Teflon Manufacturer Requests New AD/CV Duties on PTFE Resin From China and India
The Chemours Company filed a petition on Sept. 28 with the Commerce Department and the International Trade Commission requesting new antidumping duties on polytetrafluoroethylene resin from China and India, as well as new countervailing duties on PTFE resin from India. Commerce will now decide whether to begin AD/CVD investigations on PTFE resin that could eventually result in the assessment of AD/CV duties. PTFE resin is more commonly known by Chemours' trade name "Teflon."
AD duty orders on PTFE resin from Japan and Italy had been in place from 1988 until they were revoked by way of sunset reviews in 2011 and 2016, respectively. There are currently no AD or CV duty orders on imports of PTFE resin. The scope of these AD/CV duty orders would differ slightly from their predecessor AD duty orders in that they would include wet raw polymer and dispersions of PTFE resin.
Proposed Scope
The petition proposes the following scope for the investigations:
"The product covered by the requested antidumping and countervailing duty orders is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin, including but not limited to whether granular, dispersion or coagulated dispersion (also known as fine powder). PTFE is covered by the scope of this investigation whether filled or unfilled, whether or not modified, and whether or not containing co-polymer additives, pigments or other materials. Also included is PTFE wet raw polymer. The chemical formula for PTFE is C2F4, and the Chemical Abstracts Service Registry number is 9002-84-0.
"PTFE further processed into micropowder, having particle size ranging from 1 to 25 microns, is excluded from the scope of this investigation.
"PTFE is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheadings 3904.61.0010 and 3904.61.0090. Subject merchandise may also be classified under subheading 3904.69, HTSUS. Although the HTSUS subheadings and CAS numbers are provided for convenience and Customs purposes, the written description of the scope is dispositive."
Commerce Accepting Comments on Petition Support
The Commerce Department is accepting comments on domestic industry support for the petitions to determine whether the petitions meet the dual requirements of support by domestic producers or workers accounting for (1) at least 25% of the total production of the domestic-like product and (2) more than 50% of the production of the domestic-like product produced by that portion of the industry expressing support for, or opposition to, the petition. If the petitions meet these requirements, among others, Commerce will initiate antidumping and countervailing duty investigations. Comments are due by Oct. 18.
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the petition.