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LGST products under investigation widely used in modular and prefabricated construction.
Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission has launched an investigation into imports of light gauge steel stud and track (LGST) from China, raising supply chain and pricing questions for the construction and modular building industries. (main image: Rondo’s Steel Stud & Track Wall Framing System.)
Announced on 30 June 2025, the investigation follows an application from Rondo Building Services Pty Ltd, a local manufacturer of steel framing products. The company claims that Chinese exporters are selling LGST at prices below normal market value, supported by government subsidies. It also alleges that this is causing material injury to Australia’s domestic producers of steel stud and track systems.
The products under investigation are metallic-coated light gauge steel studs and tracks, widely used for framing internal, non-loadbearing walls in modular and prefabricated construction. These framing components are cold-formed from either zinc-coated or aluminium-zinc-coated steel and are a common solution for lightweight construction systems. The investigation covers LGST products with profiles up to 170 millimetres in width and height, and with a base metal thickness of up to 0.69 millimetres.
Products excluded from the investigation include medium and heavy gauge studs and tracks, noggings, and flexible track systems. The affected products are classified under tariff codes 7216.61.00.57, 7216.69.00.58, 7308.90.00.52, 7308.90.00.53, 7308.90.00.55, and 7308.90.00.56.
The Anti-Dumping Commission’s investigation will assess exports of steel stud and track products to Australia between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, with injury assessment covering the Australian market from April 2021. The review will examine claims of dumping and countervailable subsidies.
Submissions from interested parties are due by 6 August 2025. The Commission’s Statement of Essential Facts (SEF), which will outline key findings, is expected by 20 October 2025. Final recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the Minister for Industry and Science by 2 December 2025.
Any resulting duties or trade restrictions could have a direct impact on procurement, project costs, and availability of light gauge steel framing in modular and prefabricated construction projects across Australia.
Find the Anti-Dumping Notice (PDF) HERE
