Japan steel groups seek reforms to stop tariff evasion as China exports surge

TOKYO, Aug 18 (Reuters): Japanese steel lobby groups said on Monday they have requested the early introduction of measures to prevent the evasion of anti-dumping tariffs aimed at protecting domestic industries from unfair imports.
The move comes as record steel exports from China, the world's largest producer, have sparked a protectionist backlash globally, with almost 40 countries starting anti-dumping investigations since January last year.
The Japan Iron and Steel Federation and four other industry groups said swift action is needed as countries such as China attempt to avoid anti-dumping tariffs by routing exports through third countries or conducting minimal processing to evade duties.
Japan has recently launched an anti-dumping investigation into hot-dip galvanized steel from China and South Korea, following a similar probe, kicked in July, into nickel-based stainless cold-rolled steel sheets and strips imported from China and Taiwan. Even if anti-dumping measures are imposed, without steps to prevent circumvention, "their effectiveness will be significantly undermined," Takanari Yamashita, managing director of the steel federation, told reporters.