Trump steel tariffs prompt Thailand to fortify dumping defenses

Local producers fear global players will redirect 10m tons their way

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

 

BANGKOK -- U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on steel imports has spurred Thailand to prepare anti-dumping and other safeguards, in the latest sign of a chain reaction of protectionism. 

 

The proposed 25% levies have Thai steelmakers worried that globally competitive producers will redirect their exports from the U.S. to other markets, potentially bringing an influx of cheap steel into the Southeast Asian country.

 

Chen Namchaisiri, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the direct impact of Trump's new tariffs would be limited, since Thailand sends relatively little steel to the U.S. Thailand exported only 383,496 tons there last year, worth 10.5 billion baht ($335.47 million).

 

Full story: https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/Trump-steel-tariffs-prompt-Thailand-to-fortify-dumping-defenses

 

-- NIKKEI ASIAN REVIEW 2018-03-09

LOL funny when a countries steel exports wealth is probably worth less than the sex tourism business

7 hours ago, webfact said:

spurred Thailand to prepare anti-dumping

Which it did last year!

• "The government plans to increase the number of import products levied with anti-dumping (AD) duties from 11 to 15 products in 2017. Added to the list are new products and additional origins for existing steel products."
• "Thai steel producers should focus on improving product quality and expanding sales channels to avoid price competition as they will be fighting a losing battle against cheap imports despite protective measures from the government."

A little late worrying about dumping now:

• over 50% steel imports came from Japan and China
• 90% of Thai low-carbon wire rod imports are from China

Anti-dumping measures on steel import protecting domestic industry? (2 November 2016)

https://www.scbeic.com/en/detail/product/2876

 

7 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

LOL funny when a countries steel exports wealth is probably worth less than the sex tourism business

Considerably less I would think!

Unless Thailand is shipping steel products to the US as a front for another country, I can't see why they would have a problem.