Safeguard investigation into hot-rolled steel imports could prompt provisional duties protecting domestic producers from serious injury. A safeguard investigation has been initiated into imports of specified hot rolled flat sheets and plates of alloy and non-alloy steel after applicants representing a major share of domestic production submitted data for 2012-13 to 2015-16(A). Citing rising imports, reduced capacity utilisation, falling market share, declining profitability and increased inventories, the Directorate General of Safeguards found a prima facie case of serious injury or threat thereof and invited interested parties to submit views and seek interested-party status within prescribed time limits; a public file of non-confidential material is available.