AD/CV: China Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand

The ITA has also initiated a countervailing duty investigation to determine whether manufacturers, producers, or exporters of PC strand in China receive countervailable subsidies.

AD Q&V Questionnaires Due by July 7th

For the AD duty investigation, the ITA is requesting quantity and value (Q&V) information from the exporters and producers identified in the AD petition. The Q&V data received will be used as a basis to select the mandatory respondents.

Q&V questionnaires are available at http://ia.ita.doc.gov/download/nme-sep-rates/PC%20Strand%20Q%20and%20V%20Letter.pdf. Completed questionnaires are due by July 7, 2009¹.

AD Separate Rate Applications Due by August 24th

The ITA also requires exporters and producers seeking separate rate status in the AD duty investigation to submit a separate rate application no later than August 24, 2009. The separate rate application is available at http://ia.ita.doc.gov/download/nme-sep-rates/pc%20strand%20separate%20rates%20application.pdf.

The ITA requires that the respondents submit a response to both the Q&V questionnaire and the separate rate application by the respective deadlines in order to receive consideration for separate rate status.

The ITA will also calculate combination rates for certain respondents that are eligible for a separate rate in this investigation.

Comments on Targeted Dumping Due September 18th

Any interested party that wishes to make a targeted dumping allegation in the AD investigation may submit allegations by September 18, 2009 (i.e., no later than 45 days before the scheduled date of the ITA's preliminary determination).

(Note that in December 2008, the ITA issued an interim final rule for the purposes of withdrawing the regulations governing targeted dumping analysis in AD duty investigations. See ITT's Online Archives or 12/15/08 and 01/15/09 news, 08121525 and 09011535, for BP summaries of the interim final rule and extension of the comment period.)

Comments on Product Characteristics for AD Questionnaires Due by July 6th

The ITA is also requesting comments from interested parties regarding the appropriate physical characteristics of PC strand to be reported in response to the AD questionnaires.

This information will be used to identify the key physical characteristics of the subject merchandise in order to more accurately report the relevant factors and costs of production, as well as to develop appropriate product comparison criteria.

Comments on product characteristics to be reported in response to the AD questionnaire must be submitted by July 6, 2009. (Rebuttal comments are due by July 13, 2009.)

Comments on CV Respondent Selection Due by June 30th

For the CV duty investigation, the ITA expects to select respondents based on U.S. Customs and Border Protection data for U.S. imports during the period of investigation. The ITA invites comments regarding the CBP data and respondent selection in the CV duty investigation by June 30, 2009.

Comments on Scope of AD/CV Investigations Due by July 6th

Comments on the scope of both the AD and CV duty investigations are due by July 6, 2009.

Scope of the AD/CV Investigations

For purposes of these investigations, prestressed concrete steel wire strand (PC strand) is steel wire strand, other than of stainless steel, which is suitable for use in, but not limited to, prestressed concrete (both pre-tensioned and post-tensioned) applications.

The scope of these investigations encompasses all types and diameters of PC strand whether uncoated (uncovered) or coated (covered) by any substance, including but not limited to, grease, plastic sheath, or epoxy. This merchandise includes, but is not limited to, PC strand produced to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A-416 specification, or comparable domestic or foreign specifications. PC strand made from galvanized wire is excluded from the scope if the zinc and/or zinc oxide coating meets or exceeds the 0.40 oz./ft standard set forth in ASTM-A-475.

HTS classifications. The PC strand subject to these investigations is currently classifiable under subheadings 7312.10.3010 and 7312.10.3012 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

The ITA notes that although the HTS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of these investigations is dispositive.

¹Note that the Q&V questionnaire posted to the ITA's Web site states that these AD questionnaires are due by July 8, 2009; however, ITA sources confirm that the correct due date is July 7, 2009.

- ITA's preliminary AD duty determination due by 11/03/09

-ITA's preliminary CV duty determination due by 08/20/09

-International Trade Commission's prelim AD/CV injury determinations due 07/13/09

ITA AD notice (FR Pub 06/23/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-14721.pdf

ITA CV notice (FR Pub 06/23/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-14721.pdf

ITA fact sheet available at http://ia.ita.doc.gov/download/factsheets/factsheet-prc-pcsws-init-061709.pdf