The Australian government has imposed tariffs on some Chinese steel products. Ceiling frames imports of China will now incur a 10% tariff in an effort to protect Australian steel fabricators.
It follows an inquiry by the Anti-Dumping Commission that concluded that Australian manufacturers are being unfairly undercut by Chinese products receiving government subsidies. The flood of cheap structural steel imports has made smaller businesses uncompetitive.
The Chinese construction sector has been slowing downcausing an oversupply of steel products and increasing shipments to overseas markets.
The Australian government says it’s standing up for Australian businesses, manufacturers and workers as well as fostering free and fair trade. The new tariff adds to temporary tariffs of between 35% and 113% imposed on steel products last December. The tariffs risk retaliatory moves from China.
