Egypt officially launched a safeguard investigation into hot rolled flat steel (HRC and/or HRFS) imports on April 22, 2025, with the notice of initiation published in the official gazette on April 27. The products under investigation fall under various HS tariff codes, including 7208.10, 7208.25, 7208.26, 7208.27, 7208.36, 7208.37, 7208.38, 7208.39, 7208.40, 7208.51, 7208.52, 7208.53, 7208.54, 7208.90, 7211.14, 7211.19, 7225.30, 7225.40, 7226.91 and 7226.99.

The investigation follows a formal application by domestic producers, claiming that a sharp and recent surge in imports has caused serious injury to the local industry. The reported impacts include significant declines in sales, market share, and profits, as well as rising inventories and a slight drop in employment.

The investigating authority found sufficient evidence to justify proceeding with the case. Provisional measures may be imposed if urgent action is deemed necessary. Interested parties have 30 days from the gazette publication to make themselves known and submit properly documented comments.