Vietnam has imposed a temporary duty of 27.8% on certain wide-width hot rolled coil (HRC) imports from China in an effort to prevent anti-dumping (AD) duty circumvention and protect domestic steel producers.

The measure was introduced under a decision by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and will remain in effect for 120 days from April 17. It applies to products with widths ranging from 1,880 mm to 2,300 mm.

Preliminary findings showed that some exporters had slightly adjusted product specifications to avoid existing trade remedy measures. Authorities said the sharp increase in imports had caused significant harm to local manufacturers and undermined the effectiveness of earlier protections.

Following the temporary duty, the investigation and consultation process will continue before a final conclusion is reached.