Commerce Finds Unfair Dumping of Steel Threaded Rod from China
February 25, 2009On February 23, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its affirmative final determination in the antidumping duty investigation on imports of steel threaded rod from the People’s Republic of China (China). Dumping occurs when a foreign company sells a product in the United States at less than normal value.
Commerce determined that exporters/producers from China have sold steel threaded rod in the United States at 55.16 to 206.00% below normal value.
According to Commerce, the final result for mandatory respondent Ningbo Yinzhou is based on total adverse facts available because the company failed verification.
Mandatory respondent RMB & IFI received a final dumping rate of 55.16%. Nine Chinese exporters received a separate final rate of 55.16%. Ningbo Yinzhou and all other exporters will receive the China-wide rate of 206.00%.
As a result of this final determination, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect a cash deposit or bond based on the final rates.
The merchandise covered by this investigation includes steel threaded rod, which is certain threaded rod, bar, or studs, of carbon quality steel, having a solid, circular cross section, of any diameter, in any straight length, that have been forged, turned, cold-drawn, cold-rolled, machine straightened, or otherwise cold-finished, and into which threaded grooves have been applied. In addition, the steel threaded rod, bar, or studs subject to this investigation are non-headed and threaded along greater than 25% of their total length. A variety of finishes or coatings may be applied to the merchandise.
Steel threaded rod is classifiable in Chapter 73 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under Subheadings 7318.15.5050 and 7318.15.5090, as of July 1, 2008. Steel threaded rod was previously classifiable under HTS Subheading 7315.15.5060. While the HTSUS subheading is provided for convenience and customs purposes, Commerce’s written description governs the scope of these investigations.
Excluded from the scope of the investigation are: (a) threaded rod, bar, or studs which are threaded only on one or both ends and the threading covers 25% or less of the total length; and (b) threaded rod, bar, or studs made to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A193 Grade B7, ASTM A193 Grade B7M, ASTM A193 Grade B16, or ASTM A320 Grade L7.
From 2007 to 2008, imports of steel threaded rod from China decreased nearly 18.8% by volume; they were valued at an estimated $85.3 million in 2008.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is scheduled to make its final determination on or before April 8. If the ITC makes an affirmative determination that imports of steel threaded rod from China materially injure, or threaten material injury to, the domestic industry, Commerce will issue an antidumping order. If the ITC makes a negative injury determination, this investigation will be terminated.
For a fact sheet, visit the International Trade Administration’s Web site.
