The Commerce Ministry approved on Wednesday a review of the extension of an anti-dumping duty on metal sheets imported from Vietnam.

Speaking after chairing a meeting of the anti-dumping and countervailing duties committee on Wednesday, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said the body agreed to start an investigation and open hearings from related agencies and stakeholders on the duty.

Thailand has imposed anti-dumping tariffs for five years on pre-painted and painted galvanised steel or metal sheets imported from Vietnam, which are widely used to make roofs and electrical appliances. These tariffs have been in effect from March 25, 2017, to March 24, 2022.

He said the committee believes dumping might restart if the anti-dumping measures on imported metal sheets from Vietnam end, damaging local industry.

Investigations including hearings will take about one year, according to Mr Jurin.

The probe will take into account the impact that may occur to users of pre-painted galvanised steel, as well as all stakeholders including consumers, he said. Thailand has imposed anti-dumping tariffs on pre-painted galvanised steel at 6.2-40% and on painted galvanised steel at 4.3-60.26%.

Thailand imported a total of 28,000 tonnes of metal sheets in 2020, up from 8,700 tonnes in 2019. The higher imports were attributed to Thailand failing to import such steel from China because of the Covid-19 outbreaks. Thailand's total demand for metal sheets was 588,000 tonnes and imports tallied 416,000 tonnes in 2020.

Source: Bangkok Post