Chinese exports of cold rolled steel sheet to Mexico more than tripled in the first half of the year as a result of "illegal" trade practices, according to Mexico's National Chamber of Iron and Steel Industry (CANACERO).
The chamber accused China of employing a "catalog" of illegal practices in its steel exports, including falsification of product characteristics and tariff codes and irregularities in invoicing.
Steel products are also subsidized in China, CANACERO added, and imported at artificially low prices.
As a result, imports of cold rolled steel sheet from the country increased from 7,199 mt in the first half of 2012 to 26,384 mt in the first half of 2013, an increase of 267 percent, the chamber said.
Unfair trade practices in steel imports from China and other countries are a key concern to the industry and could impact planned investments totaling US$11.5 billion in the coming four years, in addition to a US$4 billion investment in the supply chain, CANACERO added.
The issue will be a key topic at CANACERO's Third Steel Industry Congress to be held in Mexico City September 10-12.
The congress will be organized by CANACERO and inaugurated by the Minister of Economy, Ildefonso Guajardo, plus it will feature the steel industry executives and international experts.