China Steel Threaded Rod: Heat Treated ASTM A449 Rods and Studs Not Subject to AD Duties

Heat treated ASTM A449 rods and studs imported by All-Pro Fasteners are not subject to antidumping duties on steel threaded rod from China (A-570-932), the Commerce Department said in a recent scope ruling. While the scope of the AD duty order is silent on whether heat treated or A449 products are covered by duties, documents from the original investigation reference heat treatment as a special characteristic meant to improve hardness and strength, Commerce said. That additional hardness and strength is also different from what customers would expect from the steel threaded rod subject to AD duties, and the A449 are likewise used differently in load-bearing applications or places where they would be exposed to the elements. In contrast, subject steel threaded rod is mostly used to suspend pipes and conduits, as tie downs, and for basic industrial repair, Commerce said.

Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of this scope ruling.