Australia has formally launched a safeguard investigation into imports of fabricated structural steel (FSS), according to a notification submitted to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The investigation excludes imports from New Zealand and Singapore, in line with Australia’s existing free trade agreements. An interim report will be issued within eight months, while the final report is due within 10 months from the date of initiation.
The investigation follows an application from Australia’s domestic industry, which presented evidence showing that FSS imports increased by 38.7% to 539,649 metric tons between 2020 and 2024. The surge is attributed to global steel overcapacity and trade defense measures imposed by third countries.
During the same period, Australian FSS production fell by 12%, declining from 744,000 mt in 2023 to 659,000 mt in 2024, raising concerns about serious injury or threat of injury to domestic producers.
The products under investigation fall under Australian Customs Tariff codes 7308.10 and 7308.90.
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