Friction Brewing In Japano-Korean Steel Trade

摘要

Prudent Japanese Price Settlements Considered Necessary It looks as if friction is brewing in steel trade relations between Japan and South Korea. In the past, the issue of dumping only concerned Japan's exports of stainless bars to South Korea as both nations claimed to stand for free trade. At the time, the Japanese exports came under South Korea's imposition of a 15.39% antidumping duty after its injury determination. Of late, though, many cases have arisen of South Korea's sensitive reaction to Japan's export prices of steel products for shipments to South Korea. As a result, little wonder that trade disputes will break out anytime between the two nations, leading to South Korea's AD measures. As a result, if Japanese export prices for South Korea are lower than domestic prices there, it could develop into trade friction at once. For that reason, it appears Japanese steelmakers have entered an environment where they need to settle prices cautiously in negotiations on their steel exports to South Korea in the October-December quarter. Also, they are thought to have entered a minefield when it comes to export deals of items such as HR coils and heavy plates, products for which South Korean steelmakers have reinforced capacities at their works.