Türkiye has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty of 3.95% on cold-rolled stainless steel flat products imported from China, effective 27 December 2025.
The measure, announced by the Ministry of Trade following a detailed investigation, will remain in force for five years and will be enforced by customs authorities across the country.
The decision follows findings that imports from China were entering the Turkish market at dumped prices, causing material injury to domestic stainless steel producers. In contrast, imports from Indonesia have been excluded from the measure, as authorities concluded that Indonesian shipments did not involve dumping and posed no significant injury risk.
Scope of the Measure
The anti-dumping duty applies to cold-rolled stainless steel flat products, covering multiple HS codes under Chapters 72, including commonly traded grades used in:
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White goods and appliances
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Automotive components
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Industrial fabrication
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Kitchenware and consumer applications
The duty will be levied as a fixed percentage on the CIF value, in addition to existing customs tariffs.
Investigation Findings: China vs Indonesia
The trade ministry’s investigation assessed import volumes, pricing trends, and their impact on Türkiye’s domestic stainless steel industry over the reference period.
Key conclusions:
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Chinese imports were found to be priced below fair market value, exerting sustained pressure on domestic prices and profitability.
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Material injury was established, particularly in terms of margin erosion and loss of market share for Turkish producers.
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Indonesian imports, while present in the market, showed no evidence of dumping and did not materially harm domestic manufacturers, leading to a clean outcome for Indonesian exporters.
Industry Context
Türkiye has been actively recalibrating its trade defence framework amid rising global overcapacity, especially from Asia. Stainless steel remains a strategically sensitive segment, given its downstream linkages with consumer durables, construction, and export-oriented manufacturing.
While the 3.95% duty is moderate compared to anti-dumping measures seen in other markets, it sends a clear signal of policy intent to curb unfair trade without fully restricting supply.
Metalsbuy Outlook
The imposition of a fixed anti-dumping duty is expected to reshape short-term sourcing dynamics in Türkiye’s stainless steel market.
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Chinese suppliers may see reduced price competitiveness, particularly in commoditised grades where margins are already thin.
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Domestic producers are likely to gain modest pricing support and improved utilisation, though the duty alone may not be sufficient to fully offset global price pressure.
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Alternative origins, including Indonesia and select European suppliers, could see incremental demand as importers rebalance procurement strategies.
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Downstream sectors may face limited cost pass-through, given the relatively low duty rate, but margins could tighten in highly price-sensitive applications.
Overall, the measure appears protective rather than restrictive, aimed at restoring fair competition rather than curbing imports outright.
Market Sentiment
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Domestic stainless steel producers: Cautiously positive, viewing the duty as a necessary step to stabilise pricing and counter persistent import pressure.
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Importers and traders: Neutral to watchful, with expectations of limited immediate disruption but increased scrutiny on sourcing decisions.
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Downstream consumers: Measured concern, particularly among appliance and fabrication players sensitive to input cost volatility.
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Exporters from China: Defensive sentiment, as Türkiye joins a growing list of markets tightening trade remedies against Chinese stainless steel.
Metalsbuy Take
Türkiye’s decision underscores a broader global trend of selective trade protection in stainless steel, balancing domestic industry support with supply continuity. The absence of action against Indonesia highlights a data-driven approach, reinforcing the credibility of the investigation.
For market participants, the focus now shifts to price behaviour, origin diversification, and potential review proceedings over the medium term.