Imports of seamless stainless steel tube from China and Japan continue to surge into the United States market at a rapid pace, according to a report from the Stainless Steel Tube Trade Advancement Committee (SSTTAC) released Tuesday.
“Imports from China and Japan in 2014 increased by nearly 1800 tons, accounting for all of the growth in imports last year, based on official US government trade data,” said David A. Hartquist, counsel to the SSTTAC and a partner in the law firm Kelley Drye & Warren, Washington, DC.
“Data through February 2015 is also startling. Exports from the two countries into the US increased by 67 percent over February 2014. The two countries’ share of total imports increased from 50 percent in February 2014 to 58 percent in February 2015. The Asian producers are edging out imports from other foreign producers, and are entering the US at prices well below those of US producers. In the meantime, the European Union has an antidumping order in place against China, with duties ranging up to 72 percent. This causes Chinese producers to favor exporting to the US The SSTTAC continues its active monitoring of such imports and will consider what further actions should be taken,” Hartquist said.