After several years of imposing protective duties on HR flat steel imports, the Moroccan government intends to conduct an investigation aimed at maintaining the imposition of duties.
Ministry of Industry and Trade announced the start of an investigation into extending the preventive measures imposed on flat steel products imports from January 26, 2023, according to official information.
This decision was based on a petition submitted by Moroccan Steel Company, the sole producer of flat steel in Morocco, on December 19, 2022, and it was slightly modified on December 26, 2022, which includes information on flat steel products imports codes 72.08, 72.11.13, 72.11.14, 72.11. 19.26.20.00.51, 72.26.20.00.52, 72.26.20.00.59, 72.26.91, 72.26.00.80.
To collect information necessary for the review, the Ministry will send an investigation questionnaire to domestic producers, importers and foreign exporters of the relevant products to respond within 30 days (that is, no later than March 2, 2023). Other parties who wish to express an interest in the matter shall have 15 days from the date the investigation is opened to receive the questionnaire to share their views and comments on the matter.
The Moroccan government imposed a protective duty on flat steel imports from June 19, 2020, until June 18, 2023, in the form of an additional fee of 25% applicable for three years, and the tax rate was reduced by 1% each year during the application period.
