MITI says it has taken steps to address CRC issues
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry ( MITI) has taken steps to address issues faced by local cold rolled coil (CRC) producers, including facilitating discussions between them, the galvanisers and coaters.
In a statement yesterday, MITI said during the meeting, the end- users had given their commitment to supporting local producers by buying more local CRC.
“However, the final decision on the purchase of any product is a business decision where the government cannot intervene,” it said in response to a local newspaper article.
In the article, local CRC industry players alleged that measures to protect the industry, such as the imposition of import duties to stop the surge in CRC imports and the dumping of cheap steel, had yet to be implemented.
Meanwhile, MITI said trade remedies were there to defend the interest of the domestic industry from unfair trade practices, based on existing laws and regulations.
“In this regard, the government may initiate an investigation or a review to determine the existence, degree and effect of any alleged dumping upon the submission of a written petition by the domestic industry producing the like product,” it said.
Since 2006, MITI said Malaysia has initiated seven anti- dumping investigations on iron and steel products, namely steel wire rod, tin plate, hot rolled coils, cold rolled coils, pre- painted colour coated steel coils, cold rolled stainless steel and galvanised iron, and six of the measures were still in force.
“The government recognises that the industry is facing various challenges over the years to remain competitive and relevant, due to factors such as an influx of imports, overcapacity and import substitutions.
“MITI will continue to monitor current development and undertake necessary actions in accordance with the national laws and legislations, including responding to any dumping activities carried out by companies in countries impacted by the recent increase in the United States and European Union tariffs on steel products,” MITI said. — Bernama