The UAE’s antidumping investigation into heavy sections from China, which SteelOrbis reported in October last year, has now moved to a more advanced stage, with the relevant UAE ministry’s preliminary findings pointing to dumping, injury to the domestic industry and a causal link between the two. The latest development has brought the possibility of provisional antidumping duties more clearly onto the market’s agenda, although the case has not yet reached a final decision.
The investigation was initially launched following a complaint by Emirates Steel Industries, which was recognized as the sole UAE producer of the product concerned. At that stage, the complaint focused on claims that Chinese exporters were selling heavy sections in the UAE at dumped prices and causing injury to the domestic industry. The preliminary findings dated June 25, 2026, now indicate that these concerns have gained further support in the investigation process.
According to the preliminary report, Chinese heavy section imports reached 177,800 mt during the investigation period, accounting for 49.6 percent of total UAE imports of the product concerned. The report also refers to a sharp increase in import volumes compared to 2021, a preliminary price gap of 21 percent and signs of price suppression in the local market.
Following the preliminary findings, EMSTEEL Group is expected to ask the ministry to proceed with trade remedy measures, including possible provisional antidumping duties. Market participants are therefore expected to monitor the next steps closely, as any provisional measure could affect new Chinese heavy section bookings and lead buyers to reassess import risks in the UAE market.
