Synopsis:
The US Department of Commerce has initiated changed circumstances reviews to determine whether to partially revoke the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on stainless steel flanges from China and India, based on a request from importer Anchor Fluid Power. Commerce has issued preliminary results indicating its intent to revoke the orders for certain products, and interested parties are invited to comment.
Article:
In a significant development for the stainless steel flange industry, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has embarked on a transformative journey by initiating changed circumstances reviews (CCRs) of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on stainless steel flanges from China and India. This move comes in response to a request from Anchor Fluid Power (Anchor), an importer of these products, seeking a partial revocation of the orders for certain items.
The antidumping and countervailing duty orders in question were originally published by Commerce in 2018, aiming to protect domestic manufacturers from unfair trade practices. However, on February 2, 2024, Anchor submitted a formal request through CCRs, petitioning Commerce to retroactively revoke the orders, in part, pursuant to section 751(b)(1)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930 and 19 CFR 351.216(b). As an importer of stainless steel flanges currently subject to duties, Anchor qualifies as an interested party under section 771(9)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.102(b)(29)(ii).
To ensure a thorough and well-informed decision, Commerce requested supplemental information from Anchor on March 1, 2024, which the company promptly provided by March 11, 2024. Anchor's CCR Request and CCR Supplement included statements from key members of the petitioning coalition or their representatives, such as Core Pipe Products, Inc., Kerkau Manufacturing, and Ameriforge LLC. These statements indicated that the parties were either not interested in participating in the CCRs or were not contesting Anchor's proposal. Moreover, Anchor demonstrated that these companies represent substantially all of the domestic like product production.
Notably, no interested parties filed comments opposing the CCR Request, and Anchor further requested that Commerce conduct expedited CCRs to streamline the process.
The scope of the orders under review covers certain forged stainless steel flanges, whether unfinished, semi-finished, or finished. These flanges are generally manufactured to, but not limited to, the material specification of ASTM/ASME A/SA182 or comparable domestic or foreign specifications. The term "stainless steel" in this context refers to an alloy steel containing, by actual weight, 1.2 percent or less of carbon and 10.5 percent or more of chromium, with or without other elements. The scope includes various types of flanges, such as weld neck, threaded, slip-on, lap joint, socket weld, and blind, covering a range of sizes and pressure classes.
It is important to note that cast stainless steel flanges, typically manufactured to specification ASTM A351, are specifically excluded from the scope of the orders. The country of origin for these flanges is determined by where the flange was forged, and subject merchandise includes flanges that have undergone further processing in a third country.
Merchandise subject to the orders is typically imported under HTSUS headings 7307.21.1000 and 7307.21.5000. However, while HTSUS subheadings and ASTM specifications are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope remains dispositive.
By initiating these CCRs and issuing preliminary results indicating its intent to revoke the orders in part, Commerce has signaled a potential shift in the landscape of stainless steel flange trade. Interested parties now have the opportunity to provide comments and feedback on these preliminary findings, ensuring that all relevant perspectives are considered before a final determination is made.
Conclusion:
The initiation of changed circumstances reviews by the U.S. Department of Commerce regarding the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on stainless steel flanges from China and India marks a significant milestone for the industry. Anchor Fluid Power's request for partial revocation of the orders has set in motion a process that could potentially reshape the competitive dynamics for certain products. As Commerce delves into the details and considers input from interested parties, the outcome of these reviews will have far-reaching implications for manufacturers, importers, and end-users alike.
Source: STEELGURU
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