China

On August 14, 2017, the Trump Administration moved toward self-initiating a case against China under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. That legal provision is broad, and  authorizes the President to “take all appropriate action, including retaliation, to obtain the removal of any act, policy, or practice of a foreign government that violates an international trade agreement or is unjustified, unreasonable, or discriminatory, and that burdens or restricts U.S. commerce.” Past administrations have been hesitant to use the broad powers of the act to impose additional tariffs and quotas due largely to the possibility of retaliation and the uncertain effect on US companies. The Trump Administration announced that it was using the broad statute to zero in on issues involving U.S. intellectual property rights, theft of such trade secrets, and pressures by China forcing U.S. companies to transfer technological knowledge before setting up operations in China.

Reports from numerous sources, including the New York Times and Politico, indicate that the Trump Administration is on the verge of self-initiating a case against China under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. That legal provision is broad, and authorizes the President to “take all appropriate action, including retaliation, to obtain the removal of any act, policy, or practice of a foreign government that violates an international trade agreement or is unjustified, unreasonable, or discriminatory, and that burdens or restricts U.S. commerce.” Past administrations have been hesitant to use the broad powers of the act to impose additional tariffs and quotas due largely to the possibility of retaliation and the uncertain effect on US companies. It appears that the Trump Administration may have a very different attitude toward such risks.

On July 13, 2017, the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute (CISPI) filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties and countervailing duties on imports of Cast Iron Soil Pipe Fittings from China.

SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION

The merchandise covered by these investigations is finished and unfinished cast iron soil pipe fittings (“CISPF”), regardless of industry or proprietary specifications. These are nonmalleable iron castings of various shapes and sizes used in conjunction with cast iron soil pipe in the sanitary and storm drain, waste, and vent piping of buildings.

On May 31, 2017, Petitioners DAK Americas LLC, Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America, and Auriga polymers Inc. filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties and countervailing duties on imports of Fine Denier Polyester Staple Fiber from China, India, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

On April 19, 2017, Petitioners ArcelorMittal Tubular Products, Michigan Seamless Tube, LLC, PTC Alliance Corp., Webco Industries, Inc., and Zekelman Industries, Inc. filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties and countervailing duties on imports of Certain Cold-Drawn Mechanical Tubing of Carbon and Alloy Steel from China, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, and Switzerland.

On April 11, 2017, Petitioners Waterloo Industries Inc. filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties and countervailing duties on imports of Certain Tool Chests and Cabinets from the People’s Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION

The scope of this petition covers certain metal tool chests and tool cabinets with drawers (“tool chests and cabinets”) from the People’s Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The scope covers all metal tool chests and cabinets, including top chests, intermediate chests, tool cabinets and side cabinets, storage units, mobile work benches, and work stations and that have the following physical characteristics:

On March 31, 2017, President Trump signed two Executive Orders (EO) aimed at the enforcement of the collection of antidumping and countervailing duties for unfair trade practices and at the evaluation of significant trade deficits with U.S. trading partners. These EOs are a clear indication that trade, as promised throughout the campaign, will continue to be a top priority of the Trump presidency.

On March 31, 2017, Petitioners North American Steel & Wire, Inc./ISM Enterprises filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties on imports of Carton-Closing Staples from the People’s Republic of China.

SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION

The scope of this investigation is carton-closing staples. Carton-closing staples are fastening devices used to secure or close the flaps of corrugated and solid paperboard cartons and boxes. Carton-closing staples are manufactured from steel wire, and commonly have a copper-coating or a zinc (galvanized) coating. Carton-closing staples manufactured from stainless steel wire are also covered.

On March 9, 2017, Petitioners the Aluminum Association Trade Enforcement Working Group filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties and countervailing duties on imports of Certain Aluminum Foil from the People’s Republic of China.

SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION

The merchandise covered by this investigation is aluminum foil having a thickness of 0.2 mm (0.00787 inches) or less, in reels exceeding 25 pounds, that is not backed, etched for use in capacitors, or cut to shape. Where the nominal and actual measurements vary, a product is within the scope if application of either the nominal or actual measurement would place it within the scope based on the definitions set forth above. The products under investigation are currently classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheadings 7607.11.3000, 7607.11.6000, 7607.11.9030, 7607.11.9060, 7607.11.9090, and 7607.19.6000. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of this proceeding is dispositive.