On December 8 2011, the Department of Commerce announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the antidumping duty investigation of imports of high pressure steel cylinders from the People Republic of China.
For purposes of this AD investigation, dumping occurs when a foreign company sells a product in the United States at less than fair value. Commerce preliminarily determined that Chinese producers/exporters have sold high pressure steel cylinders at margins ranging from 5.08% to 26.23%.
Mandatory respondent Beijing Tianhai Industry Co Ltd received a preliminary dumping rate of 5.08%. The petitioner alleged targeted dumping on a time period and customer basis for BTIC. Commerce found targeted dumping on a time period basis with respect to sales made by BTIC.
Three exporters qualified for a separate dumping rate of 5.08%. All other Chinese exporters received a preliminary dumping rate of 26.23%. As a result of this preliminary determination, Commerce will instruct US Customs and Border Protection to collect a cash deposit or bond based on these preliminary rates.
The petitioner for this investigation is: Norris Cylinder Company.
The merchandise covered by the scope of this investigation is seamless steel cylinders designed for storage or transport of compressed or liquefied gas. High pressure steel cylinders are fabricated of chrome alloy steel including, but not limited to, chromium-molybdenum steel or chromium magnesium steel and have permanently impressed into the steel, either before or after importation, the symbol of a US Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration approved high pressure steel cylinder manufacturer, as well as an approved DOT type marking of DOT 3A, 3AX, 3AA, 3AAX, 3B, 3E, 3HT, 3T, or DOT-E in accordance with the requirements of sections 178.36 through 178.68 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or any subsequent amendments thereof. High pressure steel cylinders covered by these investigations have a water capacity up to 450 liters and a gas capacity ranging from 8 to 702 cubic feet, regardless of corresponding service pressure levels and regardless of physical dimensions, finish or coatings.
Excluded from the scope of this investigation are high pressure steel cylinders manufactured to UN-ISO-9809-1 and 2 specifications and permanently impressed with ISO or UN symbols. Also US Department of Commerce | International Trade Administration excluded from these investigations are acetylene cylinders with or without internal porous mass and permanently impressed with 8A or 8AL in accordance with DOT regulations.
Merchandise covered by this investigation is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States under subheading 7311.00.00.30. Subject merchandise may also enter under HTSUS subheadings 7311.00.0060 or 7311.00.00.90. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under this investigation is dispositive.
In 2010, imports of high pressure steel cylinders from China were valued at an estimated USD 48.8 million. Commerce is currently scheduled to make its final determination in February 2012. If Commerce makes an affirmative final determination and the US International Trade Commission makes an affirmative final determination that imports of high pressure steel cylinders from China materially injure, or threaten material injury to, the domestic industry, Commerce will issue an AD order. The ITC is scheduled to make its final injury determination in April 2012.
Preliminary Dumping Margins
1. Exporter - Beijing Tianhai Industry Co Ltd
Producer - Langfang Tianhai High Pressure Container Co Ltd
5.08%
2. Exporter - Beijing Tianhai Industry Co Ltd
Producer - Tianjin Tianhai High Pressure Container Co Ltd
Margin 5.08%
3. Exporter - Beijing Tianhai Industry Co Ltd
Producer - Beijing Tianhai Industry Co Ltd
Margin 5.08%
4. Exporter - JS X International Trading Company
Producer Shanghai High Pressure Special Gas Cylinder Co Ltd
Margin 5.08%
5. Exporter - Zhejiang Jindun Pressure Vessel Co., Ltd
Producer - Zhejiang Jindun Pressure Vessel Co Ltd
Margin 5.08%
6. Exporter - Shijiazhuang Enric Gas Equipment Co Ltd
Producer - Shijiazhuang Enric Gas Equipment Co Ltd
Margin 5.08%
China-Wide
26.23%
