Rebar: New AD/CVD Investigations Deadlines & Scope

The International Trade Commission will conduct a concurrent investigation to determine whether imports of dumped and illegally subsidized silicon metal are injuring U.S. industry. If the ITC finds no injury in its preliminary injury determination, due July 21, the investigations will immediately end. If Commerce finds dumping or illegal subsidization in the preliminary determinations of these investigations, due in August for CVD and November for AD, it will set AD and/or CVD cash deposit requirements for imports of merchandise subject to the investigation. If both Commerce and the ITC reach affirmative final determinations, Commerce will issue AD and/or CVD orders making duties permanent and beginning a process of annual administrative reviews to set final assessments of AD/CVD on importers and potentially change AD/CVD cash deposit rates.

AD/CVD Respondent Selection

For its AD investigations on Algeria, Bulgaria and Egypt, and its CVD investigations on Algeria, Egypt and Vietnam, Commerce said it will pick respondents to its AD/CVD investigations based on CBP import data. Comments on respondent selection are due three business days after Commerce's initiation notice is published, putting the deadline at July 3.

For its AD investigation on Vietnam, Commerce will send quantity and value questionnaires to each potential respondent, and will base respondent selection on the responses it receives. Exporters that don't get a quantity and value questionnaire can submit one using the forms available on Commerce's website. Responses are due by July 9.

Scope of the AD/CVD Investigations

"The merchandise subject to these investigations is steel concrete reinforcing bar imported in either straight length or coil form (rebar) regardless of metallurgy, length, diameter, or grade or lack thereof.

"The subject merchandise includes rebar that has been further processed in the subject countries or a third country, including but not limited to cutting, grinding, galvanizing, painting, coating, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of these investigations if performed in the country of manufacture of the rebar.

"Specifically excluded are plain rounds (i.e., nondeformed or smooth rebar).

"The subject merchandise is classifiable in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) primarily under item numbers 7213.10.0000, 7214.20.0000, and 7228.30.8010. The subject merchandise may also enter under other HTSUS numbers including 7221.00.0017, 7221.00.0018, 7221.00.0030, 7221.00.0045, 7222.11.0001, 7222.11.0057, 7222.11.0059, 7222.30.0001, 7227.20.0080, 7227.90.6030, 7227.90.6035, 7227.90.6040, 7228.20.1000, and 7228.60.6000. HTSUS numbers are provided for convenience and customs purposes; however, the written description of the scope remains dispositive."

Comments on the scope of the orders are due by 5 p.m. EDT on July 14.

Investigations Timetable

These deadlines may be, and usually are, extended. The Commerce Department fact sheet on the initiation of these investigations is (here). See 2506120030 for a summary of the petition requesting these investigations.