Petition Filed for New AD/CV Duties on Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber
A group of domestic manufacturers recently filed a petition with the Commerce Department and the International Trade Commission requesting new antidumping duties on fine denier polyester staple fiber from China, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam, and new countervailing duties on fine denier polyester staple fiber from China and India. Commerce will now decide whether to begin AD/CVD investigations on fine denier PSF from these countries. The petition was filed by DAK Americas, Nan Ya Plastics America and Auriga Polymers.
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Any duties imposed would come on top of existing AD duty orders on polyester staple fiber from South Korea, Taiwan and China. However, those existing orders cover fibers measuring three denier and above, the petition said. "The scope of the orders on polyester staple fiber from Korea, Taiwan, and China does not overlap with, and is expressly excluded from, the scope of the fine denier PSF covered by this Petition," it said.
Fine denier PSF is used in both woven and non-woven applications, the petition said. "Woven applications include the production of textiles such as clothing and bedding linen, for example," it said. "Non-woven applications include the production of household and hygiene products such as baby wipes, diapers, coffee filters, and Swiffer products."
Proposed Scope
The petition proposes the following scope for the investigations:
The merchandise subject to this proceeding is synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning, nonwoven and other uses, of polyesters measuring less than 3.3 decitex (3 denier) in diameter. The subject merchandise may be coated, usually with a finish, or not coated. Subject fine denier polyester staple fiber ("fine denier PSF") is generally used for yarn spinning for woven and knit applications to produce textile and apparel products, for non-woven applications to produce wipes, medical/hygiene products, and other personal care items, and for other end uses.
The following products are excluded from the scope: (1) PSF equal to or greater than 3.3 decitex (more than 3 denier, inclusive) currently classifiable in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States ("HTSUS") at subheadings 5503.20.0045 and 5503.20.0065, which is often used in "fill" applications; and (2) low-melt PSF defined as a bi-component fiber with an outer, non-polyester sheath that melts at a significantly lower temperature than its inner polyester core (classified at HTSUS 5503.20.0015).
Fine denier PSF is classifiable under the HTSUS subheading 5503.20.0025. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under the orders 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 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations. Comments are due June 19.
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the petition.