GCC Countries Announce Anti-Dumping Measures on Imports ​of Semi-Finished Aluminium Products from China​

In brief

Dubai Customs and the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade (“GAFT”) have announced the imposition of anti-dumping measures on import of aluminium alloy sheets, plates and strips originating from or exported by the People’s Republic of China (“China”).​

Official announcements can be found here for Dubai Customs, and here for the Saudi GAFT. Other government authorities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”) are expected to publish similar implementation measures in the next few weeks.

In detail

On 16 November 2023, the GCC Secretariat General (“GCC SG”) initiated an anti-dumping investigation concerning the import of aluminium alloy sheets, plates and strips, originating from or exported by China. The investigation details are available on the GCC SG’s website (only in Arabic). The investigation concluded with the imposition of definitive anti-dumping measures on the relevant products imported into the GCC.

Products Covered​

The anti-dumping measures apply to the products classified under the following GCC Common Customs Tariff codes:​

• 76 06 12 10: Flattened or grained aluminium alloys plates and sheets of a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm but not exceeding 8 mm, rectangular (including square).​

• 76 06 12 20: Flattened aluminium alloys coils and strips of a thickness of 0.2 mm or more but not exceeding 0.4 mm, rectangular (including square).​

• 76 06 12 30: Aluminium alloys flattened or grained coils and strips of a thickness exceeding 0.4 mm but not exceeding 8 mm, rectangular (including square).​

Anti-dumping duty​

Anti-dumping Rates and Targeted Producers​

The definitive anti-dumping duties will be levied as a percentage of the customs value of the affected products, calculated on a Cost, Insurance and Freight (“CIF”) basis. The applicable duty rates range from 7.1% to 20%, depending on the producer or exporter, as detailed in the following table:

The Takeaway​

The imposed anti-dumping measures apply to three specific GCC tariff codes, with duty rates ranging from 7.1% to 20%. These duties are in addition to the standard customs duty applicable to the relevant aluminium semi-finished products when imported into the GCC countries.​

We recommend businesses engaged in importing these goods from China to evaluate the financial impact of these measures on their operations. It may also be strategic to explore alternative sourcing options to mitigate potential cost increases and supply chain disruptions. Importers of aluminium alloy sheets, plates, and strips from China into the GCC should assess the cost implications of the newly imposed anti-dumping duties and consider diversifying their supply sources to maintain competitiveness and supply chain resilience.​