Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) draws members' attention to a recent article by Russell Wiese of CGT Law examining the Productivity Commission's safeguard inquiry into fabricated structural steel sections.
The article provides a clear explanation of how safeguard measures operate and how they differ from more familiar anti-dumping and countervailing duty regimes. In particular, it highlights that safeguards are triggered by sudden surges in import volumes rather than pricing behaviour, can apply broadly across countries and suppliers, and may capture a wider range of goods than would typically be subject to dumping duties.
The inquiry has the potential to result in safeguard tariffs being imposed on imports of fabricated structural steel from any country, with provisional measures possible in certain circumstances. Unlike dumping investigations, safeguard inquiries also take explicit account of public interest considerations, reinforcing the importance of early and informed engagement by affected importers.
The article also underscores a recurring theme across trade remedies matters: once duties or measures are imposed, opportunities to influence outcomes are significantly reduced. Early involvement is critical, particularly when questions of scope, proportionality and broader economic impact are still under consideration.
Trade remedies, including safeguard measures and dumping duties, will be covered as part of the 2026/27 FTA CPD Border Compliance Program, ensuring members remain informed about emerging investigations, compliance risks and practical response strategies.
Members can register for the 2026/27 FTA CPD Border Compliance Program events at the links below:
Saturday 2 May 2026: Perth - Novotel Perth
Friday 8 May 2026: Sydney - The Brighton Hotel Sydney, Novotel Brighton Le Sands
Saturday 9 May 2026: Sydney - The Brighton Hotel Sydney, Novotel Brighton Le Sands
Friday 15 May 2026: Melbourne - Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields
Saturday 16 May 2026: Melbourne - Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields
Wednesday 27 May 2026: Brisbane - Brisbane Airport Conference Centre
The full article by Russell Wiese is available HERE and is recommended reading for members with exposure to steel imports or broader trade remedies considerations.