The Secretariat of Economy (SE, by its initials in Spanish) works closely with the National Chamber of the Industry of Iron and Steel (CANACERO, in Spanish) to analyze the development of the steel market and the problem that occurs due to the decline in the global demand, the overcapacity in the market, the fall in oil prices, the devaluation of the Russian ruble, among others.
This administration recognizes the seriousness of the situation; this is the reason why it has taken place the following actions:
1. During the present administration, the investigations on unfair trade practices in the steel sector have increased 400%
2. There are currently 31 fees applicable to this sector, products such as: rods, steel cables, steel chains, steel nails, steel connections, ferromanganese, ferro-silico-manganese, stainless steel sinks, steel pulls and zamac, Hot-rolled sheet, cold rolled sheet, hexagonal galvanized mesh, square galvanized steel mesh, cut-to-length steel plate, roll plate, rolls of hot-rolled steel, welded steel pipe, seamless steel pipe (2 to 4 "), Seamless steel pipe (5 to 16"), seamless steel pipe, steel nuts and corrugated rod.
3. It has paid a particular attention to the risks posed by imports from China: Currently, 15 of the 31 current fees are applicable to that country. Additionally, when an imminent risk is detected, the next step is to apply interim quotas.
4. In addition, mechanisms have been established to prevent the circumvention of such quotas; likewise, the Secretariat of Economy and the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP, in Spanish) will publish, shortly, some measures to strengthen control of temporary imports through the IMMEX schemes (Manufacturing Industry, Maquiladora and Export Services) and the Eighth Rule.
The Secretariat of Economy is committed to continue taking expedited actions to support the steel sector in their legitimate concerns. These actions will consider the impact on all links of the productive chains related to steel, as well as the effects that could be on small and medium-sized enterprises of the country.
Similarly, attention will be paid in the way that other international partners are fighting this situation, to try to find synergies, get good practices and identify possible partnerships with major countries with which Mexico has a privileged trading relationship.