China Steel Wheels: AD/CV Initiation Phase Deadlines

The ITA will determine whether imports of steel wheels from China are being, or are likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value; and whether manufacturers, producers, or exporters of steel wheels in China receive countervailable subsidies.

The ITA has also decided not to investigate a currency manipulation allegation in the CV duty investigation.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 04/21/11 and 04/22/11 news, 11042123 and 11042223, for earlier BP summaries on the ITA's fact sheet announcing these new AD/CV investigations, and the availability of the Q&V questionnaire and separate rate application for the AD investigation.)

Comments on CV Respondent Selection due May 3

For the CV duty investigation, the ITA expects to select respondents based on U.S. Customs and Border Protection data for U.S. imports during the period of investigation. The ITA invites comments regarding the CBP data and respondent selection in the CV duty investigation by May 3, 2011.

Comments on Scope of AD/CV Investigations due May 9

Comments on the scope of the AD and CV duty investigations are due by May 9, 2011. (See scope below.)

Comments on Product Characteristics for AD Questionnaires due May 9

The ITA is requesting comments from interested parties regarding the appropriate physical characteristics of steel wheels to be reported in response to the AD questionnaires. This information will be used to identify the key physical characteristics of the subject merchandise in order to more accurately report the relevant factors and costs of production, as well as to develop appropriate product comparison criteria.

Comments on product characteristics to be reported in response to AD questionnaires must be submitted by May 9, 2011. (Rebuttal comments are due by May 16, 2011.)

AD Q&V Questionnaires due May 10

For the AD duty investigation, the ITA will request quantity and value (Q&V) information from known exporters and producers identified with complete contact information in the AD petition. The Q&V data received will be used as a basis to select the mandatory respondents.

Q&V questionnaires are available here. Completed questionnaires are due by May 10, 2011.

AD Separate Rate Applications due June 27

The ITA also requires exporters and producers seeking separate rate status in the AD duty investigation to submit a separate rate application no later than June 27, 2011. The separate rate application is available here.

The ITA requires that the respondents submit a response to both the Q&V questionnaire and the separate rate application by the respective deadlines in order to receive consideration for separate rate status.

The ITA will also calculate combination rates for certain respondents that are eligible for a separate rate in the AD investigation.

Comments on Targeted Dumping due July 22

Any interested party that wishes to make a targeted dumping allegation in the AD investigation may submit allegations by July 22, 2011 (i.e., no later than 45 days before the scheduled date of the ITA’s preliminary determination).

(Note that in December 2008, the ITA issued an interim final rule for the purposes of withdrawing the regulations governing targeted dumping analysis in AD duty investigations. See ITT's Online Archives or 12/15/08 and 01/15/09 news, 08121525 and 09011535, for BP summaries of the interim final rule and extension of the comment period.)

Scope of the AD/CV Investigations

The products covered by these investigations are steel wheels with a wheel diameter of 18 to 24.5 inches. Rims and discs for such wheels are included, whether imported as an assembly or separately. These products are used with both tubed and tubeless tires. Steel wheels, whether or not attached to tires or axles, are included. However, if the steel wheels are imported as an assembly attached to tires or axles, the tire or axle is not covered by the scope.

The scope includes steel wheels, discs, and rims of carbon and/or alloy composition and clad wheels, discs, and rims when carbon or alloy steel represents more than fifty percent of the product by weight. The scope includes wheels, rims, and discs, whether coated or uncoated, regardless of the type of coating.

Imports of the subject merchandise are provided for under the following categories of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule: 8708.70.05.00, 8708.70.25.00, 8708.70.45.30, and 8708.70.60.30. The ITA notes that these HTS numbers are provided for convenience and customs purposes only; the written description of the scope is dispositive.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 04/06/11 news, 11040622, for BP summary of the International Trade Commission's announcement of its institution of the companion injury investigation and its scheduling of the preliminary phase.)

(FR Pub 04/26/11, ITA Case Nos. A-570-973 and C-570-974)

The AD initiation notice is available here.

The CV initiation notice is available here.