Do You Import Fabricated Structural Steel?

The Productivity Commission has launched a safeguard inquiry into fabricated structural steel products. The outcome could mean new duties on these goods — and free trade certificates won’t remove them.

What’s at stake?

If safeguards are imposed, additional tariffs will apply to structural steel sections (tariff headings 7308.10 and 7308.90) from any country and any supplier. These headings cover a broad range of items, including:

• Steel or iron structures and parts such as bridges, towers, roofs, doors, windows, balustrades, pillars, and columns
• Plates, rods, angles, shapes, sections, tubes, and similar items prepared for use in structures

Why now?

The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) has argued that rising imports are harming local industry. Their submission highlights:

• A 38.7% increase in FSS imports between 2020 and 2024
• Imports rising from 15% to 26% of domestic supply between 2020–21 and 2022–23
• Import prices sitting 50–70% below the global average from 2020 to 2023
• A 12% drop in Australian FSS production from 2023 to 2024

Safeguards are designed as temporary measures to address sudden import surges. If applied, they would initially run for four years, with the option to extend for another four.

What should importers do?

Submission paperwork is expected this month. You can subscribe for updates via the Productivity Commission website:

https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries-and-research/steel-safeguards/

Once submissions open, all interested parties can register and provide input. We strongly recommend reviewing your supply chain now to understand your exposure and consider preparing a submission.

For questions or support, contact our team at: marys@transitainerwa.com.au