DOJ and Steel Slab Importer Settle All Claims in Section 232 Duties Case

The U.S. and steel slab importer NLMK Pennsylvania on April 4 settled the importer’s 2021 case contesting the Commerce Department’s denial of its 58 exclusion requests that certain steel articles be excluded from Section 232 duties (NLMK Pennsylvania, LLC v. U.S., CIT # 21-0507).

Without admitting liability, the parties agreed that CBP will reliquidate 18 of NLMK’s entries without Section 232 duties and refund excess money paid. Any tariffs assessed on 11 of the importer’s other entries would be final and nonprotestable, they said.

NLMK could raise claims at the Court of International Trade if the settlement agreement isn't carried out properly, but it waived any right to further litigation regarding its 58 exclusion requests, they said.

When asked, the importer’s attorney said he couldn't comment further on the settlement’s negotiation or terms.