Japan has made a preliminary decision to impose anti-dumping duties on stainless steel imports from China and Taiwan.

The Ministry of Finance of Japan and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan have made a preliminary decision to impose anti-dumping duties on imports of coils, sheets and strips of cold-rolled stainless steel with added nickel from China and Taiwan following an investigation launched on July 22, 2025.

The investigation was initiated based on an application filed on May 12, 2025 by Nippon Steel Corporation, Nippon Yakin Kogyo. Co., Ltd., Stainless Steel Strip NAS MFG. Co., Ltd. and Nippon Kinzoku Co., Ltd. The Japanese authorities have previously established that these products were imported at dumping prices and caused material damage to the domestic industry.

According to Japanese Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa, duties could be imposed as early as next month, with rates up to about 45 percent for Chinese products and up to about 21 percent for Taiwanese products.

According to the Japan Federation of Ferrous Metallurgy, China accounts for about 20 percent of Japan's steel imports, while Taiwan accounts for 17 percent. South Korea remains the largest supplier of steel to Japan with a share of about 62 percent.