Global Fastener News

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Turkey Investigating Taiwan Dumping; China Steel Reports Demand High; plus INTERNATIONAL BRIEF

Fastener World

Editor�s Note: Fastener Industry News is expanding international coverage by exchanging news columns with Taiwan-based Fastener World and Fastener & Fixing Europe magazines.

Turkey Investigating Taiwan Dumping
The Turkish trade administration began an antidumping investigation of Taiwan�s self-tapping screws, according to Fastener World magazine.
Dekim Hardware Industrial Co. Ltd., Turkey�s only self-tapping screw manufacturer, contends the dumping price of Taiwan�s screws should represent a 66.26% price difference.
The screws are used in PVC windows, rooftops and machinery.
The Turkish government already levies an antidumping tariff on Taiwan�s self-tapping screws. �However, this act only has a limited impact on the trade between Taiwan and Turkey,� Fastener World reported. �In 1999, Taiwan�s self-tapping screw exports to Turkey were US$434,4000, which only represented 0.1% of the total import value of US$3.74 billion dollars from Taiwan to Turkey. The amount is insignificant.�
Taiwan is Turkey�s largest self-tapping screw supplier with 70% of Turkey�s 1999 market. Taiwan had 77.5% of the market in 1998.

China Steel Reports Demand High
An increase in export demand for screws and nuts has led to a shortage of wire raw material for fasteners.
�The upstream factories frequently receive urgent calls for their wire from their downstream manufacturers,� Fastener World reported. �However, owing to a shortage of raw material, these upstream factories cannot help but stop taking orders.�
According to a China Steel analysis, the increase in screw and nut exporting and an anticipated price hike for wire rod in the coming third quarter are driving up demand.
�Furthermore, another company from the upstream source, Tycoon, points out that there is a very real wire shortage currently. The upstream factories are commonly not able to deliver wire,� Fastener World reported. �The recent surge in the wire demand is mainly because the conditions for screw exports to the U.S. have improved. Especially in the U.S. market, the electronics and construction industries are enjoying robust economic conditions. This has stimulated the demand for screws and nuts.�
The magazine also found trading companies in the U.S. are increasing inventories.

International Brief
Manassero & C. SRL is marking its 10th anniversary with a new location and new web site, president Savino Manassero announced.
Manassero is a new and used cold forming equipment dealer located at Via Della Consolatta 1 BIS, Torino, TO, 10122, Italy. Tel: 39 011 5216446. Fax 39 011 4390373. E-mail: manassero@tin.it Web: www.infinito.it/utenti/manassero