Industry Coalition Takes Second Crack at New AD Duties on Tetrafluoroethane From China
A group of U.S. steelmakers filed a petition on March 3 with the Commerce Department and International Trade Commission requesting new antidumping duties on 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane from China. Commerce will now decide whether to begin AD duty investigations on imports of the refrigerant, also known as R-134a, based on the request by the American HFC Coalition, which includes seven U.S.-based manufacturers, and District Lodge 154 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
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The petition is the second attempt by domestic industry at putting in place an antidumping duty order on tetrafluoroethane from China. An investigation requested by Mexichem in 2013 came to an end a year later with no duties imposed after the International Trade Commission found no injury to U.S. industry (see 1411130023). The American HFC Coalition, which includes Mexichem, says Chinese companies continue to dump tetrafluoroethane in the U.S., alleging rates ranging from 158.5% to 226.8%. This time the dumped imports are causing injury to U.S. industry, with rising import volumes despite decreased U.S. demand.
Proposed Scope
The petition proposes the following scope for this investigation:
The product subject to this investigation is 1,1,1,2- Tetrafluoroethane, R-134a, or its chemical equivalent, regardless of form, type, or purity level. The chemical formula for 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane is Cf3-CH2F, and the Chemical Abstracts Service registry number is CAS 811- 97-2.
Merchandise covered by the scope of this investigation is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) at subheading 2903.39.2020. Although the HTSUS subheading and CAS registry number are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope is dispositive.
Commerce Accepting Comments on Petition Support
The Commerce Department is accepting comments on domestic industry support for the petitions to determine whether the petitions meet the dual requirements of support by domestic producers or workers accounting for (1) at least 25% of the total production of the domestic-like product and (2) more than 50% of the production of the domestic-like product produced by that portion of the industry expressing support for, or opposition to, the petition. If the petitions meet these requirements, among others, Commerce will initiate an antidumping duty investigation. Comments are due by March 23.
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the petition.