The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has imposed anti-dumping duties on aluminium alloy products originating from China. The move, announced by the GCC Ministerial Committee on March 20, aims to counter the significant surge in Chinese aluminium imports, which have been flooding the regional market at what are perceived as unfairly low prices.

The decision follows a thorough investigation and recommendation by the GCC Permanent Committee for Anti-Injurious Practices in International Trade. The imposed duties specifically target flat or grained rectangular (including square) aluminium alloy sheets, plates, coils, and strips, coated or colored, with a thickness ranging from 2.0 mm to 8 mm. These products have seen a dramatic increase in import volumes from China in recent years, prompting concerns about the detrimental impact on local producers.

The primary driver behind this protective measure is the substantial growth in Chinese aluminium imports into the GCC region. Data released by the GCC Secretariat General reveals a stark increase in import volumes. In 2024, the GCC imported 380,638 tonnes of aluminium from China, a significant jump from the 304,520 tonnes recorded in 2023. This represents a year-on-year increase of approximately 25%, highlighting the escalating trend. Notably, even with some fluctuations, Chinese aluminium imports have consistently exceeded 300,000 tonnes annually since 2022, demonstrating a sustained and substantial presence in the GCC market.

The GCC’s Bureau of Technical Secretariat for Anti-Injurious Practices in International Trade, responsible for investigating and addressing unfair trade practices, has concluded that the influx of Chinese aluminium products is being dumped, meaning they are being sold at prices significantly lower than their production cost or domestic market value in China. This practice creates an uneven playing field for GCC-based manufacturers, who struggle to compete with artificially low prices.

The imposition of anti-dumping duties is a crucial step for the GCC to safeguard its burgeoning aluminium industry. The region has invested heavily in developing its aluminium production capabilities, aiming to diversify its economies and reduce reliance on hydrocarbon exports. The influx of cheap Chinese imports threatens these investments and the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The official decision, including the specific duty rates, has been published in the Official Gazette of the Bureau of Technical Secretariat for Anti-Injurious Practices in International Trade, issue no. 51, and is accessible on the GCC Secretariat General’s website. This transparency allows stakeholders to understand the rationale and implications of the imposed duties.