Advocating for a level playing field for Australian steel
The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) continues to stand firmly with our international counterparts in the fight against unfair trading practices impacting the global steel industry. At the recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Steel Committee meeting in Paris, it was made clear that excess capacity, particularly from China, poses a significant threat to even the most competitive steelmakers worldwide.
Australia is not immune. Over the past three years, we have seen a sharp rise in low-priced imported fabricated steel, undermining local industry and reducing opportunities for Australian fabricators.
ASI research revealed a rapid increase in fabricated steelwork imports in Australia over the past three years, with the 2024 volume representing an increase of nearly 50% on the 2016 to 2021 period. This had led to a large reduction in the availability of work for local fabricators.
At the same time, we are working closely with the Federal Government to secure an exemption from the United States’ global steel tariffs, recently increased from 25% to 50%. While the decision is disappointing, ASI remains committed to advocating for fairer trading conditions and protecting our industry from further disruption and potential steel dumping.
Australia’s steel sector has always demonstrated resilience and capability. ASI will continue to push for the trade measures and policy settings necessary to ensure our industry’s long-term viability and to secure a fair and level playing field for our members.
SCA adds AS/NZS ISO 3834 to its JAS-ANZ accredited certification service for steel fabricators
Helping steel fabricators meet specific standards or criteria for quality, safety, and sustainability has never been more important in an increasingly regulated market.
With this in mind, Steelwork Compliance Australia (SCA) is now certifying fabricators to both AS/ANZ 5131 and AS/NZS ISO 3834, optimising efficiency, and cost effectiveness, whilst reducing administrative workload.
Opening the SCA scheme to both is a logical step as welding compliance is a critical component to compliant supply, fabrication and erection of structural steelwork under the National Structural Steelwork Compliance Scheme (NSSCS).
The requirements of AS/NZS ISO 3834 as referenced in AS/NZS 5131 are already mandatory, so the efficiencies realised in the auditing and certification process will result in substantive cost and time effectiveness for SCA clients. Certification for both standards will satisfy the requirements of a range of procurement specifications and benefit the industry in general.
2025 Australian Steel Convention
Planning is well underway for the 2025 Australian Steel Convention. With the theme of Participate Innovate Evolve, the convention will be held from 15 to 17 September at the Manly Pacific Sydney. The convention will offer a comprehensive view of pivotal areas such as sustainability, technological advancement, global market dynamics, and infrastructure development—each critical to driving long-term resilience and growth in the sector. Register via steel.org.au.
ASI Year in Review 2024-2025
We recently released our Year in Review 2024-2025. The ASI enjoyed strong activity and membership growth over the last 12 months, in what was a challenging year for the local steel industry.
ASI membership rose to a record 6,920 members (700 of those corporate members), with our certification schemes Steelwork Compliance Australia (SCA) and Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) enjoying continued strong growth.
ASI was highly visible on ministerial bodies providing advice to federal and state governments on local content, renewables, green steel and sustainability, and in the media promoting Australian steel as the product of choice. To read more, scan the QR Code opposite.
As always, we thank you—our members—for your commitment to quality and for being champions of the Australian steel industry.
Mark Cain
Chief executive, ASI
