Zero tariffs will be introduced to nine products categories, namely, steel among the others, from January 1, 2004.

Bureau of Industries, Ministry of Economics, has indicated that, to carry out the promises upon joining WTO, nine product categories, including steel, paper, chemical products, 1100 kinds of industrial products, as well as alcohol products will be tariff-free from January 1 2004. This act, accompanied with a relaxed restraint to the imported steel products from China, is expected to have serious impact on our domestic steel industries.

Those industrial products that will be enjoying zero tariffs are including the steel, paper, medical products, construction mechanicals, agricultural instruments, medical instruments, furniture, and toys, while the non-industrial, alcohol products. (2003.12)

CYJ/YVO