11/5/2009
NEWS BRIEFS
Commerce Dept. Extends Antidumping Response Period
The U.S. Department of Commerce has extended the deadline for fastener exporters in China and Taiwan to complete detailed quantity and value questionnaires in the antidumping and countervailing case on standard fasteners filed by Nucor Fastener.
The Commerce Department gave exporters two more weeks to submit detailed quantity and value questionnaires, extending the deadline from November 3, 2009, to November 19, 2009.
Likewise, the Commerce Department decided to limit the number of questionnaires it sent out. In petitions filed September 23, 2009, Nucor Fastener identified more than 400 fastener producers and exporters in China.
Fastener exporters that do not receive questionnaires but intend to submit a response can obtain a copy from the Commerce Department’s Import Administration by clicking HERE.
The period of investigation (“POI”) is January 1, 2009, through June 30, 2009. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) in the case includes numbers 7318.15.2030, 7318.15.2055, 7318.15.2065, 7318.15.8065, 7318.15.8085, and 7318.16.0085.
On November 6 the U.S. International Trade Commission will vote on whether there is sufficient evidence for the Commerce Department to proceed with its fastener probe into allegedly unfair pricing practices by China and Taiwan. A preliminary determination in the case is expected by November 9.
U.S. ITC investigator Joshua Kaplan submitted to trade commissioners his report on material injury to the domestic fastener industry. (To read full text of proposed scope, click HERE.)
The Nucor Fastener’s petitions allege average dumping margins of 145% for Chinese imports, and 74% for imports from Taiwan.
From 2006 to 2008, imports of certain standard steel fasteners from China increased by 4.48% and were valued at an estimated $291 million in 2008. Imports from Taiwan over the same time period decreased by 19.09% and were valued at an estimated $395 million in 2008.
Importers have criticized Nucor Fastener for seeking tariffs on low-carbon standard fasteners that haven’t been produced in the U.S. since the 1960s.
Preliminary findings are due by November 17 at the Commerce Department. ©2009 GlobalFastenerNews.com
Related Stories:
• ITC Report on China Dumping Goes to Trade Commission
• ITC Antidumping Conference: Manufacturers & Importers Differ on Tariffs for Fastener Imports
• Importers Challenge U.S. Tariffs on Chinese and Taiwan Standard Fasteners
Related Links:
• U.S. ITC
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