Malaysia’s government has imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of flat-rolled steel products and tinplate from several Asian countries, following a nine-month investigation. The move is aimed at protecting the domestic steel industry from what it deems as unfair competition due to cheap imports.​

The investigation, which began in response to a complaint by local steel producers, found that certain flat-rolled steel products and tinplate from these countries were being sold in Malaysia at prices significantly lower than their normal value.

The imposition of these duties is expected to have several implications. For domestic steel manufacturers in Malaysia, it may provide a reprieve and a more level playing field, potentially leading to increased production and employment in the sector. However, for industries that rely heavily on these imported steel products, such as the packaging and construction industries, the cost of raw materials is likely to rise. This could, in turn, lead to higher prices for end products and may impact the competitiveness of these downstream industries.

The Malaysian government stated that the anti-dumping measures are in line with international trade rules and are necessary to safeguard the interests of the local steel industry. The decision also reflects Malaysia's commitment to ensuring fair trade practices within its borders. As the situation unfolds, it will be closely watched by both the domestic and international business communities, with potential implications for trade relations between Malaysia and the affected countries.