EU might increase HR duties for Bulgaria & South Africa

EU might increase HR duties for Bulgaria & South Africa

According to some latest press reports, as a result of the investigations initiated in the year 2001 with the purpose of reviewing the price undertakings given by South Africa and Bulgaria in 2000, the EU Commission is now recommending to increase the anti-dumping duty rates on hot rolled flat steel products from these two countries. It was originally decided that anti-dumping duties of 7.5% for Bulgaria and 5.2% for Iscor of South Africa to apply. The European producers later on claimed that these duties needed to be taken up to 24% and 35% respectively. However, SteelOrbis understands that the above mentioned rates are Eurofer's wish list. Currently Iscor Group is under review but the outcome is expected to be only a small increase. Furthermore, South African Highveld's floor price agreement is also under review and according to comments this agreement might possibly be modified or nullified, SteelOrbis has been told. The Commission will only announce its findings in the following few days and a final decision is not expected sooner than February 2003.