Japan to impose anti-dumping duties of up to 20.1% on Taiwan stainless steel
Yieh United and some other suppliers face a 3.6% tariff, while Walsin Lihwa and other companies will be subject to 20.1%; Taiwan's exports of the products to Japan totaled about US$120 million in 2024.
Japan will impose anti-dumping duties on stainless steel products from Taiwan for five years starting Oct. 31, with some Taiwan suppliers saying they will assess possible avenues for appeal. The measure could affect Taiwan's steel exports to Japan and the competitive strategies of the related supply chain.
According to a Central News Agency report, the Japanese government has decided to impose anti-dumping duties on nickel-based stainless steel cold-rolled coils and sheets made in Taiwan and China. The duties will apply from Oct. 31, 2026, through Oct. 30, 2031. Rates for Taiwan suppliers vary by company and the results of the investigation: Yieh United Steel and some companies that cooperated with the investigation but were not sampled will face a 3.6% duty, while Walsin Lihwa and other suppliers will face 20.1%. The rates for the Chinese products range from 27.7% to 42.1%.
The Trade Administration of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs said the investigation began in July 2025. During the investigation, the authority continued to monitor developments and provided suppliers with subsidies for legal defense costs and consulting services.
Suppliers said Japanese customers had become more cautious about placing orders during the investigation, with Yieh United reporting that its order volume at one point fell by about 20%. In response to the final duty rates, the companies will assess possible appeals and adjust their market strategies, including strengthening services in Japan, improving product quality and expanding processing capacity to win back orders.
Taiwan's exports of the relevant stainless steel products to Japan totaled about US$120 million in 2024. The products are used in home appliances, precision machinery casings and other industrial products. The eventual impact will depend on the actual tariff burden, Japanese purchasing strategies, and whether Taiwan suppliers can pass on some of the additional costs or maintain their competitiveness through product differentiation.