Surge in wide HRC steel imports from China alarms Vietnamese steel industry

Imports of wide hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel from China have climbed in the first months of the year, alarming a reduction of the efficacy of Vietnam’s anti-dumping efforts.

Imports of wide HRC steel from China soared to 181,000 tonnes in May, 25 times higher than the same month last year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

HRC steel with a width of 2,000mm reached 430,000 tonnes, accounting for 86.7 percent of the total HRC imports in the first five months of 2025 and 12 times higher than the same period last year.

These imports largely include Q235B, Q355B, SAE 1006, SS400, and A36, typically used in the production of coated steel, steel pipes, and construction structures.

In May, the average import price for these wide HRC products was US$534 per tonne, down six percent year on year.

According to industry insiders, this highlights a paradox: prices are falling, yet import volumes are soaring despite the domestic steel market still facing the pressure of anti-dumping tariffs.

The sudden influx of wide HRC steel from China has sparked concerns over potential tax evasion tactics and unfair competition.

On February 21, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade officially imposed temporary anti-dumping duties on certain HRC products from China and India, but only for coils with a width not exceeding 1,880mm.

Following this decision, a sharp shift was observed in the market, with importers switching to HRC products between 1,900mm and 2,000mm wide.

According to the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, there has been a recent surge in imports of wide HRC steel from China.

These products are not subject to anti-dumping duties outlined in a decision issued in February.

Pursuant to Vietnam’s regulations, intentionally modifying product specifications to circumvent trade defense measures is considered a legal violation.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has since issued a formal request to the General Department of Vietnam Customs to enhance monitoring and thoroughly inspect imports of HRC steel with widths exceeding 1,880mm, so as to prevent false declarations or loophole exploitation.

Experts warn that if immediate action is not taken, the trend of importing wide HRC steel from China could expand to even larger widths beyond 2,000mm, further undermining the effectiveness of Vietnam’s anti-dumping policies aimed at protecting domestic production.

Thanh Ha - Cong Trung / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/06/26-18:09)