US Dept. of Commerce launches probe into possible dumping of hardwood and decorative plywood panels imported from China, alleges dumping margins of 298.36%, 321.68% plus additional subsidies

Wendy Lisney

LOS ANGELES , October 19, 2012 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) –

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has begun investigations into imports of hardwood and decorative plywood panels from China, alleging that these products were sold at less than fair value in the U.S. market, reported Xinhua News Agency via China Daily on Oct. 19.

The U.S. government launched the anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty investigations on Oct. 18 following a petition for the investigation by the Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood, an organization that includes six companies.

On or before Nov. 13, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is set to make its preliminary determination as to whether or not imports of the products from China materially injured or threatened the domestic industry, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The investigation will continue if the trade commission finds a reasonable basis for the allegations, which include the DOC’s estimate that the dumping margins on hardwood and decorative plywood imports from China were 298.36% and 321.68%, respectively, plus subsidies.

Should the investigation proceed beyond the ITC, the DOC would submit its preliminary findings in the antidumping and countervailing duty probes in December 2012 and March 2013, respectively, reported Xinhua News Agency.

For the purposes of the investigation, the DOC has defined the products covered as a panel with at least two layers of wood veneers bonded together with a core into a finished product. This can be made from various types of wood, the DOC stated.

China reportedly has sought to work together with the U.S. and other members of the international community to avert protectionism and maintain open trade. During this election year in the U.S. both presidential candidates have highlighted trade with China.

U.S. imports of hardwood and decorative plywood from China totaled an estimated value of US$616.5 million in 2011, according to the DOC, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The primary source of this article is Xinhua News Agency via China Daily, both located in Beijing, China, on Oct. 19, 2012.

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