Japan’s government announced on Friday that a preliminary investigation has found evidence of steel products from China and South Korea being imported into Japan at prices below their normal value. The findings have prompted Japanese authorities to consider imposing anti-dumping duties to protect domestic manufacturers.

The investigation, conducted by the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, focused on hot-dipped galvanized steel coil, sheet steel, and strip steel. These products are primarily used in construction materials such as guardrails, houses, and fences, as well as components for electronic appliances. According to Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, the inquiry revealed that these steel products were sold in the Japanese market at prices up to 69 percent lower than in China and 43 percent lower than in South Korea.

The probe was initiated in August 2025 following complaints filed by several Japanese steel producers, including Nippon Steel Corp., Nippon Steel Coated Sheet Corp., Kobe Steel Ltd., and Yodoko Ltd. Officials said that the below-market pricing of these imports has compelled local manufacturers to reduce their prices, causing significant harm to their businesses.

Katayama emphasized that the government will continue its investigation with the aim of reaching a final decision by the end of the year. The potential imposition of anti-dumping duties is intended to address the market distortions caused by the allegedly unfairly priced steel imports and support Japan’s domestic steel industry.