USITC Targeting China- and Mexico-Sourced Couplers
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Chinese-made coupler. Source: https://newertrain.en.made-in-china.com/product/ABFJOVWonLrP/China-Railway-Wagon-Coupler-for-Trains-Coupling.html
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) has commenced an investigation, “Certain Freight Rail Couplers and Parts Thereof From China and Mexico; Institution of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations and Scheduling of Preliminary Phase Investigations,” based on provisions of the Tariff Act of 1930.
Excerpts from the Federal Register (full filing, 87 FR 60413, downloadable below)
“The Commission hereby gives notice of the institution of investigations and commencement of preliminary phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigation Nos. 701-TA-682 and 731-TA-1592-1593 (Preliminary) pursuant to the Tariff Act of 1930 (“the Act”) to determine whether there is a reasonable indication that an industry in the United States is materially injured or threatened with material injury, or the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded, by reason of imports of certain freight rail couplers and parts thereof from China and Mexico, provided for in subheadings 8607.30.10 and 7326.90.86 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, that are alleged to be sold in the United States at less than fair value and alleged to be subsidized by the Government of China. Subject merchandise attached to finished railcars may also enter under HTSUS heading 8606 or under subheadings 9803.00 and 7325.99 if imported as an Instrument of International Traffic. Unless the Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) extends the time for initiation, the Commission must reach a preliminary determination in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations in 45 days, or in this case by November 14, 2022. The Commission’s views must be transmitted to Commerce within five business days thereafter, or by November 21, 2022.
“These investigations are being instituted, pursuant to sections 703(a) and 733(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671b(a) and 1673b(a)), in response to a petition filed on September 28, 2022, by McConway & Torley LLC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO, CLC.”
