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FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The International Trade Commission (ITC) unanimously determined that imports of Corrosion-Resistant Steel (CORE) from ten countries injured the U.S. steel industry, paving the way for final duties in ten antidumping and four countervailing duty cases. The ruling particularly impacts Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD), a $20 billion market cap steel producer with strong financial health according to InvestingPro metrics.
The decision affects imports from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Netherlands, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. According to Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD), imports from these countries increased from 2.49 million tons in 2023 to 3.64 million tons in 2024, representing a nearly 60% surge in the first half of 2024. Despite these challenges, the company maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 3.13, and has consistently raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years.
Following preliminary duties imposed in February 2025, imports declined to 1.28 million tons in the first eight months of 2025.
"Restoring fair trade was necessary for the livelihood of our team members," said Barry T. Schneider, President and Chief Operating Officer of Steel Dynamics, in a press release statement.
The Department of Commerce determined the final duty rates in August 2025. These rates are publicly available on the ITC website.
Steel Dynamics, which describes itself as the largest producer of CORE, Galvalume, and painted steel in the United States, noted it has invested billions in its CORE business in recent years.
The cases were initially filed in September 2024 in response to the surge in imports that Steel Dynamics claimed took market share from domestic producers.
In other recent news, Steel Dynamics has announced its third-quarter 2025 earnings guidance, forecasting earnings per share between $2.60 and $2.64. This guidance reflects growth from the previous quarter’s $2.01 and the same period last year’s $2.05, driven by robust shipments and favorable metal spreads. The company also revealed plans to acquire the remaining 55% stake in New Process Steel, a significant customer, enhancing its supply-chain capabilities. Additionally, Steel Dynamics declared a cash dividend of $0.50 per share for the third quarter, payable to shareholders of record as of September 30, 2025. Analyst activity includes BMO Capital reiterating an Outperform rating with a $150.00 price target, while Wells Fargo initiated coverage with an Overweight rating and a $143.00 price target. Wells Fargo highlighted the completion of a multi-year investment cycle as a positive factor for the company. These developments indicate a period of strategic growth and investment for Steel Dynamics.
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