Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products From India: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review, 40295-40299 [E8-15966]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 135 / Monday, July 14, 2008 / Notices materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a violation that is subject to sanction. This administrative review and this notice are in accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i) of the Act, 19 CFR 351.213, and 19 CFR 351.221(b)(4). Dated: July 7, 2008. David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. APPENDIX List of Comments and Issues in the Issues and Decision Memorandum Comment 1: Whether the Department should assign a combination rate to TMI Comment 2: Whether the Department should value the pure magnesium scrap input using the surrogate value for pure magnesium Comment 3: Which Indian companies should be used to calculate the surrogate financial ratios Comment 4: Whether to use Indian import statistics from World Trade Atlas or domestic prices from Chemical Weekly to value flux Comment 5: Whether to use the data from India Bureau of Mines Yearbook to value Steam Coal Comment 6: Whether the Department should use the updated China Wage rate [FR Doc. E8–15964 Filed 7–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration A–570–894 Certain Tissue Paper Products from the People’s Republic of China: Notice of Extension of Time Limit for Final Results of Second Antidumping Duty Administrative Review Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: July 14, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Irene Gorelik, AD/CVD Operations, Office 9, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–6905. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: published in the Federal Register the preliminary results of this antidumping duty administrative review. See Certain Tissue Paper Products from the People’s Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 73 FR 18497 (April 04, 2008). Extension of Time Limits for Final Results Pursuant to section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (‘‘the Act’’), and section 351.213(h)(1) of the Department’s regulations, the Department shall issue the final results of review within 120 days after the date on which the notice of the preliminary results was published in the Federal Register. The final results are currently due on August 2, 2008. However, if the Department determines that it is not practicable to complete the review within this time period, section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act and section 351.213(h)(2) of the Department’s regulations allow the Department to extend this time period to 180 days. In the instant review, the Department finds that the current deadline for the final results is impracticable. Specifically, the Department placed documentation from Customs and Border Protection (‘‘Customs’’) regarding entries in this case on the record on June 30, 2008, and allowed interested parties to comment on these Customs entry packages. The Department requires additional time to review and analyze interested party comments, case briefs and rebuttal briefs because the office tasked with administering this antidumping duty order is currently facing immediate statutory deadlines in several other administrative cases. As a result, the Department has determined to fully extend the current time limit for the completion of the final results of this administrative review until no later than October 1, 2008, in accordance with section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act. This notice is issued and published in accordance with sections 751(a)(3)(A) and 777(i)(1) of the Act. Dated: July 08, 2008. Stephen J. Claeys, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E8–15948 Filed 7–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S Background On April 4, 2008, the Department of Commerce (‘‘the Department’’) VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:09 Jul 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40295 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [C–533–821] Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products From India: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: On January 9, 2008, the U.S. Department of Commerce (‘‘the Department’’) published in the Federal Register its preliminary results of the administrative review of the countervailing duty (‘‘CVD’’) order on certain hot-rolled carbon steel flat products (‘‘hot-rolled carbon steel’’) from India for the period of review (‘‘POR’’) January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006. See Certain HotRolled Carbon Steel Flat Products From India: Notice of Preliminary Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 73 FR 1578 (January 9, 2008) (‘‘Preliminary Results’’). We preliminarily found that Essar Steel Ltd. (‘‘Essar’’), Ispat Industries Ltd. (‘‘Ispat’’), JSW Steel Ltd. (‘‘JSW’’) and Tata Steel Ltd. (‘‘Tata’’) received countervailable subsidies during the POR. We received comments on our preliminary results from petitioners and all of the respondent companies, Essar, Ispat, JSW, and Tata. The final results are listed in the section ‘‘Final Results of Review’’ below. DATES: Effective Date: July 14, 1008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Conniff at (202) 482–1009, AD/CVD Operations, Office 3, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AGENCY: Background On December 3, 2001, the Department published in the Federal Register the CVD order on certain hot-rolled carbon steel flat products from India. See Notice of Amended Final Determination and Notice of Countervailing Duty Order: Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from India, 66 FR 60198 (December 3, 2001). On January 9, 2008, the Department published in the Federal Register its preliminary results of the administrative review of this order for the period January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006. See Preliminary Results, 73 FR 1578. In accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(b), this administrative review covers Essar, E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 40296 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 135 / Monday, July 14, 2008 / Notices pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Ispat, JSW, and Tata, producers and exporters of subject merchandise. On March 6, 2008, the Department published in the Federal Register an extension of its final results of the instant administrative review. See Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products From India: Notice of Extension of Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review, 73 FR 12078 (March 6, 2008). On January 17, 2008, February 26, 2008, March 4, 2008, and March 24, 2008, we issued supplemental questionnaires to Essar and we received responses on February 14, 2008, March 4, 2008, March 18, 2008 and March 31, 2008, respectively. On January 17, 2008, we also issued a supplemental questionnaire to the Government of India (‘‘GOI’’) and we received the response on February 14, 2008. On January 18, 2008 and March 3, 2008, we issued supplemental questionnaires to Ispat, and we received responses on February 15, 2008 and March 21, 2008, respectively. On January 18, 2008, we also issued a supplemental questionnaire to the GOI and we received the response on February 8, 2008. On January 11, 2008, we issued a supplemental questionnaire to Tata and we received a response on January 18, 2008. On January 11, 2008 we also issued a supplemental questionnaire to the GOI and received a response on February 20, 2008. On March 6, 2008 through March 12, 2008, the Department conducted a verification of Tata. The Department issued its verification reports on April 17, 2008. A public version of this document is on file in the Central Records Unit (‘‘CRU’’), room 1117 of the main Commerce building. In the Preliminary Results, we invited interested parties to submit briefs or request a hearing. On April 24, 2008, we received comments from Essar, Ispat, JSW, and Tata. In addition, we received comments from United States Steel Corporation and Nucor Corporation, the petitioners. On May 1, 2008, we received rebuttal comments from Essar, Ispat, Tata and petitioners. We received a request for a hearing from Essar and JSW on February 8, 2008 and April 22, 2008, respectively. On June 2, 2008, we held a public hearing in room 4205 of the Commerce Building. Parties can find a transcript of the hearing on file in the CRU of the main Commerce building. Scope of Order The merchandise subject to this order is certain hot-rolled carbon-quality steel products of a rectangular shape, of a width of 0.5 inch or greater, neither VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:08 Jul 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 clad, plated, nor coated with metal and whether or not painted, varnished, or coated with plastics or other nonmetallic substances, in coils (whether or not in successively superimposed layers), regardless of thickness, and in straight lengths, of a thickness of less than 4.75 mm and of a width measuring at least 10 times the thickness. Universal mill plate (i.e., flat-rolled products rolled on four faces or in a closed box pass, or a width exceeding 150 mm, but not exceeding 1250 mm, and of a thickness of not less than 4 mm, not in coils and without patterns in relief) of a thickness not less than 4.0 mm is not included within the scope of this order. Specifically included in the scope of this order are vacuum degassed, fully stabilized (commonly referred to as interstitial-free (‘‘IF’’) steels, highstrength low-alloy (‘‘HSLA’’) steels, and the substrate for motor lamination steels. IF steels are recognized as lowcarbon steels with micro-alloying levels of elements such as titanium or niobium (also commonly referred to as columbium), or both, added to stabilize carbon and nitrogen elements. HSLA steels are recognized as steels with micro-alloying levels of elements such as chromium, copper, niobium, vanadium, and molybdenum. The substrate for motor lamination steels contains micro-alloying levels of elements such as silicon and aluminum. Steel products included in the scope of this order, regardless of definitions in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (‘‘HTS’’), are products in which: (i) Iron predominates, by weight, over each of the other contained elements; (ii) the carbon content is 2 percent or less, by weight; and (iii) none of the elements listed below exceeds the quantity, by weight, respectively indicated: 1.80 percent of manganese, or 2.25 percent of silicon, or 1.00 percent of copper, or 0.50 percent of aluminum, or 1.25 percent of chromium, or 0.30 percent of cobalt, or 0.40 percent of lead, or 1.25 percent of nickel, or 0.30 percent of tungsten, or 0.10 percent of molybdenum, or 0.10 percent of niobium, or 0.15 percent of vanadium, or 0.15 percent of zirconium. All products that meet the physical and chemical description provided above are within the scope of this order unless otherwise excluded. The following products, by way of example, are outside or specifically excluded from the scope of this order. • Alloy hot-rolled steel products in which at least one of the chemical PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 elements exceeds those listed above (including, e.g., ASTM specifications A543, A387, A514, A517, A506). • SAE/AISI grades of series 2300 and higher. • Ball bearings steels, as defined in the HTS. • Tool steels, as defined in the HTS. • Silico-manganese (as defined in the HTS) or silicon electrical steel with a silicon level exceeding 2.25 percent. • ASTM specifications A710 and A736. • USS Abrasion-resistant steels (USS AR 400, USS AR 500). • All products (proprietary or otherwise) based on an alloy ASTM specification (sample specifications: ASTM A506, A507). • Non-rectangular shapes, not in coils, which are the result of having been processed by cutting or stamping and which have assumed the character of articles or products classified outside chapter 72 of the HTS. The merchandise subject to this order is currently classifiable in the HTS at subheadings: 7208.10.15.00, 7208.10.30.00, 7208.10.60.00, 7208.25.30.00, 7208.25.60.00, 7208.26.00.30, 7208.26.00.60, 7208.27.00.30, 7208.27.00.60, 7208.36.00.30, 7208.36.00.60, 7208.37.00.30, 7208.37.00.60, 7208.38.00.15, 7208.38.00.30, 7208.38.00.90, 7208.39.00.15, 7208.39.00.30, 7208.39.00.90, 7208.40.60.30, 7208.53.00.00, 7208.54.00.00, 7208.90.00.00, 7211.14.00.90, 7211.19.15.00, 7211.19.20.00, 7211.19.30.00, 7211.19.45.00, 7211.19.60.00, 7211.19.75.30, 7211.19.75.60, and 7211.19.75.90. Certain hot-rolled flatrolled carbon-quality steel covered by this order, including: vacuum-degassed fully stabilized; high-strength low-alloy; and the substrate for motor lamination steel may also enter under the following tariff numbers: 7225.11.00.00, 7225.19.00.00, 7225.30.30.50, 7225.30.70.00, 7225.40.70.00, 7225.99.00.90, 7226.11.10.00, 7226.11.90.30, 7226.11.90.60, 7226.19.10.00, 7226.19.90.00, 7226.91.50.00, 7226.91.70.00, 7226.91.80.00, and 7226.99.00.00. Subject merchandise may also enter under 7210.70.30.00, 7210.90.90.00, 7211.14.00.30, 7212.40.10.00, 7212.40.50.00, and 7212.50.00.00. Although the HTS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the Department’s written description of the merchandise subject to this order is dispositive. E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 135 / Monday, July 14, 2008 / Notices Period of Review The POR for which we are measuring subsidies is from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006. Analysis of Comments On April 24, 2008 Essar, Ispat, JSW, Tata and petitioners filed comments. On May 1, 2008, Essar, Ispat, Tata and petitioners filed rebuttal comments. All issues in the respondents and petitioners case and rebuttal briefs are addressed in the accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum for the Countervailing Duty Administrative Review on Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from India (‘‘Decision Memorandum’’), which is hereby adopted by this notice. A listing of the issues that parties raised and to which we have responded is attached to this notice as Appendix I. Parties can find a complete discussion of the issues raised in this review and the corresponding recommendations in this public memorandum, which is on file in the CRU of the main commerce building. In addition, a complete version of the Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly on the World Wide Web at https://ia.ita.doc.gov/frn. The paper copy and the electronic version of the Decision Memorandum are identical in content. Final Results of Review After reviewing comments from all parties, we have made adjustments to our calculations as explained in our Decision Memorandum. Consistent with the Preliminary Results, we find that Essar, Ispat, JSW, and Tata received countervailable subsidies during the POR. Company Essar Steel Ltd ......... Ispat Industries Ltd ... JSW Steel Ltd .......... Tata Steel Ltd ........... Total net countervailable subsidy rate 17.50 percent ad valorem. 15.27 percent ad valorem. 484.41 percent ad valorem. 27.22 percent ad valorem. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Assessment Rates/Cash Deposits The Department intends to issue assessment instructions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (‘‘CBP’’) 15 days after the date of publication of these final results of review to liquidate shipments of subject merchandise by Essar, Ispat, JSW, and Tata entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006, at the VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:08 Jul 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 ad valorem rates listed above. We will also instruct CBP to collect cash deposits for each respondent at the countervailing duty rate indicated above on all shipments of the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of publication of these final results of review. For all non-reviewed companies, the Department has instructed CBP to assess countervailing duties at the cash deposit rates in effect at the time of entry, for entries between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2006. The cash deposit rates for all companies not covered by this review are not changed by the results of this review. Return or Destruction of Proprietary Information This notice serves as a reminder to parties subject to administrative protective order (‘‘APO’’) of their responsibility concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3). Timely written notification of return or destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and the terms of an APO is a sanctionable violation. We are issuing and publishing these results in accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act. Dated: July 7, 2008. David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. Appendix I—Issues in Decision Memorandum Adverse Facts Available (AFA) I. The Government of India (GOI) II. JSW Subsidies Valuation Information I. Benchmarks for Loans and Discount Rates. A. Short-Term Loan Benchmark. B. Long-Term Benchmarks and Discount Rates. II. Use of Uncreditworthy Benchmarks for Essar. III. Allocation Period. Analysis of Programs I. Programs Determined To Be Countervailable: A. GOI Programs. 1. Pre- and Post-Shipment Export Financing. 2. Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCGS). 3. Duty Entitlement Passbook Scheme (DEPS). 4. Sale of High-Grade Iron Ore for Less Than Adequate Remuneration. 5. Advance License Program (ALP). 6. Loan Guarantees from the GOI. PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40297 7. Steel Development Fund (SDF) Loans. 8. Captive Mining of Iron Ore. 9. Captive Mining Rights of Coal. 10. Duty Free Replenishment Certificate (DFRC) Scheme. B. State Government of Gujarat Programs. State Government of Gujarat (SGOG) Tax Incentives. C. State Government of Karnataka (SGOK) Programs. 1. SGOK’s New Industrial Policy and Package of Incentives and Concessions of 1993 (1993 KIP). a. Total AFA for Certain Sub-Programs. b. VAT Refunds. 2. Other SGOK Subsidies. 3. SGOK’s New Industrial Policy and Package of Incentives and Concessions of 1996 (1996 KIP). 4. SGOK’s New Industrial Policy and Package of Incentives and Concessions of 2001 (2001 KIP). 5. SGOK’s New Industrial Policy and Package of Incentives and Concessions of 2006 (2006 KIP). D. State Government of Maharashtra Programs (SGOM). 1. Sales Tax Program. 2. Electricity Duty Exemption Under the Package Scheme of Incentives for 1993. II. Programs Determined Not To Be Used: A. GOI Programs. 1. Status Certificate Program. 2. Target Plus Scheme (TPS). 3. Export Processing Zones and Export Oriented Units. 4. Export Processing Zones. 5. Income Tax Exemption Scheme (Sections 10A, 10B, and 80HHC). 6. Market Development Assistance. 7. Market Access Initiative. 8. Exemption of Export Credit from Interest Taxes. 9. Long-Term Loans from the GOI. 10. Special Economic Zone Act of 2005. a. Duty free import/domestic procurement of goods and service for development, operation, and maintenance of SEZ units. b. Exemption from excise duties on goods (i.e., machinery and capital goods) ‘‘brought from the Domestic Tariff Area’’ (defined as the ‘‘whole of India’’ excluding SEZs) for use by an enterprise in the SEZ. c. Drawback on goods brought or services provided from the Domestic Tariff Area into a SEZ, or services provided in a SEZ by service providers located outside India. d. 100 percent exemption from income taxes on export income from the first 5 years of operation, 50 percent for the next 5 years, and a further 50 percent exemption on export income reinvested in India for an additional 5 years. e. Exemption from the Central Sales Tax. f. Exemption from the national Service Tax. B. State Government of Andhra Pradesh Programs—Grants Under the Industrial Investment Promotion Policy of 2005– 2010. 1. 25 percent reimbursement of cost of land in industrial estates and industrial development areas. E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES 40298 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 135 / Monday, July 14, 2008 / Notices 2. Reimbursement of power at the rate of Rs. 0.75 ‘‘per unit’’ for the period beginning April 1, 2005, through March 31, 2006 and for the four years thereafter to be determined by the Government of Andhra Pradesh (GOAP). 3. 50 percent subsidy for expenses incurred for quality certification up to RS. 100 lakhs. 4. 25 percent subsidy on ‘‘cleaner production measures’’ up to Rs. 5 lakhs. 5. 50 percent subsidy on expenses incurred in patent registration, up to Rs. 5 lakhs. 6. 100 percent reimbursement of stamp duty and transfer duty paid for the purchase of land and buildings and the obtaining of financial deeds and mortgages. 7. A grant of 25 percent of the tax paid to GAAP, which is applied as a credit against the tax owed the following year, for a period of five years from the date of commencement of production. 8. Exemption from the GAAP NonAgricultural Land Assessment (NALA). 9. Provision of ‘‘infrastructure’’ for industries located more than 10 kilometers from existing industrial estates or industrial development areas. 10. Guaranteed ‘‘stable prices of municipal water for 3 years for industrial use’’ and reservation of 10% of water for industrial use for existing and future projects. C. State Government of Chhattusgarh Programs—Industrial Policy 2004–2009. 1. A direct subsidy of 35 percent to total capital cost for the project, up to a maximum amount equivalent to the amount of commercial tax/central sales tax paid in a seven year period. 2. A direct subsidy of 40 percent toward total interest paid for a period of 5 years (up to Rs. Lakh per year) on loans and working capital for upgrades in technology. 3. Reimbursement of 50 percent of expenses (up to Rs. 75,000) incurred for quality certification. 4. Reimbursement of 50 percent of expenses (up to 5 lakh) for obtaining patents. 5. Total exemption from electricity duties for a period of 15 years from the date of commencement of commercial production. 6. Exemption from stamp duty on deeds executed for purchase or lease of land and buildings and deeds relating to loans and advances to be taken by the company for a period of three years from the date of registration. 7. Exemption from payment of ‘‘entry tax’’ for 7 years (excluding minerals obtained from mining in the state). 8. 50 percent reduction of the service charges for acquisition of private land by Chhattisgarh Industrial Development Corporation for use by the company. 9. Allotment of land in industrial areas at a discount up to 100 percent. D. State Government of Gujarat Programs. 1. Gujarat Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act. a. Stamp duty and registration fees for land transfers, loan agreements, credit deeds, and mortgages. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:08 Jul 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 b. Sales tax, purchase tax, and other taxes payable on sales and transactions. c. Sales and other state taxes on purchases of inputs (both goods and services) for the SEZ or a Unit within the SEZ. 2. Captive Port Facilities. a. Discount on Gujarat wharfage charges. b. Credit for the cost of the capital (including interest) to construct the port facilities, which is then applied as an offset to the wharfage charges due Gujarat on cargo shipped through the captive jetty. E. State Government of Jharkhand Programs. 1. Grants and Tax Exemptions under the State Industrial Policy of 2001. 2. Subsidies for Mega Projects under the JSIP of 2001. F. State Government of Maharashstra Programs. 1. Refunds of Octroi Under the PSI of 1993, Maharastra Industrial Policy of 2001, and Maharastra Industrial Policy of 2006. 2. Infrastructure Assistance for Mega Projects. 3. Land for Less than Adequate Remuneration. 4. Loan Guarantees Based on Octroi Refunds by the SGM. 5. Investment Subsidy. III. Total Ad Valorem Rate. IV. Analysis of Comments. Essar Comment 1: Whether The Department Erred In Its Calculation Of Essar’s Benefit Under The Government Of Gujarat Value Added Tax Remission Program. Comment 2: Whether The Department Erred In Converting Dry Metric Tons To Wet Metric Tons In The Calculation Of The Benchmark Used To Measure The Adequacy Of Essar’s Purchases Of Iron Ore From The GOI. Comment 3: Whether The Department Should Use Actual Transaction Prices, Where Available, In Calculating The Benchmark Used To Measure Essar’s Benefit Under The Iron Ore Provided For Less Than Adequate Remuneration Program. Comment 4: Whether The Department Should Adjust The Prices Reported By Essar For Its Purchases Of Iron Ore Lumps And Fines To Exclude Sales Tax Which Is Not Included In The Benchmark Price. Comment 5: Whether the Department Should Deduct Certain Freight Costs from The Benchmark Used to Measure the Adequacy of Essar’s Purchases of Iron Ore from the GOI. Comment 6: Whether The Failure Of The GOI And The Indian State Governments To Respond To The Department’s Questions Warrants Application Of Adverse Facts Available With Respect To Newly Subsidy Programs Essar Claims It Did Not Use. Comment 7: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of the Special Economic Zone Act of 2005. Comment 8: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of the Gujurat Special Economic Zone Act. Comment 9: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of the Captive Port Facilities Program. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Comment 10: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Policy Program. Comment 11: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of the Chhattisgarh Industrial Policy Program. Comment 12: Whether the Department Erred in Calculating the Benefit on Essar’s Pre-Shipment Export Financing. Ispat Comment 13: Whether The Department Should Calculate The Benefit Attributable To Ispat’s Purchase Of Iron Ore For Less Than Adequate Remuneration From The GOI On An Ex Mines Basis Rather Than An FOB Port Basis. Comment 14: Whether The Department Erred In Calculating The Benchmark Used To Measure The Adequacy Of Remuneration Of Ispat’s Purchases Of High-Grade Iron Ore From The GOI. Comment 15: Whether The Department Should Adjust The Prices Reported By Ispat For Its Purchases Of Iron Ore Lumps And Fines To Exclude Sales Tax Which Is Not Included In The Benchmark Price. Comment 16: Whether Ispat’s Purchases of Iron Ore from a Private Supplier Are a Valid Benchmark. Comment 17: Whether to Include Fees in the Calculation of Ispat’s Long-Term Benchmark Loan Rates. Comment 18: Whether the Department Made Clerical Errors In Calculating Ispat’s Long-Term Loan Benchmark. Comment 19: Whether the Department Erred Calculating the Benchmark Used for Ispat Under the EPCGS Program. Comment 20: Whether the Department Incorrectly Included VAT Refunds in the Benefit Calculation of the State of Maharastra’s Sales Tax Program. Comment 21: Whether the Department Erred by Including Countervailing Duties and Special Additional Duties in the Benefit Calculation of the EPCGS. Comment 22: Whether the Advance License Program is Countervailable. Comment 23: Whether The Failure Of The GOI And The Indian State Governments To Respond To The Department’s Questions Warrants Application Of Adverse Facts Available With Respect To New Subsidy Programs Ispat Claims It Did Not Use. Tata Comment 24: Tata’s Ownership Of Captive Mines Of Iron Ore And Coal And Whether The Provision Of Such Minerals Under The Captive Mining Rights Program Constitutes A Financial Contribution Under The Act. Comment 25: Whether The Provision of Iron Ore and Coal Under the Captive Mining Rights Programs Are Specific Under the Act. Comment 26: The Benchmark Used to Measure Whether the Captive Mining Rights Programs Imposed by the GOI Provide a Benefit In The Form Of A Provision Of A Good For Less Than Adequate Remuneration. Comment 27: Whether the Department Should Calculate Separate Benchmarks to Measure the Adequacy of Remuneration of Tata’s Purchases of Iron Ore Lumps and Fines under the Captive Mining Rights Program. Comment 28: Whether the Department should include Ocean Freight in the Coal and E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 135 / Monday, July 14, 2008 / Notices Iron Ore Benchmark Calculation used to measure the adequacy of remuneration of Tata’s purchases of Coal and Iron Ore under the Captive Mining Rights Program. Comment 29: Whether the Department Should Make Adjustments for the Benchmark Prices of Tata Steel’s Iron Ore and Coal costs on an equivalent basis. Comment 30: Whether the TPS Conferred Benefits upon Tata during the POR. Comment 31: Whether the SDF Constitutes a Financial Contribution. Comment 32: Calculation of the Benefit to Tata under the EPCGS. Comment 33: Whether The Department Should Revise The Manner In Which It Conducted The ‘‘0.5’’ Percent Test When Calculating The Benefit Attributable To Tata Under The EPCGS. Comment 34: Attribution of Subsidies Received under the EPCGS. Comment 35: The Use of Long-Term Prime Lending Rates as Benchmarks. Comment 36: Whether The Department Should Countervail Tata’s Sales Of DFRC Licenses An Untied Subsidy. JSW Comment 37: Whether the Department Unlawfully Used AFA Rate for JSW. Comment 38: Whether Assistance Under The 1993 KIP Is Countervailable. Comment 39: Whether JSW Purchased High Grade Iron Ore for Less Than Adequate Remuneration. Comment 40: Whether Loan Guarantees from the GOI Are Countervailable. Comment 41: Whether JSW Has Captive Mining Rights. Comment 42: Whether the EPCGS Is Countervailable. Comment 43: Whether DEPS Is Countervailable. [FR Doc. E8–15966 Filed 7–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Background RIN 0648–XI43 Notice of Availability of Draft Stock Assessment Reports National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS reviewed the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific regional marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). SARs for marine mammals in the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific regions were revised according to new information. NMFS solicits public comments on draft 2008 SARs. DATES: Comments must be received by October 14, 2008. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:08 Jul 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 The 2008 draft stock assessment reports are available in electronic form via the Internet at https:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/. Copies of the Alaska Regional SARs may be requested from Robyn Angliss, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way, NE BIN 15700, Seattle, WA 98115–0070. Copies of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Regional SARs may be requested from Gordon Waring, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543. Copies of the Pacific Regional SARs may be requested from Jim Carretta, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037–1508. Send comments or requests for copies of reports to: Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910–3226, Attn: Stock Assessments. Comments may also be sent via facsimile (fax) to 301–427–2526 or via email to mmsar.2008@noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Eagle, Office of Protected Resources, 301–713–2322, ext. 105, e-mail Tom.Eagle@noaa.gov; Robyn Angliss 206- 526–4032, e-mail Robyn.Angliss@noaa.gov, regarding Alaska regional stock assessments; Gordon Waring, 508–495–2311, e-mail Gordon.Waring@noaa.gov, regarding Atlantic regional stock assessments; or Jim Carretta, 858–546–7171, e-mail Jim.Carretta@noaa.gov, regarding Pacific regional stock assessments. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: Section 117 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) requires NMFS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to prepare stock assessments for each stock of marine mammals occurring in waters under the jurisdiction of the United States. These reports must contain information regarding the distribution and abundance of the stock, population growth rates and trends, estimates of annual human-caused mortality and serious injury from all sources, descriptions of the fisheries with which the stock interacts, and the status of the stock. Initial reports were completed in 1995. The MMPA requires NMFS and FWS to review the SARs at least annually for strategic stocks and stocks for which significant new information is available, and at least once every 3 years for nonstrategic stocks. NMFS and the FWS are PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40299 required to revise a SAR if the status of the stock has changed or can be more accurately determined. NMFS, in conjunction with the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific Scientific Review Groups (SRGs), reviewed the status of marine mammal stocks as required and revised reports in the Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific regions to incorporate new information. NMFS solicits public comments on the draft 2008 SARs. Alaska Reports Nineteen reports (15 strategic stocks and four non-strategic stocks) were revised, and 13 reports were not revised. Most revisions included updates of abundance and mortality estimates and did not indicate a change in status of the affected stocks. The Potential Biological Removal (PBR) levels for the following stocks are proposed to be changed to ‘‘undetermined’’ because the abundance estimates are based on data that are more than 8 years old: beluga, Beaufort Sea; beluga, E. Chukchi Sea; harbor porpoise, Gulf of Alaska; harbor porpoise, Bering Sea; harbor porpoise, Southeast Alaska; humpback whale, western North Pacific; humpback whale, central North Pacific. A ‘‘Habitat Concerns’’ section was added or substantially updated for all beluga whale stocks with the exception of the Cook Inlet stock, for all harbor porpoise stocks, and for gray whales. As ice-associated species, beluga whales (inhabiting the Bering Seas and farther northward) and gray whales may be vulnerable to loss of sea ice; however, there is insufficient supporting information to predict the types and magnitudes of impacts to these species at this time. As inhabitants of nearshore areas, harbor porpoise may be vulnerable to habitat modifications accompanying urban or industrial development; accordingly, increased development could have localized effects on harbor porpoise abundance or distribution. The gray whale report was updated to incorporate findings from a recent paper that used genetics data to estimate the historical abundance of gray whales in the Pacific Ocean. Atlantic Reports Forty-three reports (11 strategic and 32 non-strategic) were revised in the Atlantic region, including all reports for marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico. Fifteen reports were not revised. Most updates were minor and did not change the status of the affected stocks. NMFS revised the status of beaked whales from strategic to non-strategic due to the absence of observed fishery bycatch in recent years and the lack of confirmed serious injuries or mortalities due to E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 135 (Monday, July 14, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40295-40299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-15966]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[C-533-821]


Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products From India: Final 
Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review

AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, 
Department of Commerce.

SUMMARY: On January 9, 2008, the U.S. Department of Commerce (``the 
Department'') published in the Federal Register its preliminary results 
of the administrative review of the countervailing duty (``CVD'') order 
on certain hot-rolled carbon steel flat products (``hot-rolled carbon 
steel'') from India for the period of review (``POR'') January 1, 2006, 
through December 31, 2006. See Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat 
Products From India: Notice of Preliminary Results of Countervailing 
Duty Administrative Review; 73 FR 1578 (January 9, 2008) (``Preliminary 
Results''). We preliminarily found that Essar Steel Ltd. (``Essar''), 
Ispat Industries Ltd. (``Ispat''), JSW Steel Ltd. (``JSW'') and Tata 
Steel Ltd. (``Tata'') received countervailable subsidies during the 
POR. We received comments on our preliminary results from petitioners 
and all of the respondent companies, Essar, Ispat, JSW, and Tata. The 
final results are listed in the section ``Final Results of Review'' 
below.

DATES: Effective Date: July 14, 1008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Conniff at (202) 482-1009, AD/CVD 
Operations, Office 3, Import Administration, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and 
Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On December 3, 2001, the Department published in the Federal 
Register the CVD order on certain hot-rolled carbon steel flat products 
from India. See Notice of Amended Final Determination and Notice of 
Countervailing Duty Order: Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat 
Products from India, 66 FR 60198 (December 3, 2001). On January 9, 
2008, the Department published in the Federal Register its preliminary 
results of the administrative review of this order for the period 
January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006. See Preliminary Results, 73 
FR 1578. In accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(b), this administrative 
review covers Essar,

[[Page 40296]]

Ispat, JSW, and Tata, producers and exporters of subject merchandise. 
On March 6, 2008, the Department published in the Federal Register an 
extension of its final results of the instant administrative review. 
See Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products From India: Notice of 
Extension of Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative 
Review, 73 FR 12078 (March 6, 2008).
    On January 17, 2008, February 26, 2008, March 4, 2008, and March 
24, 2008, we issued supplemental questionnaires to Essar and we 
received responses on February 14, 2008, March 4, 2008, March 18, 2008 
and March 31, 2008, respectively. On January 17, 2008, we also issued a 
supplemental questionnaire to the Government of India (``GOI'') and we 
received the response on February 14, 2008.
    On January 18, 2008 and March 3, 2008, we issued supplemental 
questionnaires to Ispat, and we received responses on February 15, 2008 
and March 21, 2008, respectively. On January 18, 2008, we also issued a 
supplemental questionnaire to the GOI and we received the response on 
February 8, 2008.
    On January 11, 2008, we issued a supplemental questionnaire to Tata 
and we received a response on January 18, 2008. On January 11, 2008 we 
also issued a supplemental questionnaire to the GOI and received a 
response on February 20, 2008.
    On March 6, 2008 through March 12, 2008, the Department conducted a 
verification of Tata. The Department issued its verification reports on 
April 17, 2008. A public version of this document is on file in the 
Central Records Unit (``CRU''), room 1117 of the main Commerce 
building.
    In the Preliminary Results, we invited interested parties to submit 
briefs or request a hearing. On April 24, 2008, we received comments 
from Essar, Ispat, JSW, and Tata. In addition, we received comments 
from United States Steel Corporation and Nucor Corporation, the 
petitioners. On May 1, 2008, we received rebuttal comments from Essar, 
Ispat, Tata and petitioners. We received a request for a hearing from 
Essar and JSW on February 8, 2008 and April 22, 2008, respectively. On 
June 2, 2008, we held a public hearing in room 4205 of the Commerce 
Building. Parties can find a transcript of the hearing on file in the 
CRU of the main Commerce building.

Scope of Order

    The merchandise subject to this order is certain hot-rolled carbon-
quality steel products of a rectangular shape, of a width of 0.5 inch 
or greater, neither clad, plated, nor coated with metal and whether or 
not painted, varnished, or coated with plastics or other non-metallic 
substances, in coils (whether or not in successively superimposed 
layers), regardless of thickness, and in straight lengths, of a 
thickness of less than 4.75 mm and of a width measuring at least 10 
times the thickness. Universal mill plate (i.e., flat-rolled products 
rolled on four faces or in a closed box pass, or a width exceeding 150 
mm, but not exceeding 1250 mm, and of a thickness of not less than 4 
mm, not in coils and without patterns in relief) of a thickness not 
less than 4.0 mm is not included within the scope of this order.
    Specifically included in the scope of this order are vacuum 
degassed, fully stabilized (commonly referred to as interstitial-free 
(``IF'') steels, high-strength low-alloy (``HSLA'') steels, and the 
substrate for motor lamination steels. IF steels are recognized as low-
carbon steels with micro-alloying levels of elements such as titanium 
or niobium (also commonly referred to as columbium), or both, added to 
stabilize carbon and nitrogen elements. HSLA steels are recognized as 
steels with micro-alloying levels of elements such as chromium, copper, 
niobium, vanadium, and molybdenum. The substrate for motor lamination 
steels contains micro-alloying levels of elements such as silicon and 
aluminum.
    Steel products included in the scope of this order, regardless of 
definitions in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States 
(``HTS''), are products in which: (i) Iron predominates, by weight, 
over each of the other contained elements; (ii) the carbon content is 2 
percent or less, by weight; and (iii) none of the elements listed below 
exceeds the quantity, by weight, respectively indicated:
    1.80 percent of manganese, or
    2.25 percent of silicon, or
    1.00 percent of copper, or
    0.50 percent of aluminum, or
    1.25 percent of chromium, or
    0.30 percent of cobalt, or
    0.40 percent of lead, or
    1.25 percent of nickel, or
    0.30 percent of tungsten, or
    0.10 percent of molybdenum, or
    0.10 percent of niobium, or
    0.15 percent of vanadium, or
    0.15 percent of zirconium.
    All products that meet the physical and chemical description 
provided above are within the scope of this order unless otherwise 
excluded. The following products, by way of example, are outside or 
specifically excluded from the scope of this order.
     Alloy hot-rolled steel products in which at least one of 
the chemical elements exceeds those listed above (including, e.g., ASTM 
specifications A543, A387, A514, A517, A506).
     SAE/AISI grades of series 2300 and higher.
     Ball bearings steels, as defined in the HTS.
     Tool steels, as defined in the HTS.
     Silico-manganese (as defined in the HTS) or silicon 
electrical steel with a silicon level exceeding 2.25 percent.
     ASTM specifications A710 and A736.
     USS Abrasion-resistant steels (USS AR 400, USS AR 500).
     All products (proprietary or otherwise) based on an alloy 
ASTM specification (sample specifications: ASTM A506, A507).
     Non-rectangular shapes, not in coils, which are the result 
of having been processed by cutting or stamping and which have assumed 
the character of articles or products classified outside chapter 72 of 
the HTS.
    The merchandise subject to this order is currently classifiable in 
the HTS at subheadings: 7208.10.15.00, 7208.10.30.00, 7208.10.60.00, 
7208.25.30.00, 7208.25.60.00, 7208.26.00.30, 7208.26.00.60, 
7208.27.00.30, 7208.27.00.60, 7208.36.00.30, 7208.36.00.60, 
7208.37.00.30, 7208.37.00.60, 7208.38.00.15, 7208.38.00.30, 
7208.38.00.90, 7208.39.00.15, 7208.39.00.30, 7208.39.00.90, 
7208.40.60.30, 7208.53.00.00, 7208.54.00.00, 7208.90.00.00, 
7211.14.00.90, 7211.19.15.00, 7211.19.20.00, 7211.19.30.00, 
7211.19.45.00, 7211.19.60.00, 7211.19.75.30, 7211.19.75.60, and 
7211.19.75.90. Certain hot-rolled flat-rolled carbon-quality steel 
covered by this order, including: vacuum-degassed fully stabilized; 
high-strength low-alloy; and the substrate for motor lamination steel 
may also enter under the following tariff numbers: 7225.11.00.00, 
7225.19.00.00, 7225.30.30.50, 7225.30.70.00, 7225.40.70.00, 
7225.99.00.90, 7226.11.10.00, 7226.11.90.30, 7226.11.90.60, 
7226.19.10.00, 7226.19.90.00, 7226.91.50.00, 7226.91.70.00, 
7226.91.80.00, and 7226.99.00.00. Subject merchandise may also enter 
under 7210.70.30.00, 7210.90.90.00, 7211.14.00.30, 7212.40.10.00, 
7212.40.50.00, and 7212.50.00.00. Although the HTS subheadings are 
provided for convenience and customs purposes, the Department's written 
description of the merchandise subject to this order is dispositive.

[[Page 40297]]

Period of Review

    The POR for which we are measuring subsidies is from January 1, 
2006, through December 31, 2006.

Analysis of Comments

    On April 24, 2008 Essar, Ispat, JSW, Tata and petitioners filed 
comments. On May 1, 2008, Essar, Ispat, Tata and petitioners filed 
rebuttal comments. All issues in the respondents and petitioners case 
and rebuttal briefs are addressed in the accompanying Issues and 
Decision Memorandum for the Countervailing Duty Administrative Review 
on Certain Hot-Rolled Carbon Steel Flat Products from India (``Decision 
Memorandum''), which is hereby adopted by this notice. A listing of the 
issues that parties raised and to which we have responded is attached 
to this notice as Appendix I. Parties can find a complete discussion of 
the issues raised in this review and the corresponding recommendations 
in this public memorandum, which is on file in the CRU of the main 
commerce building. In addition, a complete version of the Decision 
Memorandum can be accessed directly on the World Wide Web at https://
ia.ita.doc.gov/frn.
    The paper copy and the electronic version of the Decision 
Memorandum are identical in content.

Final Results of Review

    After reviewing comments from all parties, we have made adjustments 
to our calculations as explained in our Decision Memorandum. Consistent 
with the Preliminary Results, we find that Essar, Ispat, JSW, and Tata 
received countervailable subsidies during the POR.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Total net countervailable
                  Company                           subsidy rate
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Essar Steel Ltd...........................  17.50 percent ad valorem.
Ispat Industries Ltd......................  15.27 percent ad valorem.
JSW Steel Ltd.............................  484.41 percent ad valorem.
Tata Steel Ltd............................  27.22 percent ad valorem.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assessment Rates/Cash Deposits

    The Department intends to issue assessment instructions to U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection (``CBP'') 15 days after the date of 
publication of these final results of review to liquidate shipments of 
subject merchandise by Essar, Ispat, JSW, and Tata entered, or 
withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after January 1, 2006, 
through December 31, 2006, at the ad valorem rates listed above. We 
will also instruct CBP to collect cash deposits for each respondent at 
the countervailing duty rate indicated above on all shipments of the 
subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption on or after the date of publication of these final results 
of review.
    For all non-reviewed companies, the Department has instructed CBP 
to assess countervailing duties at the cash deposit rates in effect at 
the time of entry, for entries between January 1, 2006, and December 
31, 2006. The cash deposit rates for all companies not covered by this 
review are not changed by the results of this review.

Return or Destruction of Proprietary Information

    This notice serves as a reminder to parties subject to 
administrative protective order (``APO'') of their responsibility 
concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under 
APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3). Timely written 
notification of return or destruction of APO materials or conversion to 
judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with 
the regulations and the terms of an APO is a sanctionable violation.
    We are issuing and publishing these results in accordance with 
sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act.

    Dated: July 7, 2008.
David M. Spooner,
Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.

Appendix I--Issues in Decision Memorandum

Adverse Facts Available (AFA)

I. The Government of India (GOI)
II. JSW

Subsidies Valuation Information

I. Benchmarks for Loans and Discount Rates.
    A. Short-Term Loan Benchmark.
    B. Long-Term Benchmarks and Discount Rates.
II. Use of Uncreditworthy Benchmarks for Essar.
III. Allocation Period.

Analysis of Programs

I. Programs Determined To Be Countervailable:
    A. GOI Programs.
    1. Pre- and Post-Shipment Export Financing.
    2. Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCGS).
    3. Duty Entitlement Passbook Scheme (DEPS).
    4. Sale of High-Grade Iron Ore for Less Than Adequate 
Remuneration.
    5. Advance License Program (ALP).
    6. Loan Guarantees from the GOI.
    7. Steel Development Fund (SDF) Loans.
    8. Captive Mining of Iron Ore.
    9. Captive Mining Rights of Coal.
    10. Duty Free Replenishment Certificate (DFRC) Scheme.
    B. State Government of Gujarat Programs.
    State Government of Gujarat (SGOG) Tax Incentives.
    C. State Government of Karnataka (SGOK) Programs.
    1. SGOK's New Industrial Policy and Package of Incentives and 
Concessions of 1993 (1993 KIP).
    a. Total AFA for Certain Sub-Programs.
    b. VAT Refunds.
    2. Other SGOK Subsidies.
    3. SGOK's New Industrial Policy and Package of Incentives and 
Concessions of 1996 (1996 KIP).
    4. SGOK's New Industrial Policy and Package of Incentives and 
Concessions of 2001 (2001 KIP).
    5. SGOK's New Industrial Policy and Package of Incentives and 
Concessions of 2006 (2006 KIP).
    D. State Government of Maharashtra Programs (SGOM).
    1. Sales Tax Program.
    2. Electricity Duty Exemption Under the Package Scheme of 
Incentives for 1993.
II. Programs Determined Not To Be Used:
    A. GOI Programs.
    1. Status Certificate Program.
    2. Target Plus Scheme (TPS).
    3. Export Processing Zones and Export Oriented Units.
    4. Export Processing Zones.
    5. Income Tax Exemption Scheme (Sections 10A, 10B, and 80HHC).
    6. Market Development Assistance.
    7. Market Access Initiative.
    8. Exemption of Export Credit from Interest Taxes.
    9. Long-Term Loans from the GOI.
    10. Special Economic Zone Act of 2005.
    a. Duty free import/domestic procurement of goods and service 
for development, operation, and maintenance of SEZ units.
    b. Exemption from excise duties on goods (i.e., machinery and 
capital goods) ``brought from the Domestic Tariff Area'' (defined as 
the ``whole of India'' excluding SEZs) for use by an enterprise in 
the SEZ.
    c. Drawback on goods brought or services provided from the 
Domestic Tariff Area into a SEZ, or services provided in a SEZ by 
service providers located outside India.
    d. 100 percent exemption from income taxes on export income from 
the first 5 years of operation, 50 percent for the next 5 years, and 
a further 50 percent exemption on export income reinvested in India 
for an additional 5 years.
    e. Exemption from the Central Sales Tax.
    f. Exemption from the national Service Tax.
    B. State Government of Andhra Pradesh Programs--Grants Under the 
Industrial Investment Promotion Policy of 2005-2010.
    1. 25 percent reimbursement of cost of land in industrial 
estates and industrial development areas.

[[Page 40298]]

    2. Reimbursement of power at the rate of Rs. 0.75 ``per unit'' 
for the period beginning April 1, 2005, through March 31, 2006 and 
for the four years thereafter to be determined by the Government of 
Andhra Pradesh (GOAP).
    3. 50 percent subsidy for expenses incurred for quality 
certification up to RS. 100 lakhs.
    4. 25 percent subsidy on ``cleaner production measures'' up to 
Rs. 5 lakhs.
    5. 50 percent subsidy on expenses incurred in patent 
registration, up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
    6. 100 percent reimbursement of stamp duty and transfer duty 
paid for the purchase of land and buildings and the obtaining of 
financial deeds and mortgages.
    7. A grant of 25 percent of the tax paid to GAAP, which is 
applied as a credit against the tax owed the following year, for a 
period of five years from the date of commencement of production.
    8. Exemption from the GAAP Non-Agricultural Land Assessment 
(NALA).
    9. Provision of ``infrastructure'' for industries located more 
than 10 kilometers from existing industrial estates or industrial 
development areas.
    10. Guaranteed ``stable prices of municipal water for 3 years 
for industrial use'' and reservation of 10% of water for industrial 
use for existing and future projects.
    C. State Government of Chhattusgarh Programs--Industrial Policy 
2004-2009.
    1. A direct subsidy of 35 percent to total capital cost for the 
project, up to a maximum amount equivalent to the amount of 
commercial tax/central sales tax paid in a seven year period.
    2. A direct subsidy of 40 percent toward total interest paid for 
a period of 5 years (up to Rs. Lakh per year) on loans and working 
capital for upgrades in technology.
    3. Reimbursement of 50 percent of expenses (up to Rs. 75,000) 
incurred for quality certification.
    4. Reimbursement of 50 percent of expenses (up to 5 lakh) for 
obtaining patents.
    5. Total exemption from electricity duties for a period of 15 
years from the date of commencement of commercial production.
    6. Exemption from stamp duty on deeds executed for purchase or 
lease of land and buildings and deeds relating to loans and advances 
to be taken by the company for a period of three years from the date 
of registration.
    7. Exemption from payment of ``entry tax'' for 7 years 
(excluding minerals obtained from mining in the state).
    8. 50 percent reduction of the service charges for acquisition 
of private land by Chhattisgarh Industrial Development Corporation 
for use by the company.
    9. Allotment of land in industrial areas at a discount up to 100 
percent.
    D. State Government of Gujarat Programs.
    1. Gujarat Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act.
    a. Stamp duty and registration fees for land transfers, loan 
agreements, credit deeds, and mortgages.
    b. Sales tax, purchase tax, and other taxes payable on sales and 
transactions.
    c. Sales and other state taxes on purchases of inputs (both 
goods and services) for the SEZ or a Unit within the SEZ.
    2. Captive Port Facilities.
    a. Discount on Gujarat wharfage charges.
    b. Credit for the cost of the capital (including interest) to 
construct the port facilities, which is then applied as an offset to 
the wharfage charges due Gujarat on cargo shipped through the 
captive jetty.
    E. State Government of Jharkhand Programs.
    1. Grants and Tax Exemptions under the State Industrial Policy 
of 2001.
    2. Subsidies for Mega Projects under the JSIP of 2001.
    F. State Government of Maharashstra Programs.
    1. Refunds of Octroi Under the PSI of 1993, Maharastra 
Industrial Policy of 2001, and Maharastra Industrial Policy of 2006.
    2. Infrastructure Assistance for Mega Projects.
    3. Land for Less than Adequate Remuneration.
    4. Loan Guarantees Based on Octroi Refunds by the SGM.
    5. Investment Subsidy.
III. Total Ad Valorem Rate.
IV. Analysis of Comments.

Essar

    Comment 1: Whether The Department Erred In Its Calculation Of 
Essar's Benefit Under The Government Of Gujarat Value Added Tax 
Remission Program.
    Comment 2: Whether The Department Erred In Converting Dry Metric 
Tons To Wet Metric Tons In The Calculation Of The Benchmark Used To 
Measure The Adequacy Of Essar's Purchases Of Iron Ore From The GOI.
    Comment 3: Whether The Department Should Use Actual Transaction 
Prices, Where Available, In Calculating The Benchmark Used To 
Measure Essar's Benefit Under The Iron Ore Provided For Less Than 
Adequate Remuneration Program.
    Comment 4: Whether The Department Should Adjust The Prices 
Reported By Essar For Its Purchases Of Iron Ore Lumps And Fines To 
Exclude Sales Tax Which Is Not Included In The Benchmark Price.
    Comment 5: Whether the Department Should Deduct Certain Freight 
Costs from The Benchmark Used to Measure the Adequacy of Essar's 
Purchases of Iron Ore from the GOI.
    Comment 6: Whether The Failure Of The GOI And The Indian State 
Governments To Respond To The Department's Questions Warrants 
Application Of Adverse Facts Available With Respect To Newly Subsidy 
Programs Essar Claims It Did Not Use.
    Comment 7: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of 
the Special Economic Zone Act of 2005.
    Comment 8: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of 
the Gujurat Special Economic Zone Act.
    Comment 9: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of 
the Captive Port Facilities Program.
    Comment 10: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of 
the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Policy Program.
    Comment 11: Whether Essar Adequately Demonstrated Its Non-Use of 
the Chhattisgarh Industrial Policy Program.
    Comment 12: Whether the Department Erred in Calculating the 
Benefit on Essar's Pre-Shipment Export Financing.

Ispat

    Comment 13: Whether The Department Should Calculate The Benefit 
Attributable To Ispat's Purchase Of Iron Ore For Less Than Adequate 
Remuneration From The GOI On An Ex Mines Basis Rather Than An FOB 
Port Basis.
    Comment 14: Whether The Department Erred In Calculating The 
Benchmark Used To Measure The Adequacy Of Remuneration Of Ispat's 
Purchases Of High-Grade Iron Ore From The GOI.
    Comment 15: Whether The Department Should Adjust The Prices 
Reported By Ispat For Its Purchases Of Iron Ore Lumps And Fines To 
Exclude Sales Tax Which Is Not Included In The Benchmark Price.
    Comment 16: Whether Ispat's Purchases of Iron Ore from a Private 
Supplier Are a Valid Benchmark.
    Comment 17: Whether to Include Fees in the Calculation of 
Ispat's Long-Term Benchmark Loan Rates.
    Comment 18: Whether the Department Made Clerical Errors In 
Calculating Ispat's Long-Term Loan Benchmark.
    Comment 19: Whether the Department Erred Calculating the 
Benchmark Used for Ispat Under the EPCGS Program.
    Comment 20: Whether the Department Incorrectly Included VAT 
Refunds in the Benefit Calculation of the State of Maharastra's 
Sales Tax Program.
    Comment 21: Whether the Department Erred by Including 
Countervailing Duties and Special Additional Duties in the Benefit 
Calculation of the EPCGS.
    Comment 22: Whether the Advance License Program is 
Countervailable.
    Comment 23: Whether The Failure Of The GOI And The Indian State 
Governments To Respond To The Department's Questions Warrants 
Application Of Adverse Facts Available With Respect To New Subsidy 
Programs Ispat Claims It Did Not Use.

Tata

    Comment 24: Tata's Ownership Of Captive Mines Of Iron Ore And 
Coal And Whether The Provision Of Such Minerals Under The Captive 
Mining Rights Program Constitutes A Financial Contribution Under The 
Act.
    Comment 25: Whether The Provision of Iron Ore and Coal Under the 
Captive Mining Rights Programs Are Specific Under the Act.
    Comment 26: The Benchmark Used to Measure Whether the Captive 
Mining Rights Programs Imposed by the GOI Provide a Benefit In The 
Form Of A Provision Of A Good For Less Than Adequate Remuneration.
    Comment 27: Whether the Department Should Calculate Separate 
Benchmarks to Measure the Adequacy of Remuneration of Tata's 
Purchases of Iron Ore Lumps and Fines under the Captive Mining 
Rights Program.
    Comment 28: Whether the Department should include Ocean Freight 
in the Coal and

[[Page 40299]]

Iron Ore Benchmark Calculation used to measure the adequacy of 
remuneration of Tata's purchases of Coal and Iron Ore under the 
Captive Mining Rights Program.
    Comment 29: Whether the Department Should Make Adjustments for 
the Benchmark Prices of Tata Steel's Iron Ore and Coal costs on an 
equivalent basis.
    Comment 30: Whether the TPS Conferred Benefits upon Tata during 
the POR.
    Comment 31: Whether the SDF Constitutes a Financial 
Contribution.
    Comment 32: Calculation of the Benefit to Tata under the EPCGS.
    Comment 33: Whether The Department Should Revise The Manner In 
Which It Conducted The ``0.5'' Percent Test When Calculating The 
Benefit Attributable To Tata Under The EPCGS.
    Comment 34: Attribution of Subsidies Received under the EPCGS.
    Comment 35: The Use of Long-Term Prime Lending Rates as 
Benchmarks.
    Comment 36: Whether The Department Should Countervail Tata's 
Sales Of DFRC Licenses An Untied Subsidy.

JSW

    Comment 37: Whether the Department Unlawfully Used AFA Rate for 
JSW.
    Comment 38: Whether Assistance Under The 1993 KIP Is 
Countervailable.
    Comment 39: Whether JSW Purchased High Grade Iron Ore for Less 
Than Adequate Remuneration.
    Comment 40: Whether Loan Guarantees from the GOI Are 
Countervailable.
    Comment 41: Whether JSW Has Captive Mining Rights.
    Comment 42: Whether the EPCGS Is Countervailable.
    Comment 43: Whether DEPS Is Countervailable.

[FR Doc. E8-15966 Filed 7-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
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