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Eastman Seeks New AD Duties on Dioctyl Terephthlate From South Korea

Eastman Chemical filed a petition on June 30 with the Commerce Department and International Trade Commission requesting new antidumping duties on dioctyl terephthalate from South Korea. Commerce will now decide whether to begin AD/CVD investigations on dioctyl terephthalate, which the petition says is mostly used in chemical manufacturing, that could result in the imposition of duties.

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Proposed Scope

The product covered by this investigation is dioctyl terephthalate ("DOTP"), regardless of form. DOTP that has been blended with other products is included within this scope when such blends include constituent parts that have not been chemically reacted with each other to produce a different product. For such blends, only the DOTP component of the mixture is covered by the scope of this investigation.

DOTP that is otherwise subject to this investigation is not excluded when commingled with DOTP from sources not subject to this investigation. Commingled refers to the mixing of subject and non-subject DOTP. Only the subject component of such commingled products is covered by the scope of the investigation.

DOTP has the general chemical formulation C6H4(C8H17COO)2 and a chemical name of "bis (2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate" and has a Chemical Abstract Service ("CAS") registry number of 6422-86-2. Regardless of the label, all DOTP is covered by this investigation.

Subject merchandise is currently classified under subheadings 2917.39.2000 or 3812.20.10.00 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”). While the CAS registry number and HTSUS classification are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of this investigation 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 that could lead to a permanent antidumping duty order. Comments are due by July 20.

Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the petition.