Tire tariff determination: The end has begun

Aug. 21, 2014

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) had begun the final phase of its investigation into whether or not there is a reasonable indication that the domestic tire industry has been "materially injured or threatened with material injury" by reason of consumer tire imports from China.

In its preliminary investigation, the ITC determined there is a reasonable indication that the tire industry has been affected adversely by a significant increase in passenger and light truck tire imports from China.

The ITC and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) are acting on a complaint filed by the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (United Steelworkers for short) alleging Chinese consumer tire imports are:

1. being sold in the U.S. at less than fair value;

2. being subsidized by the Chinese government.

The Commission will issue a final phase notice of scheduling, which will be published in the Federal Register, upon notice from the DOC of affirmative preliminary determinations in the investigations.

The ITC instituted its initial countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigation on June 3, 2014. For more information, check out the Federal Register, Volume 79, Number 162.

For the latest information on the DOC's involvement in the decision-making, click on "DOC postpones China tire tariff determination."