The role of China has inevitably had some effect on regional steel markets, particularly in dictating competitor reaction and strategic planning. Prices in the NAFTA region (United States, Canada & Mexico) are much higher than the rest of the world and values in Europe are also above those in Asia. Until recently, the steel companies’ considerable profits had prevented protectionist action or dumping claims, since they were unable to argue they had suffered injury – the key criteria needed to prove dumping under World Trade Organization rules. Now, however, with mill profits falling and global capacity increasing, there are arguments and requests for clarity on ‘dumped’ or ‘subsidized’ imports.