US DOC finds subsidization on certain steel grating from China

Monday, 02 Nov 2009

On October 27th the Department of Commerce announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty investigation on imports of certain steel grating from the People Republic of China.

Commerce preliminarily determined that Chinese producers and exporters have received net countervailable subsidies of 7.44%.

Mandatory respondent, Ningbo Jiulong Machinery Manufacturing Company received a net subsidy rate of 7.44%.

All other Chinese exporters received a net subsidy rate of 7.44%.

As a result of this preliminary determination, Commerce will instruct US Customs and Border Protection to collect a cash deposit or bond based on these preliminary rates.

The petitioners for this investigation are Alabama Metal Industries Corp and Fisher & Ludlow with US production facilities located in McKeesrock, PA and Litchfield, Illinois.

The products covered by this investigation are certain steel grating, consisting of two or more pieces of steel, including load bearing pieces and cross pieces, joined by any assembly process, regardless of:
(i) Size or shape
(ii) Method of manufacture
(iii) Metallurgy
(iv) The profile of the bars
(v) Whether or not they are galvanized, painted, coated, clad or plated.

The products covered by this investigation are currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States under item number: 7308.90.7000. While the HTSUS subheading is provided for convenience and customs purposes, Commerce written description of the subject merchandise governs the scope of this investigation.

10. From 2006 to 2008, imports of steel grating from China increased 538.44% by volume and were valued at an estimated USD 90.7 million in 2008.