A statement by a coalition of 14 Chinese solar panel companies said the International Trade Administration did not protect the rights and interests of Chinese companies during the investigation of solar cells from China, which according to the coalition is arbitrary and results oriented. In particular, said the coalition, the companies’ production costs were particularly distorted in the investigation, in which preliminary AD rates of 31.14% to 249.96% were announced on May 16. Xinhua’s report said the Chinese companies hope the ITA will correct the incorrect and unjust acts committed against these companies in later antidumping investigations.
China requested WTO consultations with the U.S. about U.S. countervailing duty orders on 22 Chinese products, reports Chinese state media agency Xinhua. According to a statement by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the CV orders are inconsistent with WTO rules in many aspects, including application of the term of public bodies, specificity, facts available and U.S. consideration of export restriction measures as subsidies. Products at issue in China’s complaint include solar cells, on which the U.S. imposed preliminary CV rates of 2.9% - 4.73% on March 26, as well as oil country tubular goods, coated paper, and steel wheels.
The International Trade Administration published notices in the May 25, 2012, Federal Register on the following AD/CV proceedings (any notices that announce changes to AD/CV duty rates, the scope, affected firms, or effective dates will be detailed in another ITT article):
The International Trade Administration issued a fact sheet announcing its affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty investigations of circular welded carbon-quality steel pipe from India (A-533-852), Vietnam (552-811), Oman (A-523-801), and the United Arab Emirates (A-520-805), which found preliminary AD rates of 48.43% for India, zero to 27.96% for Vietnam, 5.59% for Oman, and 3.29% to 11.71% for the UAE. The official notice of the ITA's preliminary determinations, which will trigger the implementation of the AD cash deposit or bond requirements for subject merchandise, will be published in the Federal Register soon.
The International Trade Administration made a preliminary affirmative antidumping determination that crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from China (A-570-979) are being, or are likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. The ITA found preliminary AD rates of 31.14% to 249.96%, which are effective February 25, 2012 for all firms. U.S. Customs is expected to implement these AD cash deposit/bond requirements soon.
The Inlandboatmen’s Union and 13 other unions reached a preliminary contract agreement with the Golden Gate Bridge District that will preserve affordable health benefits, said the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Union officials described the settlement as a victory. The IBU represents 42 workers at the Golden Gate Bridge District and another 296 workers are represented by 13 other unions; together the unions comprise the Golden Gate Bridge Labor Coalition.
The International Trade Administration is initiating an anti-circumvention inquiry to determine whether Malayisan company Reztec Industries Sdn Bhd’s uncovered innerspring units are circumventing the antidumping duty order on uncovered innerspring units from China (A-570-928).
A VoIP provider in Florida filed the first formal complaint at the FCC over what the company claims is a violation of the commission’s 2010 net neutrality rules, which took effect late last year. The complaint was filed by L2Networks against the Albany Water Gas & Light Commission, a municipally owned utility in Georgia.
A VoIP provider in Florida filed the first formal complaint at the FCC over what the company claims is a violation of the commission’s 2010 net neutrality rules, which took effect late last year. The complaint was filed by L2Networks against the Albany Water Gas & Light Commission, a municipally owned utility in Georgia.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) posted an updated listed of frequently asked questions on the Centers of Excellence and Expertise. CBP officials said during the May 22, 2012 COAC meeting another update is expected shortly. The questions and answers are: