Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide From the People's Republic of China: Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, 48195-48198 [E8-19099]
Download as PDF
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 160 / Monday, August 18, 2008 / Notices
(Tipton County), Indiana, about 50
miles north of Indianapolis. The plant,
currently under construction, will be
used to produce dual–clutch
transmissions for automobiles and light
trucks (up to 700,000 units annually) for
export and the domestic market. The
manufacturing process at the facility
involves machining, assembly, welding,
and testing using domestic and foreign–
origin inputs. Components that would
be purchased from abroad (representing
about 52% of total, by value) to be used
in manufacturing include: bearings,
differentials, gear sets, clutch assemblies
and supports, electric control modules,
oil pumps and gears, solenoids,
fasteners, lever assemblies, rod
assemblies, pawls, retainers, springs,
retainers, bushings, articles of plastics,
seals, gear oil, grease, and adhesives
(duty rate range: free 5.8%, 84¢/bbl.).
FTZ procedures would exempt
GETRAG from customs duty payments
on the foreign components used in
export transmission production. On
domestic shipments transferred in–bond
to U.S. automobile assembly plants with
subzone status, no duties would be paid
on the foreign transmission components
used in automobile and light truck
production until the finished motor
vehicles are entered for consumption, at
which time the finished automobile
duty rate (2.5%) could be applied to the
foreign–origin components noted above.
For the transmissions withdrawn
directly by GETRAG for customs entry,
the finished transmission rate (2.5%)
could be applied to the foreign inputs.
Customs duties also could possibly be
deferred or reduced on foreign status
production equipment. The application
indicates that the savings from FTZ
procedures would help improve the
facility’s international competitiveness.
In accordance with the Board’s
regulations, Pierre Duy of the FTZ Staff
is designated examiner to investigate the
application and report to the Board.
Public comment is invited from
interested parties. Submissions (original
and 3 copies) shall be addressed to the
Board’s Executive Secretary at the
address below. The closing period for
their receipt is October 17, 2008.
Rebuttal comments in response to
material submitted during the foregoing
period may be submitted during the
subsequent 15-day period to November
3, 2008.
A copy of the application and
accompanying exhibits will be available
for public inspection at each of the
following locations: U.S. Department of
Commerce Export Assistance Center,
Suite 106, 11405 N. Pennsylvania Street,
Carmel, Indiana 46032; and, Office of
the Executive Secretary, Foreign–Trade
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:50 Aug 15, 2008
Jkt 214001
Zones Board, Room 2111, U.S.
Department of Commerce, 1401
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington,
DC 20230–0002. For further
information, contact Pierre Duy at
pierrelduy@ita.doc.gov, or (202) 482–
1378.
48195
Dated: August 12, 2008.
Faye Robinson,
Director.
Statutory Import Programs Staff Import
Administration.
[FR Doc. E8–19098 Filed 8–15–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S
Dated: August 8, 2008.
Andrew McGilvray,
Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8–19100 Filed 8–15–08; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S
[A–570–919]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Notice of Decision on Application for
Duty–Free Entry of Scientific
Instruments
This is a decision pursuant to Section
6(c) of the Educational, Scientific, and
Cultural Materials Importation Act of
1966 (Pub. L. 89–651, as amended by
Pub. L.106–36; 80 Stat. 897; 15 CFR part
301). Related records can be viewed
between 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. in
Room 2104, U.S. Department of
Commerce, 14th and Constitution Ave,
NW, Washington, D.C.
Comments: None received. Decision:
Approved. We know of no instruments
of equivalent scientific value to the
foreign instrument described below, for
such purposes as the instrument is
intended to be used, that was being
manufactured in the United States at the
time of its order.
Docket Number: 08–018. Applicant:
Washington University, St. Louis, MO
63130. Instrument: Modular Hot Cell COMECER Model MIP1–1P–1350.
Manufacturer: COMECER, Italy.
Intended Use: See notice at 73 FR
30377, May 27, 2008. Reasons: The
instrument has a sealed system for
isotope work which is separated from
the shielded door, which allows for the
opening of the door for training
purposes without compromising the
work area air quality. The separate
shield and door design also insures that
the door is not contaminated, and thus,
the user can open the door to survey the
hot cell for radioactivity without the
risk of contamination to the user and
trainees. This safety feature is specific to
this instrument and not available from
other U.S. manufacturers.
Frm 00009
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide From
the People’s Republic of China: Final
Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value
Import Administration,
International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 18, 2008.
SUMMARY: On March 26, 2008, the
Department of Commerce (the
‘‘Department’’) published its
preliminary determination of sales at
less than fair value (‘‘LTFV’’) in the
antidumping (‘‘AD’’) investigation of
electrolytic manganese dioxide (‘‘EMD’’)
from the People’s Republic of China
(‘‘PRC’’). The period of investigation
(‘‘POI’’) is January 1, 2007, through June
30, 2007. We invited interested parties
to comment on our preliminary
determination of sales at LTFV. Based
on our analysis of the comments we
received, we have made changes to our
calculations for the mandatory
respondent. We determine that EMD
from the PRC is being, or is likely to be,
sold in the United States at LTFV as
provided in section 735 of the Tariff Act
of 1930, as amended (‘‘the Act’’). The
estimated margins of sales at LTFV are
shown in the ‘‘Final Determination
Margins’’ section of this notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eugene Degnan or Robert Bolling, AD/
CVD Operations, Office 8, Import
Administration, International Trade
Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230;
telephone: (202) 482–0414 or (202) 482–
3434, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
AGENCY:
Washington University
PO 00000
International Trade Administration
Case History
The Department published its
preliminary determination of sales at
LTFV on
March 26, 2008. See Electrolytic
Manganese Dioxide from the People’s
Republic of China: Preliminary
Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value and Postponement of Final
Determination, 73 FR 15988 (March 26,
E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM
18AUN1
48196
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 160 / Monday, August 18, 2008 / Notices
2008) (‘‘Preliminary Determination’’).
Between April 21 and April 25, 2008,
the Department conducted verification
of Guizhou Redstar Developing Import
and Export Company, Ltd. (‘‘Redstar’’).
See Verification of the Sales and Factors
Response of Redstar in the Antidumping
Investigation of Electrolytic Manganese
Dioxide from the People’s Republic of
China, dated June 24, 2008 (‘‘Redstar
Verification Report’’). See also the
‘‘Verification’’ section below for
additional information.
We invited interested parties to
comment on the Preliminary
Determination. On May 22, 2008,
multiple interested parties filed case
briefs with respect to the scope of this
AD and the concurrent countervailing
duty (‘‘CVD’’) proceeding. On May 27,
2008, many of these same parties filed
rebuttal comments regarding the scope
of these two proceedings. In addition,
on May 27, 2008, multiple interested
parties filed case briefs with respect to
issues specific to the AD proceeding.
These same parties filed rebuttal briefs
on June 2, 2008. The Department held
two hearings on June 12, 2008, one
solely related to the scope of the AD and
CVD proceedings and the second to
address issues related solely to the AD
investigation.
Period of Investigation
The period of investigation (‘‘POI’’) is
January 1, 2007, through June 30, 2007.
This period corresponds to the two most
recent fiscal quarters prior to the month
of the filing of the petition, which was
September 2007.1
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Scope of Investigation
The merchandise covered by this
investigation includes all manganese
dioxide (MnO2) that has been
manufactured in an electrolysis process,
whether in powder, chip, or plate form.
Excluded from the scope are natural
manganese dioxide (NMD) and chemical
manganese dioxide (CMD). The
merchandise subject to this
investigation is classified in the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the
United States (‘‘HTSUS’’) at subheading
2820.10.00.00. While the HTSUS
subheading is provided for convenience
and customs purposes, the written
description of the scope of this
investigation is dispositive.
Verification
As provided in section 782(i) of the
Act, we verified the information
submitted by Redstar for use in our final
determination. See the Redstar
Verification Report on the record of this
1 See
19 CFR 351.204(b)(1).
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:50 Aug 15, 2008
Jkt 214001
investigation in the Central Records
Unit (‘‘CRU’’), Room 1117 of the main
Department building. We used standard
verification procedures, including
examination of relevant accounting and
production records, as well as original
source documents provided by
respondents.
Analysis of Comments Received
All issues raised in the case and
rebuttal briefs by parties to this
investigation are addressed in the Issues
and Decision Memorandum for the
Antidumping Duty Investigation of
Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide from
the People’s Republic of China, dated
concurrently with this notice and,
which is hereby adopted by this notice
(‘‘Issues and Decision Memorandum’’).
A list of the issues which parties raised
and to which we respond in the Issues
and Decision Memorandum is attached
to this notice as Appendix II. The Issues
and Decision Memorandum is a public
document and is on file in the CRU, and
is accessible on the Web at
ia.ita.doc.gov/frn. The paper copy and
electronic version of the memorandum
are identical in content.
Changes Since the Preliminary
Determination
Based on our analysis of information
on the record of this investigation, we
have made changes to the margin
calculations for the final determination
for all mandatory respondents.
General Issues
Based on an analysis of comments
received, and the update of the PRC
wage rate, the Department has made
certain changes in the margin
calculations. For the final
determination, the Department has
made the following changes with
respect to Redstar:
• The Department is valuing the
inputs manganese carbonate ore
and manganese oxide ore using the
publicly available price list from
Manganese Ore India Ltd.’s
(‘‘MOIL’’) website, and adjusting
the value to account for the
percentage of manganese content.
See Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide
from the People’s Republic of
China: Surrogate Value
Memorandum for the Final
Determination (August 8, 2008)
(‘‘Surrogate Value Memo’’); Issues
and Decisions Memo at Comment 2.
• The Department is using the
financial statements of MOIL to
calculate the surrogate financial
ratios. The Department is basing the
overhead and profit on the EMD
division of MOIL, and the selling,
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
general and administrative
expenses ratio on the entire
consolidated statements of MOIL.
See Surrogate Value Memo; Issues
and Decision Memorandum at
Comment 3.
• The Department is valuing all steam
used in the production of EMD,
including that steam derived as a
by–product from production of
merchandise not under
investigation. Electrolytic
Manganese Dioxide from the
People’s Republic of China:
Analysis Memorandum for the
Final Determination (August 8,
2008) (‘‘Analysis Memo’’); Issues
and Decision Memorandum at
Comment 4.
• The Department is using the
Maharashtra Industrial
Development Corporation (‘‘MIDC’’)
updated water tariff schedule,
effective June 1, 2007, to value
water. See Surrogate Value Memo;
Issues and Decision Memorandum
at Comment 6.
• The Department is valuing Redstar’s
coal using TERI data for grade C
steam coal. See Surrogate Value
Memo; Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 9.
• The Department is valuing labor
using its revised labor rates
published May 14, 2008. See
Surrogate Value Memo; Issues and
Decision Memorandum at Comment
10.
• The Department is including in its
calculation of normal value (‘‘NV’’)
the electricity consumed by lighting
and appliances in Redstar’s
workshops. See Analysis Memo;
Issues and Decision Memorandum
at Comment 11.
Surrogate Country
In the Preliminary Determination, we
stated that we had selected India as the
appropriate surrogate country to use in
this investigation for the following
reasons: (1) it is a significant producer
of comparable merchandise; (2) it is at
a similar level of economic development
comparable to that of the PRC; and (3)
we have reliable data from India that we
can use to value the factors of
production. See Preliminary
Determination. For the final
determination, we received no
comments and have made no changes to
our findings with respect to the
selection of a surrogate country.
Separate Rates
In proceedings involving non–marketeconomy (‘‘NME’’) countries, the
Department begins with a rebuttable
presumption that all companies within
E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM
18AUN1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 160 / Monday, August 18, 2008 / Notices
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
the country are subject to government
control and, thus, should be assigned a
single antidumping duty deposit rate. It
is the Department’s policy to assign all
exporters of merchandise subject to an
investigation in an NME country this
single rate unless an exporter can
demonstrate that it is sufficiently
independent so as to be entitled to a
separate rate. See Final Determination of
Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Sparklers
from the People’s Republic of China, 56
FR 20588 (May 6, 1991) (‘‘Sparklers’’),
as amplified by Notice of Final
Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value: Silicon Carbide from the
People’s Republic of China, 59 FR 22585
(May 2, 1994) (‘‘Silicon Carbide’’), and
19 CFR 351.107(d).
In the Preliminary Determination, we
found that Redstar demonstrated its
eligibility for separate–rate status. For
the final determination, we continue to
find that the evidence placed on the
record of this investigation by Redstar
demonstrates both de jure and de facto
absence of government control with
respect to its exports of the merchandise
under investigation, and therefore,
Redstar is eligible for separate–rate
status.
Use of Facts Available
Section 776(a)(2) of the Act provides
that, if an interested party: (A)
withholds information that has been
requested by the Department; (B) fails to
provide such information in a timely
manner or in the form or manner
requested subject to sections 782(c)(1)
and (e) of the Act; (C) significantly
impedes a proceeding under the
antidumping statute; or (D) provides
such information but the information
cannot be verified, the Department
shall, subject to subsection 782(d) of the
Act, use facts otherwise available in
reaching the applicable determination.
Section 782(c)(1) of the Act provides
that if an interested party ‘‘promptly
after receiving a request from {the
Department} for information, notifies
{the Department} that such party is
unable to submit the information
requested in the requested form and
manner, together with a full explanation
and suggested alternative forms in
which such party is able to submit the
information,’’ the Department may
modify the requirements to avoid
imposing an unreasonable burden on
that party.
Section 782(d) of the Act provides
that, if the Department determines that
a response to a request for information
does not comply with the request, the
Department will inform the person
submitting the response of the nature of
the deficiency and shall, to the extent
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:50 Aug 15, 2008
Jkt 214001
practicable, provide that person the
opportunity to remedy or explain the
deficiency. If that person submits
further information that continues to be
unsatisfactory, or this information is not
submitted within the applicable time
limits, the Department may, subject to
section 782(e), disregard all or part of
the original and subsequent responses,
as appropriate.
Section 782(e) of the Act states that
the Department shall not decline to
consider information deemed
‘‘deficient’’ under section 782(d) if: (1)
the information is submitted by the
established deadline; (2) the information
can be verified; (3) the information is
not so incomplete that it cannot serve as
a reliable basis for reaching the
applicable determination; (4) the
interested party has demonstrated that it
acted to the best of its ability; and (5)
the information can be used without
undue difficulties.
Furthermore, section 776(b) of the Act
states that if the Department ‘‘finds that
an interested party has failed to
cooperate by not acting to the best of its
ability to comply with a request for
information from the administering
authority or the Commission, the
administering authority or the
Commission ..., in reaching the
applicable determination under this
title, may use an inference that is
adverse to the interests of that party in
selecting from among the facts
otherwise available.’’ See also
Statement of Administrative Action
(SAA) accompanying the Uruguay
Round Agreements Act (URAA), H.R.
Rep. No. 103–316, Vol. 1 at 870 (1994).
For this final determination, in
accordance with sections 773(c)(3)(A)
and (B) of the Act and sections
776(a)(2)(A), (B) and (D) and 776(b) of
the Act, we have determined that the
use of adverse facts available (‘‘AFA’’) is
warranted for the PRC entity, as
discussed below.
The PRC–Wide Rate
Because we begin with the
presumption that all companies within
an NME country are subject to
government control and because only
the company listed under the ‘‘Final
Determination Margin’’ section below
has overcome that presumption, we are
applying a single antidumping rate - the
PRC–wide rate - to all other exporters of
subject merchandise from the PRC. See,
e.g., Synthetic Indigo from the People’s
Republic of China: Notice of Final
Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value, 65 FR 25706 (May 3, 2000).
The PRC–wide rate applies to all entries
of subject merchandise except for
entries from Redstar.
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
48197
In the Preliminary Determination, the
Department found that the PRC–wide
entity (including Xiangtan
Electrochemical Scientific Ltd.) failed to
respond to the Department’s
questionnaires, withheld or failed to
provide information in a timely manner
or in the form or manner requested by
the Department, and otherwise impeded
the proceeding. Therefore, in the
Preliminary Determination we treated
these PRC producers/exporters as part of
the PRC–wide entity because they did
not demonstrate that they operate free of
government control over their export
activities. No additional information
was placed on the record with respect
to these entities after the Preliminary
Determination. In addition, because the
PRC–wide entity did not provide the
Department with the requested
information, pursuant to section
776(a)(2)(A) and (C) of the Act, the
Department continues to find that the
use of facts available is appropriate to
determine the PRC–wide rate. Section
776(b) of the Act provides that, in
selecting from among the facts
otherwise available, the Department
may employ an adverse inference if an
interested party fails to cooperate by not
acting to the best of its ability to comply
with requests for information. See
Notice of Final Determination of Sales
at Less Than Fair Value: Certain Cold–
Rolled Flat–Rolled Carbon–Quality Steel
Products from the Russian Federation,
65 FR 5510, 5518 (February 4, 2000).
See also, SAA at 870. We have
determined that, because the PRC–wide
entity did not respond to our request for
information, it has failed to cooperate to
the best of its ability. Therefore, the
Department finds that, in selecting from
among the facts otherwise available, an
adverse inference is warranted.
Corroboration
Section 776(c) of the Act provides
that, when the Department relies on
secondary information in using the facts
otherwise available, it must, to the
extent practicable, corroborate that
information from independent sources
that are reasonably at its disposal. We
have interpreted ‘‘corroborate’’ to mean
that we will, to the extent practicable,
examine the reliability and relevance of
the information submitted. See Notice of
Final Determination of Sales at Less
Than Fair Value: Certain Cold–Rolled
Flat–Rolled Carbon–Quality Steel
Products From Brazil, 65 FR 5554, 5568
(February 4, 2000); see, e.g., Tapered
Roller Bearings and Parts Thereof,
Finished and Unfinished, From Japan,
and Tapered Roller Bearings, Four
Inches or Less in Outside Diameter, and
Components Thereof, From Japan;
E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM
18AUN1
48198
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 160 / Monday, August 18, 2008 / Notices
Preliminary Results of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Reviews and
Partial Termination of Administrative
Reviews, 61 FR 57391, 57392 (November
6, 1996) (unchanged in the final results).
In the Preliminary Determination, we
stated we used as AFA the higher of (a)
the highest margin alleged in the
petition, or (b) the highest calculated
rate of any respondent in the
investigation.2 No parties commented
on the selection of the PRC–wide rate.
In the instant investigation, as AFA for
the final determination, we have
assigned to the PRC–wide entity a
margin of 149.92 percent, the highest
calculated rate of any respondent in this
proceeding, which is the calculated rate
of the respondent Redstar. We
determined that this information is the
most appropriate from the available
sources to effectuate the purposes of
AFA. Because the AFA rate for this
investigation is a calculated rate from
the respondent and is not based on
secondary information, no corroboration
is required within the meaning of
section 776(c) of the Act.
Final Determination Margins
We determine that the following
weighted–average percentage margin
exists for the POI:
EXPORTER
PRODUCER
Guizhou Redstar Developing Import and Export Company, Ltd. ................
Guizhou Redstar Developing Dalong Manganese
Industrial Co., Ltd.
................................................................................
PRC–Wide Entity .........................................................................................
MARGIN
149.92 %
*149.92 %
* Xiangtan Electrochemical Scientific Ltd. is included in the PRC–wide entity
Disclosure
We will disclose the calculations
performed within five days of the date
of publication of this notice to parties in
this proceeding in accordance with 19
CFR 351.224(b).
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Continuation of Suspension of
Liquidation
In accordance with section
735(c)(1)(B) of the Act, we are directing
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(‘‘CBP’’) to continue to suspend
liquidation of all imports of subject
merchandise entered or withdrawn from
warehouse, for consumption on or after
March 26, 2008, the date of publication
of the Preliminary Determination in the
Federal Register. We will instruct CBP
to continue to require a cash deposit or
the posting of a bond for all companies
based on the estimated weighted–
average dumping margins shown above.
The suspension of liquidation
instructions will remain in effect until
further notice.
ITC Notification
In accordance with section 735(d) of
the Act, we have notified the
International Trade Commission (‘‘ITC’’)
of our final determination of sales at
LTFV. As our final determination is
affirmative, in accordance with section
735(b)(2) of the Act, within 45 days the
ITC will determine whether the
domestic industry in the United States
is materially injured, or threatened with
material injury, by reason of imports or
sales (or the likelihood of sales) for
importation of the subject merchandise.
If the ITC determines that material
injury or threat of material injury does
not exist, the proceeding will be
terminated and all securities posted will
be refunded or canceled. If the ITC
2See Final Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value: Certain Cold-Rolled Carbon Quality
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:50 Aug 15, 2008
Jkt 214001
determines that such injury does exist,
the Department will issue an
antidumping duty order and directing
CBP to assess antidumping duties on all
imports of the subject merchandise
entered, or withdrawn from warehouse,
for consumption on or after the effective
date of the suspension of liquidation.
Notification Regarding APO
Dated: August 8, 2008.
David M. Spooner,
Assistant Secretary for Import
Administration.
Appendix
Comment 1: Valuation of Manganese
Ore as an Intermediate Input
Comment 2: Surrogate Value for
Manganese Ore
Comment 3: Surrogate Financial Ratio
Calculation
Comment 4: Steam Consumption
Comment 5: Electricity Inputs to Steam
Production
Comment 6: Surrogate Value for Water
Comment 7: Surrogate Value Source for
Truck Freight
Comment 8: Grinding Bars and Rings
Steel Products from the People’s Republic of China,
65 FR 34660 (May 21, 2000), and accompanying
Frm 00012
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
[FR Doc. E8–19099 Filed 8–15–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
This notice also serves as a reminder
to the 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. Timely
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.
This determination and notice are
issued and published in accordance
with sections 735(d) and 777(i)(1) of the
Act.
PO 00000
Comment 9: Surrogate Value for Coal
Comment 10: Labor Wage Rate
Comment 11: Electricity used for
Lighting and Appliances in Workshops
International Trade Administration
Exporters’ Textile Advisory
Committee; Notice of Open Meeting
A meeting of the Exporters’ Textile
Advisory Committee will be held on
September 24, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.at Stonefield Josephson, 2049
Century Park E, Suite 400, Los Angeles,
CA 90067.
The Committee provides advice and
guidance to Department officials on the
identification and surmounting of
barriers to the expansion of textile
exports, and on methods of encouraging
textile firms to participate in export
expansion.
The Committee functions solely as an
advisory body in accordance with the
provisions of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act.
The meeting will be open to the
public with a limited number of seats
available. For further information
contact Kim Bang-Nguyen at (202) 4824805. Minutes of all ETAC meetings are
posted at otexa.ita.doc.gov.
Dated: August 12, 2008.
R. Matthew Priest,
Chairman, Committee for Implementation of
Textile Agreements.
[FR Doc. E8–19091 Filed 8–15–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S
Issues and Decision Memorandum at ‘‘Facts
Available.’’
E:\FR\FM\18AUN1.SGM
18AUN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 160 (Monday, August 18, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48195-48198]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-19099]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
[A-570-919]
Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide From the People's Republic of
China: Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value
AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 18, 2008.
SUMMARY: On March 26, 2008, the Department of Commerce (the
``Department'') published its preliminary determination of sales at
less than fair value (``LTFV'') in the antidumping (``AD'')
investigation of electrolytic manganese dioxide (``EMD'') from the
People's Republic of China (``PRC''). The period of investigation
(``POI'') is January 1, 2007, through June 30, 2007. We invited
interested parties to comment on our preliminary determination of sales
at LTFV. Based on our analysis of the comments we received, we have
made changes to our calculations for the mandatory respondent. We
determine that EMD from the PRC is being, or is likely to be, sold in
the United States at LTFV as provided in section 735 of the Tariff Act
of 1930, as amended (``the Act''). The estimated margins of sales at
LTFV are shown in the ``Final Determination Margins'' section of this
notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eugene Degnan or Robert Bolling, AD/
CVD Operations, Office 8, Import Administration, International Trade
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-
0414 or (202) 482-3434, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Case History
The Department published its preliminary determination of sales at
LTFV on
March 26, 2008. See Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide from the
People's Republic of China: Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less
Than Fair Value and Postponement of Final Determination, 73 FR 15988
(March 26,
[[Page 48196]]
2008) (``Preliminary Determination''). Between April 21 and April 25,
2008, the Department conducted verification of Guizhou Redstar
Developing Import and Export Company, Ltd. (``Redstar''). See
Verification of the Sales and Factors Response of Redstar in the
Antidumping Investigation of Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide from the
People's Republic of China, dated June 24, 2008 (``Redstar Verification
Report''). See also the ``Verification'' section below for additional
information.
We invited interested parties to comment on the Preliminary
Determination. On May 22, 2008, multiple interested parties filed case
briefs with respect to the scope of this AD and the concurrent
countervailing duty (``CVD'') proceeding. On May 27, 2008, many of
these same parties filed rebuttal comments regarding the scope of these
two proceedings. In addition, on May 27, 2008, multiple interested
parties filed case briefs with respect to issues specific to the AD
proceeding. These same parties filed rebuttal briefs on June 2, 2008.
The Department held two hearings on June 12, 2008, one solely related
to the scope of the AD and CVD proceedings and the second to address
issues related solely to the AD investigation.
Period of Investigation
The period of investigation (``POI'') is January 1, 2007, through
June 30, 2007. This period corresponds to the two most recent fiscal
quarters prior to the month of the filing of the petition, which was
September 2007.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See 19 CFR 351.204(b)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scope of Investigation
The merchandise covered by this investigation includes all
manganese dioxide (MnO[bds2]) that has been manufactured in an
electrolysis process, whether in powder, chip, or plate form. Excluded
from the scope are natural manganese dioxide (NMD) and chemical
manganese dioxide (CMD). The merchandise subject to this investigation
is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(``HTSUS'') at subheading 2820.10.00.00. While the HTSUS subheading is
provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description
of the scope of this investigation is dispositive.
Verification
As provided in section 782(i) of the Act, we verified the
information submitted by Redstar for use in our final determination.
See the Redstar Verification Report on the record of this investigation
in the Central Records Unit (``CRU''), Room 1117 of the main Department
building. We used standard verification procedures, including
examination of relevant accounting and production records, as well as
original source documents provided by respondents.
Analysis of Comments Received
All issues raised in the case and rebuttal briefs by parties to
this investigation are addressed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum
for the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Electrolytic Manganese
Dioxide from the People's Republic of China, dated concurrently with
this notice and, which is hereby adopted by this notice (``Issues and
Decision Memorandum''). A list of the issues which parties raised and
to which we respond in the Issues and Decision Memorandum is attached
to this notice as Appendix II. The Issues and Decision Memorandum is a
public document and is on file in the CRU, and is accessible on the Web
at ia.ita.doc.gov/frn. The paper copy and electronic version of the
memorandum are identical in content.
Changes Since the Preliminary Determination
Based on our analysis of information on the record of this
investigation, we have made changes to the margin calculations for the
final determination for all mandatory respondents.
General Issues
Based on an analysis of comments received, and the update of the
PRC wage rate, the Department has made certain changes in the margin
calculations. For the final determination, the Department has made the
following changes with respect to Redstar:
The Department is valuing the inputs manganese carbonate
ore and manganese oxide ore using the publicly available price list
from Manganese Ore India Ltd.'s (``MOIL'') website, and adjusting the
value to account for the percentage of manganese content. See
Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide from the People's Republic of China:
Surrogate Value Memorandum for the Final Determination (August 8, 2008)
(``Surrogate Value Memo''); Issues and Decisions Memo at Comment 2.
The Department is using the financial statements of MOIL
to calculate the surrogate financial ratios. The Department is basing
the overhead and profit on the EMD division of MOIL, and the selling,
general and administrative expenses ratio on the entire consolidated
statements of MOIL. See Surrogate Value Memo; Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 3.
The Department is valuing all steam used in the production
of EMD, including that steam derived as a by-product from production of
merchandise not under investigation. Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide
from the People's Republic of China: Analysis Memorandum for the Final
Determination (August 8, 2008) (``Analysis Memo''); Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 4.
The Department is using the Maharashtra Industrial
Development Corporation (``MIDC'') updated water tariff schedule,
effective June 1, 2007, to value water. See Surrogate Value Memo;
Issues and Decision Memorandum at Comment 6.
The Department is valuing Redstar's coal using TERI data
for grade C steam coal. See Surrogate Value Memo; Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 9.
The Department is valuing labor using its revised labor
rates published May 14, 2008. See Surrogate Value Memo; Issues and
Decision Memorandum at Comment 10.
The Department is including in its calculation of normal
value (``NV'') the electricity consumed by lighting and appliances in
Redstar's workshops. See Analysis Memo; Issues and Decision Memorandum
at Comment 11.
Surrogate Country
In the Preliminary Determination, we stated that we had selected
India as the appropriate surrogate country to use in this investigation
for the following reasons: (1) it is a significant producer of
comparable merchandise; (2) it is at a similar level of economic
development comparable to that of the PRC; and (3) we have reliable
data from India that we can use to value the factors of production. See
Preliminary Determination. For the final determination, we received no
comments and have made no changes to our findings with respect to the
selection of a surrogate country.
Separate Rates
In proceedings involving non-market-economy (``NME'') countries,
the Department begins with a rebuttable presumption that all companies
within
[[Page 48197]]
the country are subject to government control and, thus, should be
assigned a single antidumping duty deposit rate. It is the Department's
policy to assign all exporters of merchandise subject to an
investigation in an NME country this single rate unless an exporter can
demonstrate that it is sufficiently independent so as to be entitled to
a separate rate. See Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair
Value: Sparklers from the People's Republic of China, 56 FR 20588 (May
6, 1991) (``Sparklers''), as amplified by Notice of Final Determination
of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Silicon Carbide from the People's
Republic of China, 59 FR 22585 (May 2, 1994) (``Silicon Carbide''), and
19 CFR 351.107(d).
In the Preliminary Determination, we found that Redstar
demonstrated its eligibility for separate-rate status. For the final
determination, we continue to find that the evidence placed on the
record of this investigation by Redstar demonstrates both de jure and
de facto absence of government control with respect to its exports of
the merchandise under investigation, and therefore, Redstar is eligible
for separate-rate status.
Use of Facts Available
Section 776(a)(2) of the Act provides that, if an interested party:
(A) withholds information that has been requested by the Department;
(B) fails to provide such information in a timely manner or in the form
or manner requested subject to sections 782(c)(1) and (e) of the Act;
(C) significantly impedes a proceeding under the antidumping statute;
or (D) provides such information but the information cannot be
verified, the Department shall, subject to subsection 782(d) of the
Act, use facts otherwise available in reaching the applicable
determination.
Section 782(c)(1) of the Act provides that if an interested party
``promptly after receiving a request from {the Department{time} for
information, notifies {the Department{time} that such party is unable
to submit the information requested in the requested form and manner,
together with a full explanation and suggested alternative forms in
which such party is able to submit the information,'' the Department
may modify the requirements to avoid imposing an unreasonable burden on
that party.
Section 782(d) of the Act provides that, if the Department
determines that a response to a request for information does not comply
with the request, the Department will inform the person submitting the
response of the nature of the deficiency and shall, to the extent
practicable, provide that person the opportunity to remedy or explain
the deficiency. If that person submits further information that
continues to be unsatisfactory, or this information is not submitted
within the applicable time limits, the Department may, subject to
section 782(e), disregard all or part of the original and subsequent
responses, as appropriate.
Section 782(e) of the Act states that the Department shall not
decline to consider information deemed ``deficient'' under section
782(d) if: (1) the information is submitted by the established
deadline; (2) the information can be verified; (3) the information is
not so incomplete that it cannot serve as a reliable basis for reaching
the applicable determination; (4) the interested party has demonstrated
that it acted to the best of its ability; and (5) the information can
be used without undue difficulties.
Furthermore, section 776(b) of the Act states that if the
Department ``finds that an interested party has failed to cooperate by
not acting to the best of its ability to comply with a request for
information from the administering authority or the Commission, the
administering authority or the Commission ..., in reaching the
applicable determination under this title, may use an inference that is
adverse to the interests of that party in selecting from among the
facts otherwise available.'' See also Statement of Administrative
Action (SAA) accompanying the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), H.R.
Rep. No. 103-316, Vol. 1 at 870 (1994).
For this final determination, in accordance with sections
773(c)(3)(A) and (B) of the Act and sections 776(a)(2)(A), (B) and (D)
and 776(b) of the Act, we have determined that the use of adverse facts
available (``AFA'') is warranted for the PRC entity, as discussed
below.
The PRC-Wide Rate
Because we begin with the presumption that all companies within an
NME country are subject to government control and because only the
company listed under the ``Final Determination Margin'' section below
has overcome that presumption, we are applying a single antidumping
rate - the PRC-wide rate - to all other exporters of subject
merchandise from the PRC. See, e.g., Synthetic Indigo from the People's
Republic of China: Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value, 65 FR 25706 (May 3, 2000). The PRC-wide rate applies to all
entries of subject merchandise except for entries from Redstar.
In the Preliminary Determination, the Department found that the
PRC-wide entity (including Xiangtan Electrochemical Scientific Ltd.)
failed to respond to the Department's questionnaires, withheld or
failed to provide information in a timely manner or in the form or
manner requested by the Department, and otherwise impeded the
proceeding. Therefore, in the Preliminary Determination we treated
these PRC producers/exporters as part of the PRC-wide entity because
they did not demonstrate that they operate free of government control
over their export activities. No additional information was placed on
the record with respect to these entities after the Preliminary
Determination. In addition, because the PRC-wide entity did not provide
the Department with the requested information, pursuant to section
776(a)(2)(A) and (C) of the Act, the Department continues to find that
the use of facts available is appropriate to determine the PRC-wide
rate. Section 776(b) of the Act provides that, in selecting from among
the facts otherwise available, the Department may employ an adverse
inference if an interested party fails to cooperate by not acting to
the best of its ability to comply with requests for information. See
Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain
Cold-Rolled Flat-Rolled Carbon-Quality Steel Products from the Russian
Federation, 65 FR 5510, 5518 (February 4, 2000). See also, SAA at 870.
We have determined that, because the PRC-wide entity did not respond to
our request for information, it has failed to cooperate to the best of
its ability. Therefore, the Department finds that, in selecting from
among the facts otherwise available, an adverse inference is warranted.
Corroboration
Section 776(c) of the Act provides that, when the Department relies
on secondary information in using the facts otherwise available, it
must, to the extent practicable, corroborate that information from
independent sources that are reasonably at its disposal. We have
interpreted ``corroborate'' to mean that we will, to the extent
practicable, examine the reliability and relevance of the information
submitted. See Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair
Value: Certain Cold-Rolled Flat-Rolled Carbon-Quality Steel Products
From Brazil, 65 FR 5554, 5568 (February 4, 2000); see, e.g., Tapered
Roller Bearings and Parts Thereof, Finished and Unfinished, From Japan,
and Tapered Roller Bearings, Four Inches or Less in Outside Diameter,
and Components Thereof, From Japan;
[[Page 48198]]
Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews and
Partial Termination of Administrative Reviews, 61 FR 57391, 57392
(November 6, 1996) (unchanged in the final results).
In the Preliminary Determination, we stated we used as AFA the
higher of (a) the highest margin alleged in the petition, or (b) the
highest calculated rate of any respondent in the investigation.\2\ No
parties commented on the selection of the PRC-wide rate. In the instant
investigation, as AFA for the final determination, we have assigned to
the PRC-wide entity a margin of 149.92 percent, the highest calculated
rate of any respondent in this proceeding, which is the calculated rate
of the respondent Redstar. We determined that this information is the
most appropriate from the available sources to effectuate the purposes
of AFA. Because the AFA rate for this investigation is a calculated
rate from the respondent and is not based on secondary information, no
corroboration is required within the meaning of section 776(c) of the
Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\See Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value:
Certain Cold-Rolled Carbon Quality Steel Products from the People's
Republic of China, 65 FR 34660 (May 21, 2000), and accompanying
Issues and Decision Memorandum at ``Facts Available.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Determination Margins
We determine that the following weighted-average percentage margin
exists for the POI:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPORTER PRODUCER MARGIN
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guizhou Redstar Developing Import and Export Guizhou Redstar Developing Dalong Manganese 149.92 %
Company, Ltd.................................. Industrial Co., Ltd.
PRC-Wide Entity................................ ............................................. *149.92 %
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Xiangtan Electrochemical Scientific Ltd. is included in the PRC-wide entity
Disclosure
We will disclose the calculations performed within five days of the
date of publication of this notice to parties in this proceeding in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b).
Continuation of Suspension of Liquidation
In accordance with section 735(c)(1)(B) of the Act, we are
directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (``CBP'') to continue to
suspend liquidation of all imports of subject merchandise entered or
withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after March 26, 2008,
the date of publication of the Preliminary Determination in the Federal
Register. We will instruct CBP to continue to require a cash deposit or
the posting of a bond for all companies based on the estimated
weighted-average dumping margins shown above. The suspension of
liquidation instructions will remain in effect until further notice.
ITC Notification
In accordance with section 735(d) of the Act, we have notified the
International Trade Commission (``ITC'') of our final determination of
sales at LTFV. As our final determination is affirmative, in accordance
with section 735(b)(2) of the Act, within 45 days the ITC will
determine whether the domestic industry in the United States is
materially injured, or threatened with material injury, by reason of
imports or sales (or the likelihood of sales) for importation of the
subject merchandise. If the ITC determines that material injury or
threat of material injury does not exist, the proceeding will be
terminated and all securities posted will be refunded or canceled. If
the ITC determines that such injury does exist, the Department will
issue an antidumping duty order and directing CBP to assess antidumping
duties on all imports of the subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn
from warehouse, for consumption on or after the effective date of the
suspension of liquidation.
Notification Regarding APO
This notice also serves as a reminder to the 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. Timely 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.
This determination and notice are issued and published in
accordance with sections 735(d) and 777(i)(1) of the Act.
Dated: August 8, 2008.
David M. Spooner,
Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.
Appendix
Comment 1: Valuation of Manganese Ore as an Intermediate Input
Comment 2: Surrogate Value for Manganese Ore
Comment 3: Surrogate Financial Ratio Calculation
Comment 4: Steam Consumption
Comment 5: Electricity Inputs to Steam Production
Comment 6: Surrogate Value for Water
Comment 7: Surrogate Value Source for Truck Freight
Comment 8: Grinding Bars and Rings
Comment 9: Surrogate Value for Coal
Comment 10: Labor Wage Rate
Comment 11: Electricity used for Lighting and Appliances in Workshops
[FR Doc. E8-19099 Filed 8-15-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S