Mexico is expected to extend defence measures of 15% on imports of hot and cold rolled coil, as well as wire rod from China and other countries that do not have free trade agreements with Mexico, Kallanish learns from a local steelmaker executive.

The existing six-month protection period expired last week. The Mexican government has not yet officially announced its decision, but it is understood the confirmation is imminent.

“The recent earthquakes in the country have delayed the government`s decision over the extension of the defence measures,” the executive notes. “They (the Mexican economy secretariat, or SE) are set to announce the new protection measures this week.

The Mexican steel sector expects that the defence measures will be extended for an additional six-months. This period could guarantee investment projects and protection for the national steel industry.

The extended measures are set to be published in the Official Gazette of the Federation by the end of this week. The original duties of 15% on imports of HRC, CRC and wire rod from China were introduced in October 2015.