Certain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from the Republic of Korea: Notice of Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 51584-51588 [E7-17756]
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51584
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 174 / Monday, September 10, 2007 / Notices
Official Paul Matter; Willamette
National Forest, Detroit Ranger District,
HC 73 Box 320, Mill City, OR 97360;
(503) 854–3366.
Dated: September 4, 2007.
Scott G. Fitzwilliams,
Acting Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 07–4411 Filed 9–7–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
(A–580–816)
Certain Corrosion–Resistant Carbon
Steel Flat Products from the Republic
of Korea: Notice of Preliminary Results
and Partial Rescission of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review
Import Administration,
International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: In response to requests from
petitioners,1 the Department of
Commerce (the Department) is
conducting the thirteenth administrative
review of the antidumping order on
corrosion–resistant carbon steel flat
products (CORE) from Korea. This
review covers three manufacturers and
exporters (collectively, the respondents)
of the subject merchandise: Dongbu
Steel Co., Ltd., (Dongbu); Hyundai
HYSCO (HYSCO); and Union Steel
Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Union). The
period of review (POR) is August 1,
2005, through July 31, 2006. We
preliminarily determine that during the
POR, Dongbu, HYSCO, and Union made
sales of subject merchandise at less than
normal value (NV). In addition, we are
preliminary rescinding this review with
respect to Pohang Iron & Steel
Company, Ltd. (POSCO) and Pohang
Coated Steel Co., Ltd. (POCOS)
(collectively, the POSCO Group), as a
result of petitioners timely withdrawal
of its review request. If these
preliminary results are adopted in the
final results of this administrative
review, we will instruct U.S. Customs
and Border Protection (CBP) to assess
antidumping duties on all appropriate
entries of subject merchandise during
the POR.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 10, 2007
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jolanta Lawska or George McMahon
(Union), Preeti Tolani (Dongbu), and
Victoria Cho or Christopher Hargett
(HYSCO), AD/CVD Operations, Office 3,
ebenthall on PRODPC61 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
1 Petitioners
are the United States Steel
Corporation (U.S. Steel) and Mittal Steel USA ISG,
Inc. (Mittal Steel USA).
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Import Administration, International
Trade Administration, U.S. Department
of Commerce, 14th Street and
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington,
DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–8362,
(202) 482–1167, (202) 482–0395, (202)
482–5075 and (202) 482–4161,
respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On August 19, 1993, the Department
published the antidumping order on
CORE from Korea. See Antidumping
Duty Orders on Certain Cold–Rolled
Carbon Steel Flat Products and Certain
Corrosion–Resistant Carbon Steel Flat
Products from Korea, 58 FR 44159
(August 19, 1993) (Orders on Certain
Steel from Korea). On August 1, 2006,
we published in the Federal Register
the Antidumping or Countervailing Duty
Order, Finding, or Suspended
Investigation; Opportunity To Request
Administrative Review, 71 FR 43441
(August 1, 2006). On August 31, 2006,
respondents and petitioners requested a
review of Dongbu, HYSCO, the POSCO
Group, and Union. The Department
initiated this review on September 29,
2006. See Initiation of Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Administrative
Reviews, 71 FR 57465 (September 29,
2006).
During the most recently completed
segments of the proceeding in which
Dongbu, HYSCO, the POSCO Group,
and Union participated, the Department
disregarded sales below the cost of
production (COP) that failed the cost
test.2 Therefore, pursuant to section
773(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Tariff Act of 1930,
as amended (the Act), we had
reasonable grounds to believe or suspect
that sales by these companies of the
foreign like product under consideration
for the determination of NV in this
review were made at prices below the
COP. We instructed Dongbu, HYSCO,
the POSCO Group, and Union to
respond to sections A–D of the initial
questionnaire,3 which we issued on
September 13, 2006.
2 Certain
Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat
Products from the Republic of Korea: Notice of
Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review, 71 FR 53370, 53375
(September 11, 2006) (Preliminary Results of the
12th Review of CORE from Korea); Notice of Final
Results of the Twelfth Administrative Review of the
Antidumping Duty Order on Certain CorrosionResistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from the
Republic of Korea, 72 FR 13086 (March 20, 2007)
and accompanying Issues and Decisions
Memorandum; and Certain Corrosion-Resistant
Carbon Steel Flat Products from the Republic of
Korea; Notice of Amended Final Results of the
Twelfth Administrative Review, 72 FR 20815 (April
26, 2007).
3 Section A: Organization, Accounting Practices,
Markets and Merchandise
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On December 28, 2006, the petitioners
timely withdrew their request for an
administrative review of the POSCO
Group. Thus, we are preliminary
rescinding the request for review of the
antidumping order for the POSCO
Group.
On April 19, 2007, the Department
published a notice extending the time
period for issuing the preliminary
results of the thirteenth administrative
review from May 3, 2007, to August 31,
2007. See Corrosion–Resistant Carbon
Steel Flat Products from Korea:
Extension of Time Limits for the
Preliminary Results of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review, 72 FR
19688 (April 19, 2007).
Rescission of Administrative Review
for the POSCO Group
As provided in 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1),
‘‘[t]he Secretary will rescind an
administrative review under this
section, in whole or in part, if a party
that requested a review withdraws the
request within 90 days of the date of
publication of notice of initiation of the
requested review.’’ The petitioners
withdrew their request for an
administrative review within 90 days of
the date of publication of the notice of
initiation of the instant administrative
review and no other party requested an
administrative review of the POSCO
Group. Therefore, the Department is
rescinding the administrative review
with respect to the POSCO Group.
Dongbu
On November 10, 2006, Dongbu
submitted its section A response to the
initial questionnaire. On November 20,
2006, Dongbu submitted its sections B–
D response to the initial questionnaire.
On February 9, 2007, Dongbu submitted
its supplemental questionnaire
responses for sections A–C. Dongbu
submitted its responses to the
Department’s three section D
supplemental questionnaires on March
12, 2007, March 26, 2007, and April 19,
2007, respectively.
Union
On November 13, 2006, Union
submitted its section A response to the
initial questionnaire. On November 20,
2006, Union submitted its sections B–C
response to the initial questionnaire.
Union submitted its responses to the
Department’s three section A–C
supplemental questionnaires on
February 2, 2007, April 16, 2007 and
June 1, 2007, respectively.
Section B: Comparison Market Sales
Section C: Sales to the United States
Section D: Cost of Production and Constructed
Value
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HYSCO
On November 3, 2006, HYSCO
submitted its section A response to the
Department’s initial questionnaire. On
November 22, 2006, HYSCO submitted
its section B–D response to the
Department’s initial questionnaire.
HYSCO submitted its responses to the
Department’s three section A–D
supplemental questionnaires on January
29, 2007, February 20, 2007, and May
24, 2007, respectively.
Verification
The Department conducted the sales
verification of Dongbu and HYSCO,
from June 18 through 29, 2007, and
Union from July 23 through 27, 2007, in
Seoul, South Korea. The Department
conducted the cost verification of
HYSCO in Seoul, South Korea, from
July 31 through August 4, 2007. The
Department will conduct the cost
verification of Dongbu and Union in
Seoul, South Korea, after these
preliminary results.
ebenthall on PRODPC61 with NOTICES
Period of Review
The POR covered by this review is
August 1, 2005, through July 31, 2006.
Scope of the Order
This order covers flat–rolled carbon
steel products, of rectangular shape,
either clad, plated, or coated with
corrosion–resistant metals such as zinc,
aluminum, or zinc-, aluminum-, nickelor iron–based alloys, whether or not
corrugated or painted, varnished or
coated with plastics or other
nonmetallic substances in addition to
the metallic coating, in coils (whether or
not in successively superimposed
layers) and of a width of 0.5 inch or
greater, or in straight lengths which, if
of a thickness less than 4.75 millimeters,
are of a width of 0.5 inch or greater and
which measures at least 10 times the
thickness or if of a thickness of 4.75
millimeters or more are of a width
which exceeds 150 millimeters and
measures at least twice the thickness, as
currently classifiable in the Harmonized
Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTSUS) under item numbers
7210.30.0030, 7210.30.0060,
7210.41.0000, 7210.49.0030,
7210.49.0090, 7210.49.0091,
7210.49.0095, 7210.61.0000,
7210.69.0000, 7210.70.6030,
7210.70.6060, 7210.70.6090,
7210.90.1000, 7210.90.6000,
7210.90.9000, 7212.20.0000,
7212.30.1030, 7212.30.1090,
7212.30.3000, 7212.30.5000,
7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000,
7212.50.0000, 7212.60.0000,
7215.90.1000, 7215.90.3000,
7215.90.5000, 7217.20.1500,
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7217.30.1530, 7217.30.1560,
7217.90.1000, 7217.90.5030,
7217.90.5060, and 7217.90.5090.
Included in the order are flat–rolled
products of non–rectangular cross–
section where such cross–section is
achieved subsequent to the rolling
process including products which have
been beveled or rounded at the edges
(i.e., products which have been ‘‘worked
after rolling’’). Excluded from this order
are flat–rolled steel products either
plated or coated with tin, lead,
chromium, chromium oxides, both tin
and lead (‘‘terne plate’’), or both
chromium and chromium oxides (‘‘tin–
free steel’’), whether or not painted,
varnished or coated with plastics or
other nonmetallic substances in
addition to the metallic coating. Also
excluded from this order are clad
products in straight lengths of 0.1875
inch or more in composite thickness
and of a width which exceeds 150
millimeters and measures at least twice
the thickness. Also excluded from this
order are certain clad stainless flat–
rolled products, which are three–
layered corrosion–resistant carbon steel
flat–rolled products less than 4.75
millimeters in composite thickness that
consist of a carbon steel flat–rolled
product clad on both sides with
stainless steel in a 20%–60%–20%
ratio.
These HTSUS item numbers are
provided for convenience and customs
purposes. The written descriptions
remain dispositive.
Product Comparisons
In accordance with section 771(16) of
the Act, we considered all CORE
products produced by the respondents,
covered by the scope of the order, and
sold in the home market during the POR
to be foreign like products for the
purpose of determining appropriate
product comparisons to CORE sold in
the United States.
Where there were no sales in the
ordinary course of trade of identical
merchandise in the home market to
compare to U.S. sales, we compared
U.S. sales to the next most similar
foreign like product on the basis of the
characteristics listed in Appendix V of
the Department’s antidumping
questionnaire. In making the product
comparisons, we matched foreign like
products based on the Appendix V
physical characteristics reported by
each respondent. Where sales were
made in the home market on a different
weight basis from the U.S. market
(theoretical versus actual weight), we
converted all quantities to the same
weight basis, using the conversion
factors supplied by the respondents,
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before making our fair–value
comparisons.
Normal Value Comparisons
To determine whether sales of CORE
by the respondents to the United States
were made at less than NV, we
compared the Export Price (EP) or
Constructed Export Price (CEP) to the
NV, as described in the ‘‘Export Price/
Constructed Export Price’’ and ‘‘Normal
Value’’ sections of this notice. In
accordance with section 777A(d)(2) of
the Act, we calculated monthly
weighted–average prices for NV and
compared these to individual U.S.
transactions.
Export Price/Constructed Export Price
We calculated the price of U.S. sales
based on CEP, in accordance with
section 772(b) of the Act, which defines
the term ‘‘constructed export price’’ as
‘‘the price at which the subject
merchandise is first sold (or agreed to be
sold) in the United States before or after
the date of importation by or for the
account of the producer or exporter of
such merchandise or by a seller
affiliated with the producer or exporter,
to a purchaser not affiliated with the
producer or exporter, as adjusted under
subsections (c) and (d)’’ of this section.
In contrast, section 772(a) of the Act
defines ‘‘export price’’ as ‘‘the price at
which the subject merchandise is first
sold (or agreed to be sold) before the
date of importation by the producer or
exporter of the subject merchandise
outside of the United States to an
unaffiliated purchaser in the United
States or to an unaffiliated purchaser for
exportation to the United States, as
adjusted under subsection (c)’’ of this
section.
In determining whether to classify
U.S. sales as either EP or CEP sales, the
Department must examine the totality of
the circumstances surrounding the U.S.
sales process, and assess where the
reviewed sales or agreements of sale
were made for purposes of section
772(b) of the Act. In the instant case, the
record establishes that the sales were
made in the United States after
importation. Dongbu’s, HYSCO’s, and
Union’s affiliates in the United States
(1) took title to the subject merchandise
and (2) invoiced and received payment
from the unaffiliated U.S. customers for
their sales of the subject merchandise to
those U.S. customers. Thus, the
Department has determined that these
U.S. sales should be classified as CEP
transactions under section 772(b) of the
Act.
For Dongbu, HYSCO, and Union, we
calculated CEP based on packed prices
to unaffiliated customers in the United
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States. Where appropriate, we made
deductions from the starting price for
foreign inland freight, foreign inland
insurance, foreign brokerage and
handling, international freight, marine
insurance, U.S. warehousing expenses,
U.S. wharfage, U.S. inland freight, U.S.
brokerage and handling, loading
expenses, other U.S. transportation
expenses, U.S. customs duties,
commissions, credit expenses, letter of
credit expenses, warranty expenses,
other direct selling expenses, inventory
carrying costs incurred in the United
States, and other indirect selling
expenses in the country of manufacture
and the United States associated with
economic activity in the United States.
Pursuant to section 772(d)(3) of the Act,
we made an adjustment for CEP profit.
Where appropriate, we added interest
revenue to the gross unit price.
Consistent with the Department’s
normal practice, for Union we added the
reported duty drawback to the gross unit
price. We did so in accordance with the
Department’s long–standing test, which
requires that: (1) the import duty and
rebate be directly linked to, and
dependent upon, one another; and (2)
the company claiming the adjustment
demonstrate that there were sufficient
imports of imported raw materials to
account for the duty drawback received
on the exports of the manufactured
product.
HYSCO’s Sales of Subject Merchandise
that were Further Manufactured and
Sold as Non–Subject Merchandise in
the United States
In its Section A questionnaire
response and on September 27, 2006,
HYSCO requested that the Department
exclude certain POR sales of subject
merchandise imported by its wholly
owned U.S. subsidiary, HYSCO America
Company (HAC), that were further
manufactured after importation and sold
as non–subject merchandise in the
United States, citing ‘‘the extreme
difficulty in calculating CEP for these
sales through HAC.’’ The Department
issued several supplemental
questionnaires to HYSCO regarding
these HAC CEP sales.
Section 772(e) of the Act provides that
when the value added in the United
States by an affiliated party is likely to
exceed substantially the value of the
subject merchandise, the Department
shall use one of the following prices to
determine CEP if there is a sufficient
quantity of sales to provide a reasonable
basis of comparison and the use of such
sales is appropriate: (1) The price of
identical subject merchandise sold by
the exporter or producer to an
unaffiliated person; or (2) The price of
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other subject merchandise sold by the
exporter or producer to an unaffiliated
person.
Our analysis showed that the value
added by the affiliated party to the
subject merchandise after importation in
the United States was significantly
greater than the 65 percent threshold we
use in determining whether the value
added in the United States by an
affiliated party substantially exceeds the
value of the subject merchandise. See 19
CFR 351.402 (c)(2). We then considered
whether there were sales of identical
subject merchandise or other subject
merchandise sold in sufficient
quantities by the exporter or producer to
an unaffiliated person that could
provide a reasonable basis of
comparison. In addition to the sales to
HAC that were further manufactured,
HYSCO also had CEP sales of similar,
but not identical, subject merchandise
to unaffiliated customers in the United
States in back–to-back transactions
through another HYSCO affiliate in the
United States, Hyundai HYSCO USA
(‘‘HHU’’).
Decisions as to the appropriate
methodology for determining CEP for
sales involving further manufacturing
generally must be made on a case–bycase basis. In this instance, the quantity
of sales of identical or other subject
merchandise to an unaffiliated person is
relatively small. However, another
reasonable method for determining CEP
for the HAC CEP sales is not evident. In
this case, the value added after
importation is very large and the further
manufacturing very complex. Therefore,
similar to our practice in other cases,
see, e.g., Certain Hot–Rolled Carbon
Steel Flat Products from the
Netherlands; Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative
Reviews, 72 FR 28676 (May 22, 2007),
we relied on HYSCO’s other sales of
similar merchandise to unaffiliated
parties in the United States as the basis
for calculating CEP on HYSCO’s sales
through HAC. Although we have relied
on a relatively small quantity of sales,
as under the circumstances here this is
the most reasonable methodology, we
will continue to assess whether such
quantities provide an adequate basis for
our dumping analysis in other cases.
Therefore, in this and future reviews we
will reexamine the appropriate
methodology to use when presented
with similar circumstances.
Normal Value
Based on a comparison of the
aggregate quantity of home market and
U.S. sales, we determined that the
quantity of the foreign like product sold
in the exporting country was sufficient
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to permit a proper comparison with the
sales of the subject merchandise to the
United States, pursuant to section 773(a)
of the Act. Therefore, in accordance
with section 773(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Act,
we based NV on the price at which the
foreign like product was first sold for
consumption in the home market, in the
usual commercial quantities and in the
ordinary course of trade.
Where appropriate, we deducted
rebates, discounts, inland freight (offset,
where applicable, by freight revenue),
inland insurance, and packing.
Additionally, we made adjustments to
NV, where appropriate, for credit
expenses, warranty expenses, post–sale
warehousing, and differences in weight
basis. We also made adjustments, where
appropriate, for home market indirect
selling expenses and inventory carrying
costs to offset U.S. commissions.
We also increased NV by U.S. packing
costs in accordance with section
773(a)(6)(A) of the Act. We made
adjustments to NV for differences in
cost attributable to differences in
physical characteristics of the
merchandise, pursuant to section
773(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Act.
For purposes of calculating NV,
section 771(16) of the Act defines
‘‘foreign like product’’ as merchandise
which is either (1) identical or (2)
similar to the merchandise sold in the
United States. When there are no
identical products sold in the home
market, the products which are most
similar to the product sold in the United
States are identified. For the non–
identical or most similar products
which are identified based on the
Department’s product matching criteria,
an adjustment is made to the home
market sales price to account for the
actual physical differences between the
products sold in the United States and
the home market or third country
market. See 19 CFR 351.411 and section
773(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Act.
Level of Trade
In accordance with section
773(a)(1)(B) of the Act, we determined
NV based on sales in the comparison
market at the same level of trade (LOT)
as the CEP sales, to the extent
practicable. When there were no sales at
the same LOT, we compared U.S. sales
to comparison market sales at a different
LOT.
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.412, to
determine whether CEP sales and NV
sales were at different LOTs, we
examine stages in the marketing process
and selling functions along the chain of
distribution between the producer and
the unaffiliated (or arm’s–length)
customers. If the comparison market
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sales are at a different LOT and the
differences affect price comparability, as
manifested in a pattern of consistent
price differences between sales at
different LOTs in the country in which
NV is determined, we will make an LOT
adjustment under section 773(a)(7)(A) of
the Act. For CEP sales, if the NV LOT
is at a more advanced stage of
distribution than the CEP LOT and the
data available do not provide an
appropriate basis to determine an LOT
adjustment, we will grant a CEP offset,
as provided in section 773(a)(7)(B) of
the Act. See Notice of Final
Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value: Certain Cut–to-Length
Carbon Steel Plate from South Africa,
62 FR 61731, 61732–33 (November 19,
1997).
We did not make an LOT adjustment
under 19 CFR 351.412(e) because, as
there was only one home market LOT
for each respondent, we were unable to
identify a pattern of consistent price
differences attributable to differences in
LOTs (see 19 CFR 351.412(d)). Under 19
CFR 351.412(f), we are preliminarily
granting a CEP offset for Dongbu,
HYSCO, and Union because the NV for
each company is at a more advanced
LOT than the LOT for their U.S. CEP
sales.
For a detailed description of our LOT
methodology and a summary of
company–specific LOT findings for
these preliminary results, see the
August 31, 2007, Calculation
Memorandum for Dongbu Steel Co.,
Ltd.; Calculation Memorandum for
Hyundai HYSCO; and Calculation
Memorandum for Union Steel
Manufacturing Co., Ltd., of which the
public versions are on file in the Central
Records Unit (CRU), Import
Administration, Washington, DC, HCHB
Building, Room B–099.
In accordance with section 773(b)(3)
of the Act, we calculated COP based on
the sum of the respondents’ cost of
materials and fabrication for the foreign
like product, plus amounts for general
and administrative (G&A) expenses and
interest expenses. We relied on the COP
information provided by Dongbu in its
questionnaire responses, except for the
following instances where the
information was not appropriately
quantified or valued:
1. We adjusted Dongbu’s reported cost
of manufacturing (COM) to
appropriately value the claimed
scrap offset.
2. We revised the reported G&A
expense ratio to exclude certain
items of exchange gains and losses.
In addition, we adjusted the
denominator used to calculate the
G&A expense ratio for the
adjustment made above.
For further discussion of these
adjustments, see the Memorandum to
Neal Halper entitled, Cost of Production
and Constructed Value Adjustments for
the Preliminary Results—Dongbu Steel
Co., Ltd., dated August 30, 2007.
ebenthall on PRODPC61 with NOTICES
Cost of Production
B. Test of Home–Market Prices
In determining whether to disregard
home market sales made at prices below
the COP, as required under sections
773(b)(1)(A) and (B) of the Act, we
compared the weighted–average COP
figures to home market sales of the
foreign like product and we examined
whether (1) within an extended period
of time, such sales were made in
substantial quantities, and (2) such sales
were made at prices which permitted
the recovery of all costs within a
reasonable period of time. On a
product–specific basis, we compared
the COP to the home market prices (not
including VAT), less any applicable
movement charges, discounts, and
rebates.
A. Calculation of COP
We are investigating COP for Dongbu,
HYSCO, and Union because during the
most recently completed segments of
the proceeding in which Dongbu,
HYSCO, and Union participated, the
Department found and disregarded sales
that failed the cost test. We calculated
a company–specific COP for Dongbu,
HYSCO, and Union based on the sum of
each respondent’s cost of materials and
fabrication for the foreign like product,
plus amounts for home–market selling
expenses, selling, general and
administrative expenses (SG&A), and
packing costs in accordance with
section 773(b)(3) of the Act. We relied
on Dongbu’s, HYSCO’s, and Union’s
information as submitted.
C. Results of COP Test
Pursuant to section 773(b)(1) of the
Act, we may disregard below–COP sales
in the determination of NV if these sales
have been made within an extended
period of time in substantial quantities
and were not at prices which permit
recovery of all costs within a reasonable
period of time. Where 20 percent or
more of a respondent’s sales of a given
product during the POR were at prices
less than the COP for at least six months
of the POR, we determined that sales of
that model were made in ‘‘substantial
quantities’’ within an extended period
of time, in accordance with sections
773(b)(2)(B) and (C) of the Act. Where
prices of a respondent’s sales of a given
product were below the per–unit COP at
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51587
the time of sale and below the
weighted–average per–unit costs for the
POR, we determined that sales were not
at prices which would permit recovery
of all costs within a reasonable period
of time, in accordance with section
773(b)(2)(D) of the Act. In such cases,
we disregarded the below–cost sales in
accordance with section 773(b)(1) of the
Act.
Pursuant to section 773(b)(2)(C) of the
Act, where less than 20 percent of a
respondent’s sales of a given product
were at prices less than the COP, we did
not disregard any below–cost sales of
that product because we determined
that the below–cost sales were not made
in ‘‘substantial quantities.’’
We tested and identified below–cost
home market sales for Dongbu, HYSCO,
and Union. We disregarded individual
below–cost sales of a given product and
used the remaining sales as the basis for
determining NV, in accordance with
section 773(b)(1) of the Act. See the
August 31, 2007, Calculation
Memorandum for Dongbu Steel Co.,
Ltd.; Calculation Memorandum for
Hyundai HYSCO; and Calculation
Memorandum for Union Steel
Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Arm’s–Length Sales
Dongbu and HYSCO also reported
that they made sales in the home market
to affiliated parties. The Department
calculates NV based on a sale to an
affiliated party only if it is satisfied that
the price to the affiliated party is
comparable to the price at which sales
are made to parties not affiliated with
the producer or exporter, i.e., sales at
arm’s length. See 19 CFR 351.403(c).
To test whether these sales were made
at arm’s length, we compared the
starting prices of sales to affiliated and
unaffiliated customers net of all
movement charges, direct selling
expenses, discounts and packing. In
accordance with the Department’s
current practice, if the prices charged to
an affiliated party were, on average,
between 98 and 102 percent of the
prices charged to unaffiliated parties for
merchandise identical or most similar to
that sold to the affiliated party, we
considered the sales to be at arm’s–
length prices. See Notice of Preliminary
Results and Partial Rescission of
Antidumping Duty Administrative:
Ninth Administrative Review of the
Antidumping Duty Order on Certain
Pasta from Italy, 71 FR 45017, 45020
(August 8, 2006);
19 CFR 351.403(c). Conversely, where
we found sales to the affiliated party
that did not pass the arm’s–length test,
all sales to that affiliated party have
been excluded from the NV calculation.
E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM
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51588
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 174 / Monday, September 10, 2007 / Notices
ebenthall on PRODPC61 with NOTICES
See Antidumping Proceedings:
Affiliated Party Sales in the Ordinary
Course of Trade, 67 69186, 69187
(November 15, 2002).
Assessment Rate
Upon completion of this
administrative review, the Department
shall determine, and CBP shall assess,
antidumping duties on all appropriate
Currency Conversion
entries, in accordance with 19 CFR
For purposes of these preliminary
351.212. The Department intends to
results, we made currency conversions
issue assessment instructions to CBP 15
in accordance with section 773A(a) of
days after the date of publication of the
final results of this review. The
the Act, based on the official exchange
Department clarified its ‘‘automatic
rates published by the Federal Reserve
assessment’’ regulation on May 6, 2003.
Bank.
See Antidumping and Countervailing
Preliminary Results of the Review
Duty Proceedings: Assessment of
Antidumping Duties, 68 FR 23954 (May
As a result of this review, we
6, 2003) (Assessment Policy Notice).
preliminarily find that the following
This clarification will apply to entries of
weighted–average dumping margins
subject merchandise during the POR
exist:
produced by companies included in
Weighted–Average these final results of review for which
Producer/Manufacturer
the reviewed companies did not know
Margin
that the merchandise they sold to the
Dongbu .........................
4.96 % intermediary (e.g., a reseller, trading
HYSCO .........................
0.51 % company, or exporter) was destined for
Union ............................
4.35 % the United States. In such instances, we
will instruct CBP to liquidate
unreviewed entries at the ‘‘All Others’’
The Department will disclose
calculations performed within five days rate if there is no rate for the
intermediary involved in the
of the date of publication of this notice
transaction. See Assessment Policy
to the parties of this proceeding in
Notice for a full discussion of this
accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b).
Interested parties may submit case briefs clarification.
and/or written comments no later than
Cash Deposit Requirements
30 days after the date of publication of
To calculate the cash deposit rate for
these preliminary results of review. See
19 CFR 351.309(c)(ii). Rebuttal briefs are each producer and/or exporter included
limited to issues raised in such briefs or in this administrative review, we
divided the total dumping margins for
comments and may be filed no later
each company by the total net value for
than five days after the time limit for
that company’s sales during the review
filing the case briefs or comments. See
period.
19 CFR 351.309(d). Parties submitting
The following deposit rates will be
arguments in this proceeding are
effective upon publication of the final
requested to submit with the argument:
results of this administrative review for
1) a statement of the issue, 2) a brief
all shipments of CORE for Korea
summary of the argument, and 3) a table
entered, or withdrawn from warehouse,
of authorities. Case and rebuttal briefs
for consumption on or after the
and comments must be served on
publication date, as provided by section
interested parties in accordance with 19
751(a)(2)(C) of the Act: (1) The cash
CFR 351.303(f). Further, parties
deposit rates for the companies listed
submitting written comments are
above will be the rates established in the
requested to provide the Department
final results of this review, except if the
with an additional copy of the public
rate is less than 0.5 percent and,
version of any such comments on a
therefore, de minimis, the cash deposit
diskette.
will be zero; (2) for previously reviewed
An interested party may request a
or investigated companies not listed
hearing within 30 days of publication of above, the cash deposit rate will
these preliminary results. See 19 CFR
continue to be the company–specific
351.310(c). Any hearing, if requested,
rate published for the most recent final
ordinarily will be held two days after
results in which that manufacturer or
the due date of the rebuttal briefs. The
exporter participated; (3) if the exporter
Department will issue the final results
is not a firm covered in these reviews,
of this administrative review, which
a prior review, or the original less–thanwill include the results of its analysis of fair–value (LTFV) investigation, but the
issues raised in any such comments, or
manufacturer is, the cash deposit rate
at a hearing, if requested, within 120
will be the rate established for the most
days of publication of these preliminary recent final results for the manufacturer
results.
of the merchandise; and (4) if neither
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:56 Sep 07, 2007
Jkt 211001
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
the exporter nor the manufacturer is a
firm covered in these or any previous
review conducted by the Department,
the cash deposit rate will be 17.70
percent, the ‘‘All Others’’ rate
established in the LTFV. See Orders on
Certain Steel from Korea. These cash
deposit requirements, when imposed,
shall remain in effect until further
notice.
Notification to Importers
This notice serves as a preliminary
reminder to importers of their
responsibility under 19 CFR
351.402(f)(2) to file a certificate
regarding the reimbursement of
antidumping duties prior to liquidation
of the relevant entries during this
review period. Failure to comply with
this requirement could result in the
Secretary’s presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping duties
occurred and the subsequent assessment
of double antidumping duties.
These preliminary results of review
are issued and published in accordance
with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of
the Act.
Dated: August 31, 2007.
David M. Spooner,
Assistant Secretary for Import
Administration.
[FR Doc. E7–17756 Filed 9–7–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
A–570–886
Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from
the People’s Republic of China:
Preliminary Results of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review and Partial
Rescission of Review
Import Administration,
International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: In response to a request from
the Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bag
Committee,1 which represents domestic
producers of polyethylene retail carrier
bags, and individual requests from
certain manufacturers/exporters of
subject merchandise located in the
People’s Republic of China (‘‘PRC’’), the
Department of Commerce (‘‘the
Department’’) is conducting an
administrative review of the
antidumping duty order on
polyethylene retail carrier bags
(‘‘PRCBs’’) from the PRC. The
AGENCY:
1 Consisting of Hilex Poly Company, LLC and the
Superbag Corporation (collectively, ‘‘the
petitioners’’).
E:\FR\FM\10SEN1.SGM
10SEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 174 (Monday, September 10, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51584-51588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17756]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
(A-580-816)
Certain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from the
Republic of Korea: Notice of Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission
of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review
AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: In response to requests from petitioners,\1\ the Department of
Commerce (the Department) is conducting the thirteenth administrative
review of the antidumping order on corrosion-resistant carbon steel
flat products (CORE) from Korea. This review covers three manufacturers
and exporters (collectively, the respondents) of the subject
merchandise: Dongbu Steel Co., Ltd., (Dongbu); Hyundai HYSCO (HYSCO);
and Union Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Union). The period of review
(POR) is August 1, 2005, through July 31, 2006. We preliminarily
determine that during the POR, Dongbu, HYSCO, and Union made sales of
subject merchandise at less than normal value (NV). In addition, we are
preliminary rescinding this review with respect to Pohang Iron & Steel
Company, Ltd. (POSCO) and Pohang Coated Steel Co., Ltd. (POCOS)
(collectively, the POSCO Group), as a result of petitioners timely
withdrawal of its review request. If these preliminary results are
adopted in the final results of this administrative review, we will
instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to assess antidumping
duties on all appropriate entries of subject merchandise during the
POR.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Petitioners are the United States Steel Corporation (U.S.
Steel) and Mittal Steel USA ISG, Inc. (Mittal Steel USA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 10, 2007
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jolanta Lawska or George McMahon
(Union), Preeti Tolani (Dongbu), and Victoria Cho or Christopher
Hargett (HYSCO), AD/CVD Operations, Office 3, Import Administration,
International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th
Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone:
(202) 482-8362, (202) 482-1167, (202) 482-0395, (202) 482-5075 and
(202) 482-4161, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On August 19, 1993, the Department published the antidumping order
on CORE from Korea. See Antidumping Duty Orders on Certain Cold-Rolled
Carbon Steel Flat Products and Certain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel
Flat Products from Korea, 58 FR 44159 (August 19, 1993) (Orders on
Certain Steel from Korea). On August 1, 2006, we published in the
Federal Register the Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding,
or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity To Request Administrative
Review, 71 FR 43441 (August 1, 2006). On August 31, 2006, respondents
and petitioners requested a review of Dongbu, HYSCO, the POSCO Group,
and Union. The Department initiated this review on September 29, 2006.
See Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative
Reviews, 71 FR 57465 (September 29, 2006).
During the most recently completed segments of the proceeding in
which Dongbu, HYSCO, the POSCO Group, and Union participated, the
Department disregarded sales below the cost of production (COP) that
failed the cost test.\2\ Therefore, pursuant to section
773(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), we
had reasonable grounds to believe or suspect that sales by these
companies of the foreign like product under consideration for the
determination of NV in this review were made at prices below the COP.
We instructed Dongbu, HYSCO, the POSCO Group, and Union to respond to
sections A-D of the initial questionnaire,\3\ which we issued on
September 13, 2006.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Certain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from
the Republic of Korea: Notice of Preliminary Results of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review, 71 FR 53370, 53375 (September 11, 2006)
(Preliminary Results of the 12th Review of CORE from Korea); Notice
of Final Results of the Twelfth Administrative Review of the
Antidumping Duty Order on Certain Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel
Flat Products from the Republic of Korea, 72 FR 13086 (March 20,
2007) and accompanying Issues and Decisions Memorandum; and Certain
Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from the Republic of
Korea; Notice of Amended Final Results of the Twelfth Administrative
Review, 72 FR 20815 (April 26, 2007).
\3\ Section A: Organization, Accounting Practices, Markets and
Merchandise
Section B: Comparison Market Sales
Section C: Sales to the United States
Section D: Cost of Production and Constructed Value
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
On December 28, 2006, the petitioners timely withdrew their request
for an administrative review of the POSCO Group. Thus, we are
preliminary rescinding the request for review of the antidumping order
for the POSCO Group.
On April 19, 2007, the Department published a notice extending the
time period for issuing the preliminary results of the thirteenth
administrative review from May 3, 2007, to August 31, 2007. See
Corrosion-Resistant Carbon Steel Flat Products from Korea: Extension of
Time Limits for the Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review, 72 FR 19688 (April 19, 2007).
Rescission of Administrative Review for the POSCO Group
As provided in 19 CFR 351.213(d)(1), ``[t]he Secretary will rescind
an administrative review under this section, in whole or in part, if a
party that requested a review withdraws the request within 90 days of
the date of publication of notice of initiation of the requested
review.'' The petitioners withdrew their request for an administrative
review within 90 days of the date of publication of the notice of
initiation of the instant administrative review and no other party
requested an administrative review of the POSCO Group. Therefore, the
Department is rescinding the administrative review with respect to the
POSCO Group.
Dongbu
On November 10, 2006, Dongbu submitted its section A response to
the initial questionnaire. On November 20, 2006, Dongbu submitted its
sections B-D response to the initial questionnaire. On February 9,
2007, Dongbu submitted its supplemental questionnaire responses for
sections A-C. Dongbu submitted its responses to the Department's three
section D supplemental questionnaires on March 12, 2007, March 26,
2007, and April 19, 2007, respectively.
Union
On November 13, 2006, Union submitted its section A response to the
initial questionnaire. On November 20, 2006, Union submitted its
sections B-C response to the initial questionnaire. Union submitted its
responses to the Department's three section A-C supplemental
questionnaires on February 2, 2007, April 16, 2007 and June 1, 2007,
respectively.
[[Page 51585]]
HYSCO
On November 3, 2006, HYSCO submitted its section A response to the
Department's initial questionnaire. On November 22, 2006, HYSCO
submitted its section B-D response to the Department's initial
questionnaire. HYSCO submitted its responses to the Department's three
section A-D supplemental questionnaires on January 29, 2007, February
20, 2007, and May 24, 2007, respectively.
Verification
The Department conducted the sales verification of Dongbu and
HYSCO, from June 18 through 29, 2007, and Union from July 23 through
27, 2007, in Seoul, South Korea. The Department conducted the cost
verification of HYSCO in Seoul, South Korea, from July 31 through
August 4, 2007. The Department will conduct the cost verification of
Dongbu and Union in Seoul, South Korea, after these preliminary
results.
Period of Review
The POR covered by this review is August 1, 2005, through July 31,
2006.
Scope of the Order
This order covers flat-rolled carbon steel products, of rectangular
shape, either clad, plated, or coated with corrosion-resistant metals
such as zinc, aluminum, or zinc-, aluminum-, nickel- or iron-based
alloys, whether or not corrugated or painted, varnished or coated with
plastics or other nonmetallic substances in addition to the metallic
coating, in coils (whether or not in successively superimposed layers)
and of a width of 0.5 inch or greater, or in straight lengths which, if
of a thickness less than 4.75 millimeters, are of a width of 0.5 inch
or greater and which measures at least 10 times the thickness or if of
a thickness of 4.75 millimeters or more are of a width which exceeds
150 millimeters and measures at least twice the thickness, as currently
classifiable in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTSUS) under item numbers 7210.30.0030, 7210.30.0060, 7210.41.0000,
7210.49.0030, 7210.49.0090, 7210.49.0091, 7210.49.0095, 7210.61.0000,
7210.69.0000, 7210.70.6030, 7210.70.6060, 7210.70.6090, 7210.90.1000,
7210.90.6000, 7210.90.9000, 7212.20.0000, 7212.30.1030, 7212.30.1090,
7212.30.3000, 7212.30.5000, 7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 7212.50.0000,
7212.60.0000, 7215.90.1000, 7215.90.3000, 7215.90.5000, 7217.20.1500,
7217.30.1530, 7217.30.1560, 7217.90.1000, 7217.90.5030, 7217.90.5060,
and 7217.90.5090. Included in the order are flat-rolled products of
non-rectangular cross-section where such cross-section is achieved
subsequent to the rolling process including products which have been
beveled or rounded at the edges (i.e., products which have been
``worked after rolling''). Excluded from this order are flat-rolled
steel products either plated or coated with tin, lead, chromium,
chromium oxides, both tin and lead (``terne plate''), or both chromium
and chromium oxides (``tin-free steel''), whether or not painted,
varnished or coated with plastics or other nonmetallic substances in
addition to the metallic coating. Also excluded from this order are
clad products in straight lengths of 0.1875 inch or more in composite
thickness and of a width which exceeds 150 millimeters and measures at
least twice the thickness. Also excluded from this order are certain
clad stainless flat-rolled products, which are three-layered corrosion-
resistant carbon steel flat-rolled products less than 4.75 millimeters
in composite thickness that consist of a carbon steel flat-rolled
product clad on both sides with stainless steel in a 20%-60%-20% ratio.
These HTSUS item numbers are provided for convenience and customs
purposes. The written descriptions remain dispositive.
Product Comparisons
In accordance with section 771(16) of the Act, we considered all
CORE products produced by the respondents, covered by the scope of the
order, and sold in the home market during the POR to be foreign like
products for the purpose of determining appropriate product comparisons
to CORE sold in the United States.
Where there were no sales in the ordinary course of trade of
identical merchandise in the home market to compare to U.S. sales, we
compared U.S. sales to the next most similar foreign like product on
the basis of the characteristics listed in Appendix V of the
Department's antidumping questionnaire. In making the product
comparisons, we matched foreign like products based on the Appendix V
physical characteristics reported by each respondent. Where sales were
made in the home market on a different weight basis from the U.S.
market (theoretical versus actual weight), we converted all quantities
to the same weight basis, using the conversion factors supplied by the
respondents, before making our fair-value comparisons.
Normal Value Comparisons
To determine whether sales of CORE by the respondents to the United
States were made at less than NV, we compared the Export Price (EP) or
Constructed Export Price (CEP) to the NV, as described in the ``Export
Price/Constructed Export Price'' and ``Normal Value'' sections of this
notice. In accordance with section 777A(d)(2) of the Act, we calculated
monthly weighted-average prices for NV and compared these to individual
U.S. transactions.
Export Price/Constructed Export Price
We calculated the price of U.S. sales based on CEP, in accordance
with section 772(b) of the Act, which defines the term ``constructed
export price'' as ``the price at which the subject merchandise is first
sold (or agreed to be sold) in the United States before or after the
date of importation by or for the account of the producer or exporter
of such merchandise or by a seller affiliated with the producer or
exporter, to a purchaser not affiliated with the producer or exporter,
as adjusted under subsections (c) and (d)'' of this section. In
contrast, section 772(a) of the Act defines ``export price'' as ``the
price at which the subject merchandise is first sold (or agreed to be
sold) before the date of importation by the producer or exporter of the
subject merchandise outside of the United States to an unaffiliated
purchaser in the United States or to an unaffiliated purchaser for
exportation to the United States, as adjusted under subsection (c)'' of
this section.
In determining whether to classify U.S. sales as either EP or CEP
sales, the Department must examine the totality of the circumstances
surrounding the U.S. sales process, and assess where the reviewed sales
or agreements of sale were made for purposes of section 772(b) of the
Act. In the instant case, the record establishes that the sales were
made in the United States after importation. Dongbu's, HYSCO's, and
Union's affiliates in the United States (1) took title to the subject
merchandise and (2) invoiced and received payment from the unaffiliated
U.S. customers for their sales of the subject merchandise to those U.S.
customers. Thus, the Department has determined that these U.S. sales
should be classified as CEP transactions under section 772(b) of the
Act.
For Dongbu, HYSCO, and Union, we calculated CEP based on packed
prices to unaffiliated customers in the United
[[Page 51586]]
States. Where appropriate, we made deductions from the starting price
for foreign inland freight, foreign inland insurance, foreign brokerage
and handling, international freight, marine insurance, U.S. warehousing
expenses, U.S. wharfage, U.S. inland freight, U.S. brokerage and
handling, loading expenses, other U.S. transportation expenses, U.S.
customs duties, commissions, credit expenses, letter of credit
expenses, warranty expenses, other direct selling expenses, inventory
carrying costs incurred in the United States, and other indirect
selling expenses in the country of manufacture and the United States
associated with economic activity in the United States. Pursuant to
section 772(d)(3) of the Act, we made an adjustment for CEP profit.
Where appropriate, we added interest revenue to the gross unit price.
Consistent with the Department's normal practice, for Union we
added the reported duty drawback to the gross unit price. We did so in
accordance with the Department's long-standing test, which requires
that: (1) the import duty and rebate be directly linked to, and
dependent upon, one another; and (2) the company claiming the
adjustment demonstrate that there were sufficient imports of imported
raw materials to account for the duty drawback received on the exports
of the manufactured product.
HYSCO's Sales of Subject Merchandise that were Further Manufactured and
Sold as Non-Subject Merchandise in the United States
In its Section A questionnaire response and on September 27, 2006,
HYSCO requested that the Department exclude certain POR sales of
subject merchandise imported by its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, HYSCO
America Company (HAC), that were further manufactured after importation
and sold as non-subject merchandise in the United States, citing ``the
extreme difficulty in calculating CEP for these sales through HAC.''
The Department issued several supplemental questionnaires to HYSCO
regarding these HAC CEP sales.
Section 772(e) of the Act provides that when the value added in the
United States by an affiliated party is likely to exceed substantially
the value of the subject merchandise, the Department shall use one of
the following prices to determine CEP if there is a sufficient quantity
of sales to provide a reasonable basis of comparison and the use of
such sales is appropriate: (1) The price of identical subject
merchandise sold by the exporter or producer to an unaffiliated person;
or (2) The price of other subject merchandise sold by the exporter or
producer to an unaffiliated person.
Our analysis showed that the value added by the affiliated party to
the subject merchandise after importation in the United States was
significantly greater than the 65 percent threshold we use in
determining whether the value added in the United States by an
affiliated party substantially exceeds the value of the subject
merchandise. See 19 CFR 351.402 (c)(2). We then considered whether
there were sales of identical subject merchandise or other subject
merchandise sold in sufficient quantities by the exporter or producer
to an unaffiliated person that could provide a reasonable basis of
comparison. In addition to the sales to HAC that were further
manufactured, HYSCO also had CEP sales of similar, but not identical,
subject merchandise to unaffiliated customers in the United States in
back-to-back transactions through another HYSCO affiliate in the United
States, Hyundai HYSCO USA (``HHU'').
Decisions as to the appropriate methodology for determining CEP for
sales involving further manufacturing generally must be made on a case-
by-case basis. In this instance, the quantity of sales of identical or
other subject merchandise to an unaffiliated person is relatively
small. However, another reasonable method for determining CEP for the
HAC CEP sales is not evident. In this case, the value added after
importation is very large and the further manufacturing very complex.
Therefore, similar to our practice in other cases, see, e.g., Certain
Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from the Netherlands; Final
Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, 72 FR 28676 (May
22, 2007), we relied on HYSCO's other sales of similar merchandise to
unaffiliated parties in the United States as the basis for calculating
CEP on HYSCO's sales through HAC. Although we have relied on a
relatively small quantity of sales, as under the circumstances here
this is the most reasonable methodology, we will continue to assess
whether such quantities provide an adequate basis for our dumping
analysis in other cases. Therefore, in this and future reviews we will
reexamine the appropriate methodology to use when presented with
similar circumstances.
Normal Value
Based on a comparison of the aggregate quantity of home market and
U.S. sales, we determined that the quantity of the foreign like product
sold in the exporting country was sufficient to permit a proper
comparison with the sales of the subject merchandise to the United
States, pursuant to section 773(a) of the Act. Therefore, in accordance
with section 773(a)(1)(B)(i) of the Act, we based NV on the price at
which the foreign like product was first sold for consumption in the
home market, in the usual commercial quantities and in the ordinary
course of trade.
Where appropriate, we deducted rebates, discounts, inland freight
(offset, where applicable, by freight revenue), inland insurance, and
packing. Additionally, we made adjustments to NV, where appropriate,
for credit expenses, warranty expenses, post-sale warehousing, and
differences in weight basis. We also made adjustments, where
appropriate, for home market indirect selling expenses and inventory
carrying costs to offset U.S. commissions.
We also increased NV by U.S. packing costs in accordance with
section 773(a)(6)(A) of the Act. We made adjustments to NV for
differences in cost attributable to differences in physical
characteristics of the merchandise, pursuant to section
773(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Act.
For purposes of calculating NV, section 771(16) of the Act defines
``foreign like product'' as merchandise which is either (1) identical
or (2) similar to the merchandise sold in the United States. When there
are no identical products sold in the home market, the products which
are most similar to the product sold in the United States are
identified. For the non-identical or most similar products which are
identified based on the Department's product matching criteria, an
adjustment is made to the home market sales price to account for the
actual physical differences between the products sold in the United
States and the home market or third country market. See 19 CFR 351.411
and section 773(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Act.
Level of Trade
In accordance with section 773(a)(1)(B) of the Act, we determined
NV based on sales in the comparison market at the same level of trade
(LOT) as the CEP sales, to the extent practicable. When there were no
sales at the same LOT, we compared U.S. sales to comparison market
sales at a different LOT.
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.412, to determine whether CEP sales and NV
sales were at different LOTs, we examine stages in the marketing
process and selling functions along the chain of distribution between
the producer and the unaffiliated (or arm's-length) customers. If the
comparison market
[[Page 51587]]
sales are at a different LOT and the differences affect price
comparability, as manifested in a pattern of consistent price
differences between sales at different LOTs in the country in which NV
is determined, we will make an LOT adjustment under section
773(a)(7)(A) of the Act. For CEP sales, if the NV LOT is at a more
advanced stage of distribution than the CEP LOT and the data available
do not provide an appropriate basis to determine an LOT adjustment, we
will grant a CEP offset, as provided in section 773(a)(7)(B) of the
Act. See Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair
Value: Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate from South Africa, 62
FR 61731, 61732-33 (November 19, 1997).
We did not make an LOT adjustment under 19 CFR 351.412(e) because,
as there was only one home market LOT for each respondent, we were
unable to identify a pattern of consistent price differences
attributable to differences in LOTs (see 19 CFR 351.412(d)). Under 19
CFR 351.412(f), we are preliminarily granting a CEP offset for Dongbu,
HYSCO, and Union because the NV for each company is at a more advanced
LOT than the LOT for their U.S. CEP sales.
For a detailed description of our LOT methodology and a summary of
company-specific LOT findings for these preliminary results, see the
August 31, 2007, Calculation Memorandum for Dongbu Steel Co., Ltd.;
Calculation Memorandum for Hyundai HYSCO; and Calculation Memorandum
for Union Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd., of which the public versions
are on file in the Central Records Unit (CRU), Import Administration,
Washington, DC, HCHB Building, Room B-099.
Cost of Production
A. Calculation of COP
We are investigating COP for Dongbu, HYSCO, and Union because
during the most recently completed segments of the proceeding in which
Dongbu, HYSCO, and Union participated, the Department found and
disregarded sales that failed the cost test. We calculated a company-
specific COP for Dongbu, HYSCO, and Union based on the sum of each
respondent's cost of materials and fabrication for the foreign like
product, plus amounts for home-market selling expenses, selling,
general and administrative expenses (SG&A), and packing costs in
accordance with section 773(b)(3) of the Act. We relied on Dongbu's,
HYSCO's, and Union's information as submitted.
In accordance with section 773(b)(3) of the Act, we calculated COP
based on the sum of the respondents' cost of materials and fabrication
for the foreign like product, plus amounts for general and
administrative (G&A) expenses and interest expenses. We relied on the
COP information provided by Dongbu in its questionnaire responses,
except for the following instances where the information was not
appropriately quantified or valued:
1. We adjusted Dongbu's reported cost of manufacturing (COM) to
appropriately value the claimed scrap offset.
2. We revised the reported G&A expense ratio to exclude certain
items of exchange gains and losses. In addition, we adjusted the
denominator used to calculate the G&A expense ratio for the adjustment
made above.
For further discussion of these adjustments, see the Memorandum to
Neal Halper entitled, Cost of Production and Constructed Value
Adjustments for the Preliminary Results--Dongbu Steel Co., Ltd., dated
August 30, 2007.
B. Test of Home-Market Prices
In determining whether to disregard home market sales made at
prices below the COP, as required under sections 773(b)(1)(A) and (B)
of the Act, we compared the weighted-average COP figures to home market
sales of the foreign like product and we examined whether (1) within an
extended period of time, such sales were made in substantial
quantities, and (2) such sales were made at prices which permitted the
recovery of all costs within a reasonable period of time. On a product-
specific basis, we compared the COP to the home market prices (not
including VAT), less any applicable movement charges, discounts, and
rebates.
C. Results of COP Test
Pursuant to section 773(b)(1) of the Act, we may disregard below-
COP sales in the determination of NV if these sales have been made
within an extended period of time in substantial quantities and were
not at prices which permit recovery of all costs within a reasonable
period of time. Where 20 percent or more of a respondent's sales of a
given product during the POR were at prices less than the COP for at
least six months of the POR, we determined that sales of that model
were made in ``substantial quantities'' within an extended period of
time, in accordance with sections 773(b)(2)(B) and (C) of the Act.
Where prices of a respondent's sales of a given product were below the
per-unit COP at the time of sale and below the weighted-average per-
unit costs for the POR, we determined that sales were not at prices
which would permit recovery of all costs within a reasonable period of
time, in accordance with section 773(b)(2)(D) of the Act. In such
cases, we disregarded the below-cost sales in accordance with section
773(b)(1) of the Act.
Pursuant to section 773(b)(2)(C) of the Act, where less than 20
percent of a respondent's sales of a given product were at prices less
than the COP, we did not disregard any below-cost sales of that product
because we determined that the below-cost sales were not made in
``substantial quantities.''
We tested and identified below-cost home market sales for Dongbu,
HYSCO, and Union. We disregarded individual below-cost sales of a given
product and used the remaining sales as the basis for determining NV,
in accordance with section 773(b)(1) of the Act. See the August 31,
2007, Calculation Memorandum for Dongbu Steel Co., Ltd.; Calculation
Memorandum for Hyundai HYSCO; and Calculation Memorandum for Union
Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Arm's-Length Sales
Dongbu and HYSCO also reported that they made sales in the home
market to affiliated parties. The Department calculates NV based on a
sale to an affiliated party only if it is satisfied that the price to
the affiliated party is comparable to the price at which sales are made
to parties not affiliated with the producer or exporter, i.e., sales at
arm's length. See 19 CFR 351.403(c).
To test whether these sales were made at arm's length, we compared
the starting prices of sales to affiliated and unaffiliated customers
net of all movement charges, direct selling expenses, discounts and
packing. In accordance with the Department's current practice, if the
prices charged to an affiliated party were, on average, between 98 and
102 percent of the prices charged to unaffiliated parties for
merchandise identical or most similar to that sold to the affiliated
party, we considered the sales to be at arm's-length prices. See Notice
of Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty
Administrative: Ninth Administrative Review of the Antidumping Duty
Order on Certain Pasta from Italy, 71 FR 45017, 45020 (August 8, 2006);
19 CFR 351.403(c). Conversely, where we found sales to the
affiliated party that did not pass the arm's-length test, all sales to
that affiliated party have been excluded from the NV calculation.
[[Page 51588]]
See Antidumping Proceedings: Affiliated Party Sales in the Ordinary
Course of Trade, 67 69186, 69187 (November 15, 2002).
Currency Conversion
For purposes of these preliminary results, we made currency
conversions in accordance with section 773A(a) of the Act, based on the
official exchange rates published by the Federal Reserve Bank.
Preliminary Results of the Review
As a result of this review, we preliminarily find that the
following weighted-average dumping margins exist:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-Average
Producer/Manufacturer Margin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dongbu.............................................. 4.96 %
HYSCO............................................... 0.51 %
Union............................................... 4.35 %
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Department will disclose calculations performed within five
days of the date of publication of this notice to the parties of this
proceeding in accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b). Interested parties may
submit case briefs and/or written comments no later than 30 days after
the date of publication of these preliminary results of review. See 19
CFR 351.309(c)(ii). Rebuttal briefs are limited to issues raised in
such briefs or comments and may be filed no later than five days after
the time limit for filing the case briefs or comments. See 19 CFR
351.309(d). Parties submitting arguments in this proceeding are
requested to submit with the argument: 1) a statement of the issue, 2)
a brief summary of the argument, and 3) a table of authorities. Case
and rebuttal briefs and comments must be served on interested parties
in accordance with 19 CFR 351.303(f). Further, parties submitting
written comments are requested to provide the Department with an
additional copy of the public version of any such comments on a
diskette.
An interested party may request a hearing within 30 days of
publication of these preliminary results. See 19 CFR 351.310(c). Any
hearing, if requested, ordinarily will be held two days after the due
date of the rebuttal briefs. The Department will issue the final
results of this administrative review, which will include the results
of its analysis of issues raised in any such comments, or at a hearing,
if requested, within 120 days of publication of these preliminary
results.
Assessment Rate
Upon completion of this administrative review, the Department shall
determine, and CBP shall assess, antidumping duties on all appropriate
entries, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.212. The Department intends to
issue assessment instructions to CBP 15 days after the date of
publication of the final results of this review. The Department
clarified its ``automatic assessment'' regulation on May 6, 2003. See
Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: Assessment of
Antidumping Duties, 68 FR 23954 (May 6, 2003) (Assessment Policy
Notice). This clarification will apply to entries of subject
merchandise during the POR produced by companies included in these
final results of review for which the reviewed companies did not know
that the merchandise they sold to the intermediary (e.g., a reseller,
trading company, or exporter) was destined for the United States. In
such instances, we will instruct CBP to liquidate unreviewed entries at
the ``All Others'' rate if there is no rate for the intermediary
involved in the transaction. See Assessment Policy Notice for a full
discussion of this clarification.
Cash Deposit Requirements
To calculate the cash deposit rate for each producer and/or
exporter included in this administrative review, we divided the total
dumping margins for each company by the total net value for that
company's sales during the review period.
The following deposit rates will be effective upon publication of
the final results of this administrative review for all shipments of
CORE for Korea entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on
or after the publication date, as provided by section 751(a)(2)(C) of
the Act: (1) The cash deposit rates for the companies listed above will
be the rates established in the final results of this review, except if
the rate is less than 0.5 percent and, therefore, de minimis, the cash
deposit will be zero; (2) for previously reviewed or investigated
companies not listed above, the cash deposit rate will continue to be
the company-specific rate published for the most recent final results
in which that manufacturer or exporter participated; (3) if the
exporter is not a firm covered in these reviews, a prior review, or the
original less-than-fair-value (LTFV) investigation, but the
manufacturer is, the cash deposit rate will be the rate established for
the most recent final results for the manufacturer of the merchandise;
and (4) if neither the exporter nor the manufacturer is a firm covered
in these or any previous review conducted by the Department, the cash
deposit rate will be 17.70 percent, the ``All Others'' rate established
in the LTFV. See Orders on Certain Steel from Korea. These cash deposit
requirements, when imposed, shall remain in effect until further
notice.
Notification to Importers
This notice serves as a preliminary reminder to importers of their
responsibility under 19 CFR 351.402(f)(2) to file a certificate
regarding the reimbursement of antidumping duties prior to liquidation
of the relevant entries during this review period. Failure to comply
with this requirement could result in the Secretary's presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping duties occurred and the subsequent
assessment of double antidumping duties.
These preliminary results of review are issued and published in
accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act.
Dated: August 31, 2007.
David M. Spooner,
Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.
[FR Doc. E7-17756 Filed 9-7-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S