US anti-dumping duty increased

In a notice dated July 15, DOC raised the dumping margin rates for both Vietnam Haiphong Hongyuan Machinery Manufactory Co Ltd and Hoa Phat Steel Pipe Co to 2.32%, instead of 1.19% and 0.38%, respectively, mentioned in the preliminary report in June 2016.

The rate for SeAH Steel Vina Corporation remained unchanged at zero%. Other steel pipe exporters will still face the countrywide rate of 113.18%, based on adverse reports.

On June 8, 2016, DOC had published its affirmative preliminary determination that circular welded carbon-quality steel pipes (CWP) from Vietnam was being sold in the United States at less than fair value provided by section 733 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and at different rates.

However, American petitioners filed comments alleging significant ministerial errors in the margin calculated for Vietnamese businesses. After analysing the comments, DOC detected the errors in margin calculation and decided to revise the dumping margin rates for the two Vietnamese steel exporters.

On December 17, 2015, DOC initiated dumping investigation concerning imports of CWP from Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan and Vietnam. Among these four countries, the highest rate of more than 113% was imposed on Vietnam.

Vietnam’s CWP exports to the United States reached US$60.6 million in 2014, the highest among the four countries probed, according to the Vietnam Competition Authority.