The European Commission is poised to launch an anti-dumping investigation into hot-rolled coil (HRC) imports from Egypt, Japan, India, and Vietnam, potentially introducing retroactive duties. The investigation, prompted by the European Steel Association (EUROFER), seeks to register imports and implement retroactive duties, a rare move in EU steel trade.

Retroactive duties are typically applied 90 days before provisional measures, contingent upon import registration. If the investigation starts on August 8, provisional duties may follow eight months later, with retroactive duties effective from January 2025.

Europe’s HRC trade slowed due to seasonal demand drops, with service centers preferring to manage inventories instead of replenishing them. In addition, an investigation could significantly impact Vietnam’s steel sector, reducing export market share and increasing domestic competition.