Japan Nickel-Plated Steel: New AD Investigations Deadlines & Scope
The Commerce Department issued a Federal Register notice on its recently initiated antidumping investigation on diffusion-annealed, nickel-plated flat-rolled steel products from Japan (A-588-869). The agency will determine whether imports of silica bricks and shapes from China are being, or are likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. A Commerce Department fact sheet said domestic petitioners alleged AD rates of 56.5 to 77.7 percent (see 13041801).
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
The period of investigation is Jan. 1, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2012.
Respondent Selection
Commerce said the petition named three companies as producers of subject merchandise: Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd.; Sumitomo-Nippon Steel Corp.; and Katayama Special Industries. The agency said it doesn't know of any other producers, but will consider comments from interested parties on respondent selection. Commerce said it will pick respondents to the investigation by May 13.
Scope of the AD Investigation
"The diffusion-annealed, nickel-plated flat-rolled steel products included in this investigation are flat-rolled, cold-reduced steel products, regardless of chemistry; whether or not in coils; either plated or coated with nickel or nickel-based alloys and subsequently annealed (i.e., 'diffusion-annealed'); whether or not painted, varnished or coated with plastics or other metallic or nonmetallic substances; and less than or equal to 2.0 mm in nominal thickness. For purposes of this investigation, “nickel-based alloys” include all nickel alloys with other metals in which nickel accounts for at least 80 percent of the alloy by volume.
"Imports of merchandise included in the scope of this investigation are classified primarily under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ('HTSUS') subheadings 7212.50.0000 and 7210.90.6000, but may also be classified under HTSUS subheadings 7210.70.6090, 7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 7219.90.0020, 7219.90.0025, 7219.90.0060, 7219.90.0080, 7220.90.0010, 7220.90.0015, 7225.99.0090, or 7226.99.0180. The foregoing HTSUS subheadings are provided only for convenience and customs purposes. The written description of the scope is dispositive."
Comments on Scope Due by May 6
Commerce said that it discussed the scope with petitioners to ensure that it is an accurate reflection of the products for which the domestic industry is seeking relief. Comments on the scope are due by May 6..
Investigations Timetable
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Petition filed | 03/27/13 |
| DOC initiation date | 04/16/13 |
| ITC prelim determination1 | 05/13/13 |
| DOC prelim determination2 | 09/03/13 |
| DOC final determination2 | 11/18/13 |
| ITC final determination3 | 01/02/14 |
| Issuance of orders4 | 01/09/14 |
1If the ITC makes a negative determination of injury, the investigations are terminated.
2These deadlines may be extended under the governing statute.
3This will take place only in the event of Commerce Department final affirmative determinations.
4This will take place only in the event of Commerce and ITC final affirmative determinations.
(See 13032901 for summary of the Commerce Department's receipt of the petition underlying the initiation of this investigation.)
Commerce Department fact sheet available (here).