U.S. Sets Antidumping Duties on Nails From China

Jason Sandefur

The U.S. International Trade Commission voted 6-0 on July 9 that imports of nails from China are injuring domestic nail manufacturers. Import tariffs ranging from 21% to 118% will be collected on nail imports from China. \
“The commission”s decision will help to stem the flow of job losses and plant shut downs,” David Libla, president of Mid-Continent Nail Corporation – one of the producers who launched the case – commented. “This is a very helpful determination for our industry.”
The domestic producers will still appeal the percentage the Commerce Department set.
“The Commerce Department’s dumping determination understates the level of dumping by foreign producers and we will appeal certain aspects of the agency’s determination to the Court of International Trade,” attorney Paul Rosenthal announced. Rosenthal, of the Washington, DC law office of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, represented the petitioners.
Participating in the May 2007 petition were Davis Wire Corp., Gerdau Ameristeel Corp./Atlas Steel & Wire division, Maze Nails, Treasure Coast Fasteners Inc., and Mid Continent. The United Steel, Paper & Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial & Service Workers International Union also participated.
U.S. producers will also appeal the department’s earlier decision on nail imports from the United Arab Emirates.
“The domestic industry plans to aggressively pursue importer schemes to evade or circumvent the antidumping duties that rightfully should be paid,” Rosenthal added. He expects future administrative proceeds will increase duties for certain companies.
The investigations cover multiple types of nails up to 12 inches long, from all types of steel, sold in bulk or collated; with different head shapes and shank types, may be corrosion resistant, and used for commercial or residential construction. The antidumping investigation did not cover roofing nails. �2008 FastenerNews.com