There are concerns about protectionism in the US metallurgy

The Chinese Department of Commerce has expressed deep concern over protectionism in the US iron and steel sector. According to a statement posted on the website, the ministry notes that the US steel sector is in a state of "overprotective", which has made the US sector uncompetitive. The ministry also called on the US to ensure strict adherence to WTO rules.

Earlier, the United States imposed increased duties on imports of hot-rolled flat products from Russia. But domestic producers claim that the decline in exports is covered by sales through metal warehouses on the Russian market, where the demand for sheet metal, rebar, channel corner and other steel products.

The United States has recently imposed punitive import duties up to 450% on corrosion-resistant steel from countries such as China, India, Italy, Korea and Taiwan. Statistics released by the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) indicate that the country's total consumption of corrosion-resistant steel products was $ 17.1 billion last year, bringing imports to more than a fifth.

The country previously imposed tariffs on imports of cold rolled steel from China and Japan. Imports from China received duties of 522%, while imports from Japan were imposed 71.35% anti-dumping duties. In addition to the United States, the European Union and India have also adopted anti-dumping duties on steel products imported from China.

Various steelmakers, including US Steel, have welcomed the decision to impose a duty on imports, saying the move should be seen as encouraging in the direction of raising the level of the game. Meanwhile, China said the trade actions violated the principles and rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and created inappropriate barriers to steel trade. He argued that the lack of competitiveness in the US steel industry is the result of overprotective measures.

Steel mills in China have boosted production despite government efforts to cut overcapacity and restrict exports. China's steel exports in the first five months of this year totaled 46.3 million tonnes, up 6% from 43.5 million tonnes in the corresponding five months of last year. Exports to the United States accounted for only 0.6% of the country's total exports. Data from Chinese customs indicate that South Korea and Vietnam were the main importers of Chinese steel.

According to the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission, the country is on track to achieve a capacity reduction of 45 million tonnes by 2016. Earlier in February this year, the country announced its decision to close 100-150 million tonnes of steel capacity in tonnes.