KARACHI: The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has extended the existing 40.47% anti-dumping duty on Chinese galvanised steel to imports of Galvalume steel coils and sheets, following an investigation that found exporters were circumventing trade restrictions by modifying product coatings.
According to an official notification, the duty will apply to Galvalume steel originating in or exported from China under Pakistan Customs Tariff headings 7210.6110, 7210.6190, 7210.6910 and 7210.6990.
The measure, imposed under Section 63 of the Anti-Dumping Duties Act, 2015, will remain effective for the same period as the existing anti-dumping duty on galvanised steel coils and sheets.
The decision follows an anti-circumvention investigation initiated on August 24, 2024, following a complaint by domestic steel manufacturers International Steels Limited and Aisha Steel Mills Limited.
The companies alleged that Chinese exporters were shifting from zinc-coated galvanised steel to aluminium-zinc coated Galvalume products to avoid existing anti-dumping duties, resulting in increased imports and continued injury to domestic manufacturers.
In its final determination issued on June 27, 2025, the NTC concluded that Galvalume steel shared the essential characteristics of galvanised steel and competed directly with the domestic product.
The Commission found that changes in import patterns following the imposition of anti-dumping duties indicated circumvention through slight product modifications, without sufficient economic justification other than avoiding the existing duties.
Galvanised steel imports from China have been subject to anti-dumping duties ranging from 6.09% to 40.47% since February 8, 2017. The measures were extended for another five years from February 8, 2022, following a sunset review.
The NTC said Chinese exporters and producers did not cooperate with its investigation despite being issued questionnaires. The Commission relied on information from domestic producers, Pakistani importers and official import databases.
The extended 40.47% duty will be collected in addition to other applicable import taxes and customs duties.
Imports originating in or exported from countries other than China will not be subject to the measure.
Exemptions will also apply to eligible imports used as inputs for goods destined exclusively for export or for qualifying foreign grant-in-aid projects, subject to the relevant customs exemption schemes.
