Vietnam’s wide HRC imports rise after duties imposed on narrower Chinese steel

The tariffs, set at 23.1-27.8 percent and effective on February 21, target steel sheets up to 1,880 mm wide but exclude wider products.

As a result, imports of HRC coils between 1,880 mm and 2,100 mm have surged, reaching nearly 832,000 tonnes in January–July — 18 times higher than the same period last year.

Total HRC imports reached 642,000 tonnes in July alone, with 63 percent originating from China.

Wide-width imports accounted for more than 40 percent of the Chinese shipments.

Industry sources say firms are importing wider coils to bypass tariffs and using slitting machines to cut them to size.

While this adds labor and waste, lower prices make it an attractive option.

Experts warn the surge threatens local producers, distorts domestic markets, and risks violating origin rules demanded by export markets like the U.S. and EU.

The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam are investigating possible tariff circumvention and have asked importers for detailed data.

Customs has increased inspections and enforcement to curb fraud.

The government says it is ready to impose stricter measures if evidence of evasion is confirmed.