Morocco: Ministry initiates anti-dumping probe into CR steel imports from Egypt

The Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade has officially announced the launch of an anti-dumping investigation into imports of CR steel from Egypt. This investigation comes following a complaint filed by Maghreb Steel, the only Moroccan flat steel producer in Morocco, which alleges that these imports are being dumped in the Moroccan market at unfair prices. The investigation period will cover imports from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, to assess potential dumping activity. In addition, the damage assessment, which aims to assess the impact of these imports on the local steel industry, will analyze data from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024. According to the ministry, the examination of absolute data showed that imports of CR steel, coming from Egypt, have seen a significant increase since their introduction to the Moroccan market in 2022. More significantly, during the period 2022-2023, these imports increased by 343%. Furthermore, imports amounted to 6,049 tons by the end of May 2024. Therefore, import volumes for the current year are expected to be higher than those recorded in 2023. The CR steel products under investigation are classified under the following HS codes: 7209, with the exceptions of 7209.16.00.20, 7209.17.00.20, 7209.18.00.20, 7209.26.00.20, 7209.27.00.20 and 7209.28.00.20; 7211, with exceptions for 7211.13, 7211.14, 7211.19, 7211.23.00.10, 7211.23.00.40, 7211.29.00.20, 7211.29.00.50; 7225.50.10.00, 7225.50.90.00; and 7226, with exceptions for 7226.11.00, 7226.19.00, 7226.20.00.11, 7226.20.00.51, 7226.20.00.52, 7226.20.00.59, 7226.91.00.00.