As SteelOrbis previously reported, the investigations follow the petitions filed by the US domestic producer, Nucor Fastener.
With regard to China, the alleged dumping margins in these investigation range from 66.87 percent to 205.97 percent and the estimated subsidy rate is above de minimis, while the alleged dumping margins for Taiwan range from 51.39 percent to 114.14 percent.
The products covered by these investigations include certain standard nuts, bolts, and cap screws which are mechanical devices designed to hold, join, couple, assemble, or maintain equilibrium of single or multiple components, and currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under, but not limited to, the following categories: 7318.15.2030, 7318.15.2055, 7318.15.2065, 7318.15.8065, 7318.15.8085, and 7318.16.0085.
According to the US International Trade Commission (ITC) data, from 2006 to 2008, imports of certain standard steel fasteners from China increased by 4.48 percent and were valued at an estimated $291 million in 2008. Imports from Taiwan over the same time period decreased by 19.09 percent and were valued at an estimated $395 million in 2008.
Year |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Volume (kilograms) |
166,205,094 |
156,277,870 |
173,655,687 |
|
Value (US$) |
191,048,459 |
200,710,950 |
291,210,429 |
|
Year |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Volume (kilograms) |
235,170,660 |
199,487,254 |
190,276,359 |
|
Value (US$) |
367,341,524 |
361,953,534 |
395,238,086 |
The ITC is scheduled to make its preliminary injury determination on or about November 9, 2009. If the ITC determines that there is a reasonable indication that imports from China and Taiwan are materially injuring, or threatening material injury to, the domestic industry, the investigations will continue, and the DOC will be scheduled to make its CVD preliminary determination in December 2009 and AD preliminary determinations in March 2010.