Dumping on industry

In addition to that, it appears duties have been applied to imports of steel products despite the fact that they are not even being made in Australia; a clear breach of the necessity for them to be likeproducts. This simply harms manufacturers whilst protecting nobody.

The company in question became so frustrated by the process of arguing against the imposition of anti-dumping charges (which they claim are designed to discourage appeals) that they chose to move their business out of Australia altogether. As they put it, they have left in search of 'other export markets where fair trade values are pursued'.

The World Trade Organisation agreement on anti-dumping requires a determination of injury to be based on positive evidence and involve an objective examination of the volume and price effects that constitute injury and the consequent impact on the domestic industry. However, it allows for a high degree of interpretation.

If our approach to anti-dumping is open to manipulation as well as interpretation, more companies will cease to invest in Australia. If that costs profits and jobs, who exactly does it protect?

We are in no position to criticise Trump for his steel tariffs.