Government weighs emergency tariffs on Chinese steel imports

The Albanese government will consider imposing tariffs and quotas on fabricated steel imports, risking a fresh trade clash with Beijing, as the local industry warns that a surge in cheap Chinese products is pushing manufacturers to the brink.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Wednesday told The Australian Financial Review the government would ask the Productivity Commission this week to commence an inquiry into allegations of dumping in the steel industry.