On April 19, the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) announced its decision to initiate antidumping and countervailing investigations against steel wheels imported from China. This is the first time that the DOC has launched investigations on imports of Chinese automobile parts.
The petitioners in the case are Accuride Corporation, based in Evansville, Indiana, and Hayes Lemmerz International Inc., based in Northville, Michigan. The steel wheels in question are used on passenger cars, light trucks, sport utility and commercial utility vehicles, and are listed in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United Stated under codes 8708700500, 8708702500, 8708704530, and 8708706030.
Following the DOC announcement, Chinese producers/exporters have commenced their relevant preparatory work. It is reported that three US importers have expressed their support for the Chinese side.