China Steel Cylinders: Deadlines for New AD/CV Duty Investigations

The ITA will determine whether imports of high pressure steel cylinders 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 cylinders in China receive countervailable subsidies.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 06/02/11 news, 11060224, for BP summary of the ITA's fact sheet announcing the initiation of these AD and CV investigations.)

Comments on CV Respondent Selection due June 15

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 June 15, 2011.

Comments on Scope of AD/CV Investigations due June 20

Comments on the scope of the AD and CV duty investigations are due by June 20, 2011. (See scope below.)

Comments on Product Characteristics for AD Questionnaires due June 20

The ITA is requesting comments from interested parties regarding the appropriate physical characteristics of steel cylinders 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 June 20, 2011. (Rebuttal comments are due by June 27, 2011.)

AD Q&V Questionnaires due June 21

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 June 21, 2011.

AD Separate Rate Applications due Aug 8

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 August 8, 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 Sept 2

Any interested party that wishes to make a targeted dumping allegation in the AD investigation may submit allegations by September 2, 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 merchandise covered by the scope of the investigations is seamless steel cylinders designed for storage or transport of compressed or liquefied gas (high pressure steel cylinders).

High pressure steel cylinders are fabricated of chrome alloy steel including, but not limited to, chromium-molybdenum steel or chromium magnesium steel, and have permanently impressed into the steel, either before or after importation, the symbol of a U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT)-approved high pressure steel cylinder manufacturer, as well as an approved DOT type marking of DOT 3A, 3AX, 3AA, 3AAX, 3B, 3E, 3HT, 3T, or DOT-E (followed by a specific exemption number) in accordance with the requirements of sections 178.36 through 178.68 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or any subsequent amendments thereof.

High pressure steel cylinders covered by the investigation have a water capacity up to 450 liters, and a gas capacity ranging from 8 to 702 cubic feet, regardless of corresponding service pressure levels and regardless of physical dimensions, finish or coatings.

Excluded from the scope of the investigation are high pressure steel cylinders manufactured to UN-ISO-9809-1 and 2 specifications and permanently impressed with ISO or UN symbols. Also excluded from the investigation are acetylene cylinders, with or without internal porous mass, and permanently impressed with 8A or 8AL in accordance with DOT regulations.

Merchandise covered by the investigation is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule under subheading 7311.00.00.30. Subject merchandise may also enter under HTS subheadings 7311.00.00.60 or 7311.00.00.90.

The ITA notes that although the HTS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under the investigation is dispositive.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 05/18/11 news, 11051820, for BP summary of the International Trade Commission's announcement of its institution of the companion injury investigations and its scheduling of the preliminary phase.)

ITA contact - Timothy Lord (202) 482-7425

(FR Pub 06/08/11, ITA Case Nos. A-570-977 and C-570-978)

The AD initiation notice is available here.

The CV initiation notice is available here.