Japan Takes S. Korea to WTO over Stainless Steel Bars

June 19, 2018

Tokyo- The Japanese government said Monday it has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization against South Korea over its longstanding antidumping duties on stainless steel bar imports from Japan.

Tokyo demands that Seoul withdraw the antidumping duties of 15.39 pct. It also recognizes problems with the procedures South Korea took to introduce the duties.

If the two Asian countries fail to settle the issue bilaterally within 60 days under the WTO rules, Japan will ask the body to establish a dispute settlement panel, the government said.

Seoul introduced the antidumping duties in July 2004, arguing Japan exported stainless steel bars at less than market value, damaging South Korean industry.

The antidumping duties have been renewed three times since.

Stainless steel bars, highly resistant to corrosion and heat, are processed into valves for automobiles and industrial machinery, nuts, bolts and other products.

The South Korean government has extended the antidumping measure without confirming the competitive relationship between Japanese and South Korean products or analyzing factors causing price declines, the Japanese trade ministry said. Jiji Press

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