METI Requires China Fair Stainless Pipe AD Investigation

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s director of steel division Koichi Shioda received an answer that Chinese authorities will conduct antidumping (AD) investigation on import of stainless steel seamless pipe based on the rules including World Trade Organization Agreement last week. Mr. Shioda said the import of the Japanese pipe does not injure Chinese Industry.

Mr. Shioda said officials of Chinese authorities that Chinese makers do not make the seamless pipe subjected to the investigation. The steel director of METI said Chinese users import the Japanese pipe to recognize the safety performance. He required the hearing for Chinese users based on WTO Agreement and removing Japanese products from subject of import limitation. Mr. Shioda indicated potential countermeasure based on WTO rules if Chinese authorities conduct incorrect investigation.

Chinese authorities started AD investigation on import of stainless steel pipe from Japan and European Union in September. The authorities will make affirmative determination in May. Japanese industry source said the Japanese pipe subjected to the investigation is ultra super critical power plant’s boiler material, which Chinese makers cannot make.