Thai Ministry of Commerce Discusses Measures to Protect Domestic Steel Industry

On October 30, 2026, the Thai Ministry of Commerce announced that it held discussions with 10 domestic steel industry associations to address challenges posed by rising steel imports. According to Khaosod Online, the meeting, led by Permanent Secretary Poonpong Naiyanapakorn and representatives from the Federation of Thai Industries, focused on four key strategies to support the local sector. These measures include enhancing production efficiency, strengthening anti-dumping (AD) protocols, preventing the circumvention of trade measures through finished goods, and promoting the use of domestic scrap metal as a raw material. While the industry saw a 34% increase in capacity utilization during the first half of 2026, local manufacturers continue to face significant pressure from foreign competition. For residents and business owners, this development highlights the government's ongoing efforts to stabilize a critical industrial sector, which may influence future construction costs and material availability. It remains to be confirmed how these proposed measures will be formally implemented and what specific impact they will have on the pricing of steel-related products in the Thai market. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to fostering a fair competitive environment for the more than 510 member companies represented in the discussions.