Russia and Venezuela Ferrosilicon: New AD Investigations Deadlines & Scope
The Commerce Department issued a Federal Register notice on its recently initiated antidumping investigations on ferrosilicon from Russia and Venezuela (A-821-820, A-307-824). The agency will determine whether imports of the subject merchandise 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 21.85 to 60.78 percent for Russian exporters, and 20.07 to 60.11 percent for Venezuelan exporters.
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 for both Russia and Venezuela is July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2014..
Respondent Selection
Commerce said it will pick respondents to these investigations based on CBP import data. The decision will come within 20 days of the publication date of this initiation notice, i.e., by Sept. 3. Comments on respondent selection for each investigation are due by Aug. 21.
Scope of the AD Investigation
"The merchandise covered by these investigations is all forms and sizes of ferrosilicon, regardless of grade, including ferrosilicon briquettes. Ferrosilicon is a ferroalloy containing by weight 4 percent or more iron, more than 8 percent but not more than 96 percent silicon, 3 percent or less phosphorus, 30 percent or less manganese, less than 3 percent magnesium, and 10 percent or less any other element. The merchandise covered also includes product described as slag, if the product meets these specifications.
"Ferrosilicon is currently classified under U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (“HTSUS”) subheadings 7202.21.1000, 7202.21.5000, 7202.21.7500, 7202.21.9000, 7202.29.0010, and 7202.29.0050. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise is dispositive."
Comments on Scope Due by June 3
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 Aug. 28.
Investigations Timetable
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Petitions filed | 07/19/13 |
| DOC initiation date | 08/08/13 |
| ITC prelim determination1 | 09/03/13 |
| DOC prelim determination2 | 12/26/13 |
| DOC final determination2 | 03/11/14 |
| ITC final determination3 | 04/25/14 |
| Issuance of orders4 | 05/02/14 |
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 13072304 for summary of the Commerce Department's receipt of the petition underlying the initiation of this investigation.)
Commerce Department fact sheet available (here).