Brazil Imposes Definitive Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Steel Imports

Brazil Takes Action Against Unfair Steel Imports

Brazil has officially imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on a range of steel products originating from China. The decision, announced on February 18, 2026, follows extensive investigations that concluded Chinese imports were being sold at unfairly low prices, causing significant harm to Brazil's domestic steel industry. These duties, which can reach up to US$709.63 per tonne, are set to be in effect for a period of five years.

Details of the Anti-Dumping Investigation

The measures were approved by Brazil's government foreign trade committee, Gecex-Camex, and signed by Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin. The anti-dumping investigation into cold-rolled steel commenced in April 2024, with a formal probe opening in August 2024, following a petition filed by Brazilian steelmaker Usiminas. A separate investigation into coated flat-rolled products was also launched in August 2024, initiated by local producers including ArcelorMittal, Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN), and Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais SA (Usiminas). Investigators reviewed export prices, cost data, and market share information, ultimately concluding that there was sufficient evidence of dumping and injury to the domestic industry.

Affected Products and Tariff Rates

The new duties target several key steel categories:

• Cold-rolled steel (CRC): Duties for cold-rolled steel, which is a crucial input for manufacturing sectors like automotive and home appliances, range from approximately US$322.93/mt to US$670.02/mt, depending on the exporter.
• Coated flat steel: This category includes hot-dip galvanized (HDG) and other coated sheets used in roofing, vehicle parts, and household appliances. The duties for coated flat steel vary between US$284.98/mt and US$709.63/mt. Specific rates for certain Chinese exporters of coated steel sheets include US$284.34/mt for Baoshan Iron & Steel, US$413.04/mt for Handan Jintai, and US$499.35/mt for Jiangsu Suxun New Material, among others.

Companies that cooperated with the investigation and provided verifiable data were granted individual duty rates, while those that failed to provide complete information faced significantly higher tariffs.

Impact on Brazil's Steel Industry and Broader Context

The Brazilian steel industry has been vocal about the challenges posed by surging Chinese imports. Industry associations, such as Instituto Aço Brasil, have applauded the government's decision, emphasizing the need to strengthen trade defense mechanisms against what they describe as 'predatory steel imports'. In 2025, imports of rolled products into Brazil grew by 20.5%, with 63.7% of these imports originating from China, according to Instituto Aço Brasil. This influx has led to concerns among domestic steelmakers regarding reduced investments and pressure on local production capacity. The government's move underscores a broader effort to protect national industries amidst a global scenario of intensified trade frictions.