China and Indonesia MSG: New AD/CVD Investigations Deadlines & Scope
The Commerce Department issued Federal Register notices on its recently initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on monosodium glutamate from China and Indonesia (A-570-992/C-570-993, A-560-826/C-560-827)). The agency will determine whether imports of the food additive from China and Indonesia are being sold in the U.S. at less than fair value or illegally subsidized.
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The China AD duty period of investigation is Jan. 1, 2013, through June 30, 2013. The Indonesia AD duty period of investigation is July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013. The period of investigation for both CV duty cases is Jan. 1, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2012.
AD/CVD Respondent Selection
Commerce said it will pick respondents to the China and Indonesia CV duty investigations, as well as the Indonesia AD duty investigation, based on CBP import data. The decisions will come within 20 days of the publication date of this initiation notice, by Nov. 20. For the China AD duty investigation, Commerce will send quantity and value questionnaires to each potential respondent, and will base respondent selection on the responses it receives. Chinese exporters that don't get a quantity and value questionnaire can still submit one. Commerce said it will post a copy of the quantity and value questionnaire on its website (here).
Scope of the AD/CVD Investigations
"The scope of these investigations covers monosodium glutamate ('MSG'), whether or not blended or in solution with other products. Specifically, MSG that has been blended or is in solution with other product(s) is included in this scope when the resulting mix contains 15% or more of MSG by dry weight. Products with which MSG may be blended include, but are not limited to, salts, sugars, starches, maltodextrins, and various seasonings. Further, MSG is included in these investigations regardless of physical form (including, but not limited to, substrates, solutions, dry powders of any particle size, or unfinished forms such as MSG slurry), end-use application, or packaging.
"MSG has a molecular formula of C5H8NO4Na, a Chemical Abstract Service ('CAS') registry number of 6106-04-3, and a Unique Ingredient Identifier (“UNII”) number of W81N5U6R6U.
"Merchandise covered by the scope of these investigations is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule ('HTS') of the United States at subheading 2922.42.10.00. Merchandise subject to the investigations may also enter under HTS subheadings 2922.42.50.00, 2103.90.72.00, 2103.90.74.00, 2103.90.78.00, 2103.90.80.00, and 2103.90.90.91. The tariff classifications, CAS registry number, and UNII number are provided for convenience and customs purposes; however, the written description of the scope is dispositive."
Comments on Scope Due by Nov. 2
Commerce said it discussed the scope with petitioners to ensure it's an accurate reflection of the products for which the domestic industry is seeking relief. Comments on the scope of both investigations are due by Nov. 12.
Investigations Timetable
| Event | AD Duty | CV Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Petitions filed | 09/16/13 | 09/16/13 |
| DOC initiation date | 10/23/13 | 10/23/13 |
| ITC prelim determination1 | 11/18/13 | 11/18/13 |
| DOC prelim determination2 | 03/12/14 | 12/27/13 |
| DOC final determination2 | 05/27/14 | 03/12/14 |
| ITC final determination3 | 07/10/14 | 04/28/14 |
| Issuance of orders4 | 07/17/14 | 05/05/14 |
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 13091813 for summary of the Commerce Department's receipt of the petition underlying the initiation of this investigation.)
The AD duty initiation notice is (here).
The CV duty initiation notice is (here).
The Commerce Department fact sheet on the initiation of these investigations is (here).