Trade Cases

South Korean Pipe Duties Remanded by USCIT

Written by Sandy Williams


US steel pipe makers were surprised by a Sept. 2 US Court of International Trade decision calling for a reconsideration of profit calculations on imports of OCTG steel pipes from South Korea.

South Korean producers complained that the duties set were too high and that proper procedures were not followed when determining duties. The Dept. of Commerce imposed duties of 15.75 percent on pipe from Hundai Hysco, 9.89 percent from Nexteel and 12.82 percent for all other South Korean producers.

South Korea was considered the biggest offender in the trade complaint by US steel companies. Also included in the complaint were imports from India, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam.

“South Korea is a critical part of the case due to the tonnage involved and the potential for further harm to an already challenged market,” said a spokesperson from the Steel Manufactures Association.

“We remain optimistic that the final decision will adequately address the harm that has been done to domestic steel producers, their employees, and their surrounding communities.”

The Department of Commerce has until November 2 to file its remand results. Any change to NEXTEEL’s or HYSCO’s dumping margins shall be reflected in the all-others rate assigned to Husteel, AJU Besteel, SeAH, and ILJIN.

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