The Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into steel wire imports from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Investigation, which has commenced, follows claims from Moroccan companies that suggest these steel wire imports are being sold at unfairly low prices, causing significant harm to the local steel industry.
According to reports, the ministry is now observing the imports of galvanised steel wires for last year between January to December as the local companies have filed a complaint comparing the prices of the wires in Egypt and the UAE with their export price to Morocco. Their research suggests that the significant difference in the prices could be a sign of dumping of steel. Some similar reports from Egypt suggest the same, as a local market study supported these claims. The ministry compared export and factory prices for UAE imports on the same commercial level.
However, the Ministry indicated that the dumping margins were high and exceeded the limits that had been set. The data reveals a rise in steel wire imports since they first entered the Moroccan market in 2020. From 2020 to September 2024, imports skyrocketed by 12,997%, jumping from 112 tons to 14,699 tons. With regards to national consumption, imports from Egypt and the UAE have increased by 13,073% during the same period.
After reviewing the evidence, the ministry found the claims of decline in the market share of local producers to be credible and sufficient to justify an investigation. Their performance and sustainability seemed to be in question. Galvanized wires are widely used in agriculture and industry, including for making wire mesh, barbed wire, and various metal structures such as in fences, car parts, and other industrial applications. Hence, the Industry, in turn impacts the prices for other Industries.
Source: Morocco World News