Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc., filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping and countervailing (AD/CVD) duties on the imports of certain sol gel alumina-based ceramic abrasive grains from China.
The petitioner alleges that imports of ceramic abrasive grains are being sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. The petitioner also alleges that the government of China has used an array of tools to support local ceramic abrasive grains producers and manufacturers.
Full list of exporters. Full list of importers.
Background on AD/CVD Investigations
Antidumping duty (“AD”) and countervailing duty (“CVD”) investigations are brought jointly by the U.S. International Trade Commission (“USITC”) and the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”). AD investigations are triggered when a domestic industry alleges that it has been injured by competing imports of particular goods from specific countries being sold at less than a fair value. Meanwhile, CVD investigations are triggered when a domestic industry alleges that it has been injured by competing imports that are being unfairly subsidized by their governments.
Scope of the Investigation
Ceramic abrasive grains are a type of advanced abrasive, essential for the use of abrasive tools. After production, sol gel alumina-based ceramic abrasive grains are typically bonded or coated to grinding media or “backings” (i.e., sandpapers, grinding wheels, grinding cylinders, grinding discs, etc.) for end use in high-precision manufacturing tools across a variety of industries.
This Petition covers sol gel alumina-based ceramic abrasive grains which are comprised of a minimum of 94% aluminum oxide, grain sizes from 0.85 mm to 0.0395 mm, and hardness ranges between 16 and 22 gigapascals.
Full scope here.
Next Steps
The Commerce Department will determine whether to initiate the investigations within 20 days. The USITC will reach a preliminary determination of material injury or threat of material injury within 45 days.
As with any proceeding, participation is very important to protect your rights. We urge anyone who imports sol gel alumina-based ceramic abrasive grains to pay close attention to this case and to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to mitigate any damage.
AD/CVD investigations can result in determinations adverse to respondent interests for years that could effectively prohibit access to the U.S. market. Failure to effectively participate in investigations can put exporters and importers at a significant disadvantage.
Diaz Trade Law will continue to monitor this case and share updates. For more information or questions get in touch with us at 305-456-3830 or info@diaztradelaw.com.
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