by the steelmakers, imported products were being sold in Japan at prices 20% to 50% lower than those in China and 3% to 20% lower than those in Taiwan. These aggressive pricing strategies have pressured Japanese producers, who are already facing weakening domestic demand and rising production costs.

Cold-rolled stainless steel sheets and strips are widely used in construction materials, industrial machinery, and household appliances due to their corrosion resistance and durability. The surge of low-cost imports has raised alarm for local mills struggling to maintain profitability.
 

Global Steel Oversupply and Japan’s Position

The investigation highlights a broader global stainless steel oversupply issue, especially from Chinese steelmakers, who have been criticized internationally for overproduction and government subsidies. These subsidies allow Chinese companies to export steel at prices that undermine global market stability.

While Europe and the United States have already imposed anti-dumping or safeguard measures against Chinese steel, Japan has previously taken a cautious approach. Industry leaders, including Tadashi Imai, chairman of the Japan Iron and Steel Federation and president of Nippon Steel, have repeatedly warned that the rise of global protectionism could leave Japan vulnerable to cheap imports, harming domestic production and employment.

The anti-dumping investigation is expected to last up to one year, after which Japanese authorities will decide whether to impose anti-dumping duties on imports from China and Taiwan.
 

What This Means for the Global Stainless Steel Market

If Japan enforces anti-dumping duties, it may shift regional trade flows and affect nickel-based stainless steel prices globally. Buyers relying on imports from China and Taiwan may face higher procurement costs, while suppliers from other compliant origins could see increased opportunities.

At YES Stainless International, we provide high-quality, ASTM- and JIS-compliant stainless steel products with reliable origin options from Vietnam, Taiwan and China, helping clients navigate changing trade policies while maintaining supply chain stability.

📩 Contact YES Stainless International today for updated market insights and secure, compliant stainless steel supply for your projects.