USTR Seeks Comments on Section 421 Remedy Proposals for Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from China
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice inviting comments from interested parties on the International Trade Commission's (ITC's) proposed remedies, and other possible actions, with respect to the market disruption caused by imports of circular welded non-alloy steel pipe from China.
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(See ITT's Online Archives or 10/13/05 news, 05101325, for BP summary of the ITC's press release announcing its two remedy proposals regarding this investigation.)
ITC's Two Proposals Involve Annual Quotas & TRQs for Three Years
According to the USTR, two of the four ITC commissioners entitled to vote on remedy recommended that the President impose an annual quota of 160,000 short tons on imports of circular welded non-alloy steel pipe from China for a period of three years.
The other two ITC commissioners recommended that the President impose a tariff-rate quota (TRQ) on imports of the subject circular welded non-alloy steel pipe from China for a three-year period as follows: a 25% tariff, in addition to the current rate of duty on imports exceeding 267,468 short tons in the first year, with this quota increasing by 5% in the second year and 10% in the third year.
In addition, all four ITC commissioners further recommended that, if applications are filed, the President direct the Departments of Commerce and Labor to provide expedited consideration of trade adjustment assistance for firms and/or workers affected by the subject imports.
President to Make Determination after Receipt of USTR's Recommendation
According to the USTR, it is required to make a recommendation to the President concerning what action, if any, to take to remedy market disruption. The USTR further explains that within 15 days after receipt of the USTR's recommendation, the President is required to provide import relief unless the President determines that provision of such relief is not in the national economic interest of the U.S. or, in extraordinary cases, that the taking of action would cause serious harm to the national security of the U.S.
-public hearing will be held on November 29, 2005, if requested by November 16, 2005
-written comments and requests to testify at the hearing (if held) are due by November 18, 2005.
| Sandy McKinzy (procedural questions) | (202) 395-9483 |
| Terrence McCartin (other questions) | (202) 395-3900 |
USTR Notice (FR Pub 11/08/05) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-22161.pdf