Commerce Finalizes Trade Rulings on PC Strand
Theย U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC)ย released final decisions in major trade cases on prestressed concrete steel wire strand (PC strand). Theย U.S. PC strand antidumping and countervailing dutiesย now address unfairly priced and subsidized imports from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. PC Strand Antidumping and Countervailing Duties
In its final ruling, the DoC found that exporters from these countries sold PC strand in the U.S. at less than fair value. Because of this, theย U.S. PC strand antidumping and countervailing dutiesย apply dumping margins of 60.40% for Argentina, 86.09% for Colombia, 29.72% for Egypt, 30.86% for the Netherlands, 194.40% for Saudi Arabia, 23.89% for Taiwan, 53.65% for Turkey, and 170.65% for the UAE. These rates guide duty levels and aim to restore fair competition for U.S. PC strand producers.
Countervailing Duties on PC Strand from Turkey
In addition, the DoC completed a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation for PC strand from Turkey. The department concluded that Turkish exporters received countervailable subsidies at rates between 30.78% and 158.44%. Therefore, U.S. authorities can apply both antidumping and countervailing duties on Turkish PC strand to offset dumping and state-backed support.
U.S. Petitioners Behind the Trade Case
Three U.S. producers filed the petitions that triggered these investigations:ย Insteel Wire Products Company,ย Sumiden Wire Products Corporation, andย Wire Mesh Corporation. Together, they argued that dumped and subsidized imports caused material injury to the domestic PC strand industry. Consequently, they sought relief through U.S. trade law.
ITC Injury Review and Ongoing Investigations
Theย U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC)ย scheduled its final injury determinations for on or about Jan. 21, 2021. If the ITC confirms that these imports injure or threaten to injure U.S. producers, the DoC will then issue formal antidumping and countervailing duty orders based on its findings. In this way, theย U.S. PC strand antidumping and countervailing dutiesย will formally take effect as long-term trade remedies.
At the same time, the DoC continues separate antidumping investigations on PC strand from Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, and Ukraine. Final determinations in those cases are set for April 6 and may lead to additional duties on PC strand imports from those suppliers.
