Opening of Scope Segments. The International Trade Administration has received information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection suggesting possible evasion of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid from China, the AD duty order on cold-rolled steel from Japan, the AD duty order on hydrofluorocarbon blends from China, and the AD and CV duty orders on light-walled rectangular pipe and tube from China. The ITA is therefore opening scope segments in each proceeding to place this information on the record. Interested parties may comment no later than April 20.
Request Reviews. The ITA is accepting through April 30 requests for administrative reviews of the following AD and CV duty orders for the periods April 1, 2017, through March 31, 2018 (AD) and Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2017 (CV), unless otherwise noted.
– phosphor copper from Korea (AD; Oct. 14, 2016, through March 31, 2018)
– 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane from China (AD; Oct. 7, 2016, through March 31, 2018)
– activated carbon from China (AD)
– drawn stainless steel sinks from China (AD/CV)
– magnesium metal from China (AD)
– non-malleable cast iron pipe fittings from China (AD)
– stainless steel sheet and strip from China (AD, Sept. 19, 2016, through March 31, 2018; and CV, July 18, 2016, through Dec. 31, 2017)
– steel threaded rod from China (AD)
Polyester Staple Fiber. Effective April 4, the ITA has continued its AD duty order on polyester staple fiber from China. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to collect AD cash deposits at the rates in effect at the time of entry for all imports of subject goods.
This order covers synthetic staple fibers, not carded, combed, or otherwise processed for spinning, of polyesters measuring 3.3 decitex (3 denier, inclusive) or more in diameter. These fibers are cut to lengths varying from one inch (25 mm) to five inches (127 mm). They may be coated, usually with a silicon or other finish, or not coated. Polyester staple fiber is generally used as stuffing in sleeping bags, mattresses, ski jackets, comforters, cushions, pillows, and furniture. Covered goods are classifiable under HTSUS 5503.20.0045 and 5503.20.0065.
The following products are excluded from the scope of the order: (1) polyester staple fiber of less than 3.3 decitex (less than 3 denier), currently classifiable under HTSUS 5503.20.0025, known to the industry as polyester staple fiber for spinning, and generally used in woven and knit applications to produce textile and apparel products; (2) polyester staple fiber of 10 to 18 denier that is cut to lengths of six to eight inches and is generally used in the manufacture of carpeting; and (3) low-melt polyester staple fiber 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 under HTSUS 5503.20.0015).
PET Film, Sheet, and Strip. In the final results of its administrative review of the AD duty order on polyethylene terephthalate film, sheet, and strip from the United Arab Emirates for the period Nov. 1, 2015, through Oct. 31, 2016, the ITA has determined a weighted average dumping margin of 18.9 percent for JBF RAK LLC. AD duties based on this rate will be assessed on entries of subject goods during the period of review, and AD cash deposits at this rate will be required for subject goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after April 4.
The ITA also determined that UFlex Limited had no shipments of subject goods during the period of review.