The government will impose anti-dumping duties of up to 8.41% on seamless copper tubes imported from Thailand. This measure aims to protect the domestic copper tube industry, which has suffered from low-priced dumping imports, and to create fair competition conditions.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on August 21 that it will levy anti-dumping duties ranging from 4.93% to 8.41% on seamless copper tubes imported from Thailand, effective from September 11, 2026, until September 10, 2031.
These anti-dumping duties are not intended to restrict the import of Thai copper tubes but rather to correct price distortions caused by imports priced below normal levels by adding additional tariffs to the general tariff.
Seamless copper tubes are materials used as raw materials in home and industrial air conditioning systems. As of 2024, the domestic market size is approximately 600 billion won, with Thai products holding about 8% market share. The duties will apply to seamless copper tubes made of refined copper with an outer diameter of 66.68 mm or less and a thickness of 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm.
This investigation was initiated at the request of domestic manufacturers Neungwon Metal Industry and LS Metal. The two companies requested a dumping investigation from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on August 25 of last year, and the Trade Commission began its investigation on September 12 of the same year.
The Trade Commission determined that there was evidence of dumping of Thai products and confirmed substantial damage to the domestic industry. On June 29, it recommended the imposition of anti-dumping duties to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. To prevent potential harm to the domestic industry during the investigation period, the government has been applying provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 3.64% to 8.41% on Thai products since March 30.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to announce the relevant legislation by October 3 and implement the final duty rates starting October 11.
The government stated, "This measure is expected to improve the business conditions of the domestic industry that has faced difficulties due to low-priced dumping imports and to foster a fair competitive environment between domestic and foreign companies."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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