Considering current international trade policies and the latest tariff trends, China's tax-friendly markets for stainless steel coil exports are primarily concentrated in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe. The following is a policy analysis and response strategies for these key regions:
1.What is the current U.S. policy towards China's stainless steel coil industry?
Starting in April 2025, the United States will impose a 35% base tariff on Chinese stainless steel products. Combined with anti-dumping duties, the combined tariff will exceed 50%. For example, the actual tax burden on cold-rolled stainless steel coils is generally between 40% and 50%.The United States imposed a 40% punitive tariff on Chinese stainless steel products re-exported through Southeast Asia, strictly restricting tariff evasion.
2.What are the tariff developments in other countries?
India's 20% temporary safeguard tariff on Chinese 300-series hot-rolled stainless steel products, which was implemented in March 2025, expired in September. However, on , the Indian Ministry of Finance announced the imposition of a 12% temporary safeguard tariff on some steel products.
Mexico's 25% import tariff on cold-rolled stainless steel coils from China will be extended to April, 2026, and the tariff on some stainless steel pipe products will be increased to 35%.
Tariffs on cold-rolled stainless steel coils exported from China to Vietnam have been reduced to 5%, and will be further reduced to 3% in 2025.
3.What are the countries and regions that are tariff-friendly to China's stainless steel coil industry?
Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone implements zero tariffs and no value-added tax on the import of stainless steel coils. Under the China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement, both hot-rolled and cold-rolled stainless steel coils exported from China to Serbia enjoy zero tariffs and no quota restrictions. ASEAN countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam have implemented zero or low tariff policies on Chinese stainless steel coils through the RCEP agreement.
4.How should stainless steel coil companies respond to tariff changes?
In 2025, China's stainless steel coil exports can give priority to tax-friendly markets such as the Philippines, Malaysia, the UAE, and Nigeria. Exporting companies need to ensure that their products meet the origin standards of free trade agreements such as RCEP and apply for certificates of origin in a timely manner.
