Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Wire Decking from China
June 30, 2009On June 26, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) announced its decision to initiate antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of wire decking 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. Subsidies are financial assistance from foreign governments that benefit the production, manufacture, or exportation of goods.
The petitioners for these investigations are AWP Industries, Inc. (KY), ITC Manufacturing, Inc. (AZ), J&L Wire Cloth, Inc. (MN), Nashville Wire Products Mfg. Co., Inc. (TN), and Wireway Husky Corporation (NC).
The products covered by these investigations are welded-wire rack decking produced from carbon or alloy steel wire that has been welded into a mesh pattern. The wire mesh is reinforced with structural supports and designed to be load bearing. Wire decking reinforced with structural supports is designed generally for industrial and other commercial storage rack systems.
The products covered by these investigations are currently classified in Chapter 94 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under Subheadings 9403.90.8040. Wire Decking may also also be classified in Chapter 72 and Chapter 94 under Subheadings 7217.10, 7217.20, 7217.90, 9403.20.0020, and 9403.20.0030. While the HTSUS subheading is provided for convenience and customs purposes, Commerce’s written description of the subject merchandise governs the scope of these investigations.
From 2006 to 2008, imports of wire decking from China increased 49% by value and amounted to an estimated $317 million in 2008. The HTSUS subheading is a basket category covering not only subject merchandise, but also other metal furniture parts.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is scheduled to make its preliminary injury determination on or about July 20. If the ITC determines that there is a reasonable indication that imports are materially injuring, or threatening material injury to, the domestic industry, the investigations will continue, and Commerce will be scheduled to make its preliminary CVD determination on August 31, and its preliminary AD determination on November 12.
For a fact sheet, visit the International Trade Administration’s Web site.
