Egypt has launched a safeguard investigation into imports of cold rolled coil, galvanized steel, and pre-painted steel. The country notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its decision and outlined the procedures for interested parties to participate in the process.
According to Egypt's notification, "Egypt offers consultations under Article 12.4 with Members having a substantial interest as exporters of the product concerned."
The notification also specified how interested parties can take part in the investigation: "All interested parties are invited to make themselves known, submit their views in writing, and provide supporting evidence. Representations should preferably be submitted by e-mail within 30 days from the date of publication of the Notice of Initiation in the Official Gazette. Submissions after the deadline may be disregarded."
The point of contact for this investigation is Mrs. Yomna Elshabrawy at the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, Trade Remedies Sector, located in Cairo's New Administrative Capital. Interested parties can reach out via email at itpd@tas.gov.eg.
A safeguard investigation is conducted to determine if increased imports are causing or threatening to cause serious injury to a domestic industry. During such investigations, importers, exporters, and other stakeholders have an opportunity to present evidence and respond to other submissions. If serious injury or threat is found due to increased imports, WTO rules allow a member country like Egypt to temporarily restrict imports as a safeguard measure.
Further details about this case can be found in WTO documents G/SG/N/6/EGY/17 - G/SG/N/7/EGY/13 - G/SG/N/11/EGY/13.