Japan’s May 300-series stainless steel CR imports decline; Vietnam shipments surge

• • China and Taiwan shipments decline amid AD investigation

• • Vietnam records highest-ever monthly exports to Japan

SteelDaily: Japan’s imports of 300-series stainless steel cold-rolled (CR) products declined 6.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 14,124 t in May 2026, as shipments from China and Taiwan fell sharply following the country’s anti-dumping (AD) investigation, while imports from South Korea and Vietnam strengthened.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Finance, imports from China declined 68% y-o-y to 2,701 t, while Taiwan’s shipments dropped 62% to 1,198 t. In contrast, imports from South Korea more than doubled to 5,409 t, making it the largest supplier during the month.

Imports from other Asian countries rose significantly to 4,816 t, led by Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Malaysia. Notably, Vietnam exported a record 2,145 t of 300-series stainless steel CR products to Japan, accounting for 15% of total imports.

The shift in trade flows comes after Japan initiated an anti-dumping investigation into nickel-bearing stainless steel cold-rolled products from China and Taiwan in July 2025. A preliminary affirmative determination announced earlier this month has further accelerated sourcing diversification away from the two countries.

During January-May 2026, Japan imported 58,177 t of 300-series stainless steel CR products, down 23% y-o-y. South Korea accounted for 36% of total imports, followed by China (21%), Taiwan (13%), Indonesia (9%), and Vietnam (8%).

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