Steel Duty: Pakistan Extends 40.47% Anti-Dumping Tariff to Chinese Galvalume Imports

Steel Duty on Chinese galvanised steel has been extended to imports of Galvalume steel coils and sheets, with Pakistan’s National Tariff Commission (NTC) imposing the existing 40.47% anti-dumping rate following an investigation into alleged circumvention of trade restrictions.

According to an official notification, the duty will apply to Galvalume steel originating in or exported from China under Pakistan Customs Tariff headings 7210.6110, 7210.6190, 7210.6910 and 7210.6990.

The measure, imposed under Section 63 of the Anti-Dumping Duties Act, 2015, will remain effective for the same period as the existing anti-dumping duty on galvanised steel coils and sheets.

The decision follows an anti-circumvention investigation launched on August 24, 2024, after domestic steel manufacturers International Steels Limited and Aisha Steel Mills Limited filed a complaint.

The companies alleged that Chinese exporters were shifting from zinc-coated galvanised steel to aluminium-zinc-coated Galvalume products to avoid existing anti-dumping duties. They argued that the change had contributed to increased imports and continued injury to domestic manufacturers.

In its final determination issued on June 27, 2025, the NTC concluded that Galvalume steel shared the essential characteristics of galvanised steel and competed directly with the domestic product.

The Commission found that changes in import patterns following the imposition of anti-dumping duties indicated circumvention through minor product modifications. It determined that there was no sufficient economic justification for the changes other than avoiding the existing duties.

Galvanised steel imports from China have been subject to anti-dumping duties ranging from 6.09% to 40.47% since February 8, 2017. Following a sunset review, the measures were extended for another five years from February 8, 2022.

The NTC said Chinese exporters and producers did not cooperate with the investigation despite receiving questionnaires. Consequently, the Commission relied on information provided by domestic manufacturers and Pakistani importers, along with official import databases.

The extended 40.47% duty will be collected in addition to other applicable import taxes and customs duties.

However, imports originating in or exported from countries other than China will remain outside the scope of the measure.

Exemptions will also be available for eligible imports used as inputs in goods destined exclusively for export, as well as qualifying foreign grant-in-aid projects, subject to the relevant customs exemption schemes.