Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe From the Republic of Korea: Preliminary Results of the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 77838-77847 [2010-31368]
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no later than 30 days after the date of
publication of these preliminary results
of review. See 19 CFR 351.309(c)(1)(ii).
Rebuttal briefs are limited to issues
raised in the case briefs and may be
filed no later than five days after the
time limit for filing the case briefs. See
19 CFR 351.309(d). Parties submitting
arguments in this proceeding are
requested to submit with the argument:
(1) A statement of the issue, (2) a brief
summary of the argument, and (3) a
table of authorities, in accordance with
19 CFR 351.309(d)(2). Further, parties
submitting case and/or rebuttal briefs
are requested to provide the Department
with an additional electronic copy of
the public version of any such
comments on a computer diskette. Case
and rebuttal briefs must be served on
interested parties in accordance with 19
CFR 351.303(f).
An interested party may request a
hearing within 30 days of publication of
these preliminary results. See 19 CFR
351.310(c). Any hearing, if requested,
ordinarily will be held two days after
the due date of the rebuttal briefs in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.310(d)(1).
The Department will issue the final
results of this administrative review,
which will include the results of its
analysis of issues raised in any such
comments, or at a hearing, if requested,
within 120 days of publication of these
preliminary results, unless extended.
See section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act, and
19 CFR 351.213(h).
Assessment Rate
Upon completion of the final results
of this administrative review, the
Department shall determine, and CBP
shall assess, antidumping duties on all
appropriate entries. Pursuant to 19 CFR
351.212(b)(1), the Department will
calculate importer-specific assessment
rates for each respondent based on the
ratio of the total amount of antidumping
duties calculated for the examined sales
to the total entered value of those sales.
Where the respondent did not report the
entered value for U.S. sales, we have
calculated importer-specific assessment
rates for the merchandise in question by
aggregating the dumping margins
calculated for all U.S. sales to each
importer and dividing this amount by
the total quantity of those sales. To
determine whether the duty assessment
rates were de minimis, in accordance
with the requirement set forth in 19 CFR
351.106(c)(2), we calculated importerspecific ad valorem rates based on the
estimated entered value. Where the
assessment rate is above de minimis, we
will instruct CBP to assess duties on all
entries of subject merchandise by that
importer. Pursuant to 19 CFR
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351.106(c)(2), we will instruct CBP to
liquidate without regard to antidumping
duties any entries for which the
assessment rate is de minimis (i.e., less
than 0.50 percent). The Department
intends to issue assessment instructions
directly to CBP 15 days after publication
of the final results of this review.
The Department clarified its
‘‘automatic assessment’’ regulation on
May 6, 2003. See Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Proceedings:
Assessment of Antidumping Duties, 68
FR 23954 (May 6, 2003). This
clarification will apply to entries of
subject merchandise during the POR
produced by the respondents subject to
this review for which the reviewed
companies did not know that the
merchandise which it sold to an
intermediary (e.g. a reseller, trading
company, or exporter) was destined for
the United States. In such instances, we
will instruct CBP to liquidate
unreviewed entries at the all-others rate
if there is no rate for the intermediary
involved in the transaction. For a full
discussion of this clarification, see id.
Cash Deposit Requirements
To calculate the cash deposit rate for
Koehler, we divided its total dumping
margin by the total net value of its sales
during the review period.
The following deposit rates will be
effective upon publication of the final
results of this administrative review for
all shipments of lightweight thermal
paper from Germany entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse, for
consumption on or after the publication
date, as provided by section 751(a)(2)(C)
of the Act: (1) The cash deposit rate for
companies subject to this review will be
the rate established in the final results
of this review, except if the rate is less
than 0.5 percent and, therefore, de
minimis, no cash deposit will be
required; (2) for previously reviewed or
investigated companies not listed above,
the cash deposit rate will continue to be
the company-specific rate published for
the most recent final results for a review
in which that manufacturer or exporter
participated; (3) if the exporter is not a
firm covered in this review, a prior
review, or the original less-than-fairvalue (‘‘LTFV’’) investigation, but the
manufacturer is, the cash deposit rate
will be the rate established for the most
recent final results for the manufacturer
of the merchandise; and (4) if neither
the exporter nor the manufacturer is a
firm covered in this review, the cash
deposit rate will be 6.50 percent, the allothers rate established in the LTFV
investigation. See Antidumping Duty
Orders: Lightweight Thermal Paper from
Germany and the People’s Republic of
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China, 73 FR 70959 (November 24,
2008). These cash deposit requirements,
when imposed, shall remain in effect
until further notice.
Notification to Importers
This notice also serves as a
preliminary reminder to importers of
their responsibility under 19 CFR
351.402(f) to file a certificate regarding
the reimbursement of antidumping
duties prior to liquidation of the
relevant entries during this review
period. Failure to comply with this
requirement could result in the
Secretary’s presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping duties
occurred and the subsequent assessment
of double antidumping duties.
These preliminary results of
administrative review are issued and
published in accordance with sections
751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19
CFR 351.221(b)(4).
Dated: December 7, 2010.
Paul Piquado,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2010–31370 Filed 12–13–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
[A–580–809]
Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe
From the Republic of Korea:
Preliminary Results of the
Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review
Import Administration,
International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: In response to requests from
interested parties, the Department of
Commerce (‘‘the Department’’) is
conducting an administrative review of
the antidumping duty order on circular
welded non-alloy steel pipe (‘‘CWP’’)
from the Republic of Korea (‘‘Korea’’).
The period of review (‘‘POR’’) is
November 1, 2008, through October 31,
2009. This review covers multiple
exporters/producers, three of which are
being individually reviewed as
mandatory respondents. We
preliminarily determine the mandatory
respondents made sales of the subject
merchandise at prices below normal
value (‘‘NV’’). We have assigned the
remaining respondents the weightedaverage of the margins calculated for the
mandatory respondents. If these
preliminary results are adopted in our
final results, we will instruct U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (‘‘CBP’’)
AGENCY:
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to assess antidumping duties on all
appropriate entries. Interested parties
are invited to comment on these
preliminary results.
DATES: Effective Date: December 14,
2010.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alexander Montoro, Matthew Jordan, or
Joshua Morris, AD/CVD Operations,
Office 1, Import Administration,
International Trade Administration,
U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th
Street and Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington DC 20230; telephone (202)
482–0238, (202) 482–1540, or (202) 482–
1779, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On November 2, 1992, the Department
published an antidumping duty order
on CWP from Korea. See Notice of
Antidumping Duty Orders: Certain
Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe
from Brazil, the Republic of Korea
(Korea), Mexico, and Venezuela, and
Amendment to Final Determination of
Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain
Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe
from Korea, 57 FR 49453 (November 2,
1992) (‘‘CWP Order’’).
On November 30, 2009, SeAH Steel
Corporation (‘‘SeAH’’) timely requested
an administrative review of the
antidumping duty order on CWP from
Korea for the period November 1, 2008,
through October 31, 2009. Also on
November 30, 2009, Wheatland Tube
Company (‘‘Wheatland’’) and United
States Steel Corporation (‘‘U.S. Steel’’),
manufacturers of the domestic like
product, also timely requested a review.
U.S. Steel requested the Department
conduct an administrative review of the
following producers/exporters of subject
merchandise: SeAH; Hyundai HYSCO;
Husteel Co., Ltd. (‘‘Husteel’’); Nexteel
Co., Ltd. (‘‘Nexteel’’); Kumkang
Industrial Co., Ltd. (‘‘Kumkang’’); and
A–JU Besteel Co., Ltd. Wheatland
requested the Department conduct an
administrative review of SeAH. On
December 23, 2009, the Department
published a notice of initiation of an
administrative review of the
antidumping duty order on CWP from
Korea. See Initiation of Antidumping
and Countervailing Duty Administrative
Reviews and Request for Revocation in
Part, 74 FR 68229 (December 23, 2009)
(‘‘Initiation Notice’’).
On January 26, 2010, SeAH withdrew
its request for review. On March 23,
2010, Wheatland withdrew its request
for a review of SeAH.
In our initiation notice, we indicated
that we would select mandatory
respondents for review based upon CBP
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data, and that we would limit the
respondents selected for individual
review in accordance with section
777A(c)(2) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
amended (‘‘the Act’’). See Initiation
Notice, 74 FR at 68229. On January 6,
2010, we received comments on the
issue of respondent selection from
Kumkang.
On February 18, 2010, after
considering the resources available to
the Department, we determined that it
was not practicable to examine all
producers/exporters of subject
merchandise for which a review was
requested. As a result, we selected the
two largest producers/exporters of CWP
from Korea during the POR for
individual review in this segment of this
proceeding, pursuant to section
777A(c)(2)(B) of the Act. These
mandatory respondents were Nexteel
and SeAH. See Memorandum from
Yasmin Nair and Matthew Jordan,
International Trade Compliance
Analysts, AD/CVD Operations, Office 1,
to Susan H. Kuhbach, Director, AD/CVD
Operations, Office 1, ‘‘Respondent
Selection: Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review: Circular
Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from the
Republic of Korea,’’ dated February 18,
2010.
On January 14, 2010, Wheatland
submitted a request for a duty
absorption determination for a number
of producers or exporters subject to this
review, including SeAH, Husteel, and
Nexteel. The Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit found that the
Department lacks authority to conduct
two-and four-year duty absorption
inquiries for transitional orders (orders
in effect before January 1, 1995). See
FAG Italia S.p.A. v. United States, 291
F.3d 806, 819 (Fed. Cir. 2002). Since the
order for this case is from 1992, we have
not conducted a duty absorption inquiry
in this proceeding.
On January 15, 2010, and January 22,
2010, Hyundai HYSCO submitted letters
to the Department stating it had no
exports, sales, or entries of subject
merchandise to the United States during
the POR.
On February 19, 2010, we issued the
antidumping questionnaire to Nexteel
and SeAH. On March 9, 2010, Husteel
requested the Department to reconsider
its decision to limit the review to two
mandatory respondents or, in the
alternate, to treat Husteel as a voluntary
respondent. On March 25, 2010, we
received a section A questionnaire
response from Husteel (‘‘Husteel A QR’’).
On March 26, 2010, we received a
section A questionnaire response from
SeAH (‘‘SeAH A QR’’). On March 29,
2010, we received a section A
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questionnaire response from Nexteel
(‘‘Nexteel A QR’’).
On March 29, 2010, we selected
Husteel as a third mandatory
respondent. See March 29, 2010 letter
from Susan Kuhbach, Director, Office of
AD/CVD Operations 1, to Husteel Co.,
Ltd., ‘‘Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review of Circular
Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from the
Republic of Korea: Request for Selection
as Mandatory Respondent; Request for
Voluntary Respondent Treatment.’’ See
also Memorandum from Matthew
Jordan, International Trade Compliance
Analyst, Office 1, AD/CVD Operations,
to the File, ‘‘Selection of Husteel Co.,
Ltd., as Third Mandatory Respondent,’’
dated March 30, 2010.
We received a response to sections B,
C, and D of the questionnaire from
SeAH on April 12, 2010. We received a
response to sections B, C, and D of the
questionnaire from Husteel on April 21,
2010. We received a response to
sections B and C of the questionnaire
from Nexteel on April 27, 2010
(‘‘Nexteel B&C QR’’).
On June 17, 2010, the Department
issued a supplemental questionnaire
regarding section D of the initial
questionnaire to Husteel and received a
response on July 22, 2010. On July 7,
2010, the Department issued a
supplemental questionnaire regarding
section D of the initial questionnaire to
SeAH and received a response on
August 4, 2010.
On September 27, 2010, we issued
supplemental questionnaires for
sections A, B, and C to Nexteel, Husteel,
and SeAH. We received a response from
SeAH on October 26, 2010, and
responses from Nexteel and Husteel on
November 2, 2010 (‘‘Husteel November
Supplemental Response’’).
On October 11, 2010, the Department
issued a second supplemental
questionnaire for section D to SeAH. We
received a response from SeAH on
October 21, 2010.
On November 5, 2010, the Department
issued second supplemental
questionnaires for sections A, B, and C
to Husteel and SeAH. The Department
received responses from SeAH and
Husteel on November 12, 2010.
On November 12, 2010, the
Department issued a third supplemental
questionnaire for sections A, B, and C to
SeAH. The Department received a
response from SeAH on November 19,
2010.
On July 13, 2010, the Department
published in the Federal Register an
extension of the time limit for the
completion of the preliminary results of
this review until no later than December
7, 2010, in accordance with section
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751(a)(3)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR
351.213(h)(2). See Circular Welded NonAlloy Steel Pipe from the Republic of
Korea: Extension of Time Limit for
Preliminary Results of the Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review, 75 FR
39917 (July 13, 2010).
Hyundai HYSCO
On January 15, 2010, Hyundai
HYSCO submitted a letter indicating
that it made no sales to the United
States during the POR. We have not
received any comments on Hyundai
HYSCO’s submission. In response to the
Department’s inquiry to CBP, CBP data
showed entries for consumption of
subject merchandise from Hyundai
HYSCO may have entered U.S. customs
territory during the POR. See
Memorandum from Joseph Shuler,
International Trade Compliance
Analyst, to the File, ‘‘Customs
Documentation in the Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review of Circular
Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from the
Republic of Korea,’’ dated November 18,
2010.
On November 18, 2010, we asked
Hyundai HYSCO to explain the
apparent discrepancy between its no
shipment claim and the CBP
information.
Hyundai HYSCO responded on
November 30, 2010, re-affirming that it
did not export or sell subject
merchandise to the United States during
the POR, and that it did not know or
have reason to know that such
merchandise would be exported to the
United States during the POR.
The Department has concluded that
there is no evidence on the record that,
at the time of sale, Hyundai HYSCO had
knowledge that these entries were
destined for the United States, nor is
there evidence that Hyundai HYSCO
had knowledge that any of these entries
of subject merchandise entered the
United States during the POR. See
Memorandum to File, from Matthew
Jordan, International Trade Compliance
Analyst, through Nancy Decker,
Program Manager, AD/CVD Operations
Office 1, ‘‘Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review on Circular
Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from the
Republic of Korea with respect to
Hyundai HYSCO,’’ dated December 7,
2010.
With regard to Hyundai HYSCO’s
claim of no shipments, our practice
since implementation of the 1997
regulations concerning no-shipment
respondents has been to rescind the
administrative review if the respondent
certifies that it had no shipments and
we have confirmed through our
examination of CBP data that there were
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no shipments of subject merchandise
during the POR. See Antidumping
Duties; Countervailing Duties, 62 FR
27296, 27393 (May 19, 1997), and Oil
Country Tubular Goods from Japan:
Preliminary Results of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review and Partial
Rescission of Review, 70 FR 53161,
53162 (September 7, 2005), unchanged
in Oil Country Tubular Goods from
Japan: Final Results and Partial
Rescission of Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review, 71 FR 95
(January 3, 2006).
In our May 6, 2003, ‘‘automatic
assessment’’ clarification, we explained
that, where respondents in an
administrative review demonstrate that
they had no knowledge of sales through
resellers to the United States, we would
instruct CBP to liquidate such entries at
the all-others rate applicable to the
proceeding. See Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Proceedings:
Assessment of Antidumping Duties, 68
FR 23954 (May 6, 2003) (‘‘Assessment
Policy Notice’’).
Based on Hyundai HYSCO’s
certification of no shipments and
evidence on the record, we
preliminarily determine that Hyundai
HYSCO had no shipments of subject
merchandise to the United States during
the POR.
Because ‘‘as entered’’ liquidation
instructions do not alleviate the
concerns which the Assessment Policy
Notice clarification was intended to
address, we find it appropriate in this
case to instruct CBP to liquidate any
existing entries of merchandise
produced by Hyundai HYSCO and
exported by other parties at the allothers rate should we continue to find
at the time of our final results that
Hyundai HYSCO had no shipments of
subject merchandise from Korea. See,
e.g., Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp
from India: Partial Rescission of
Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review, 73 FR 77610, 77612 (December
19, 2008); Magnesium Metal From the
Russian Federation: Preliminary Results
of Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review, 75 FR 26922 (May 13, 2010),
unchanged in Magnesium Metal From
the Russian Federation: Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review, 75 FR 56989 (September 17,
2010). In addition, the Department finds
that it is more consistent with the
Assessment Policy Notice clarification
not to rescind the review in part in these
circumstances but, rather, to complete
the review with respect to Hyundai
HYSCO and issue appropriate
instructions to CBP based on the final
results of the review. See the
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Assessment Rates section of this notice
below.
Scope of the Order
The merchandise subject to this
review is circular welded non-alloy
steel pipe and tube, of circular crosssection, not more than 406.4mm (16
inches) in outside diameter, regardless
of wall thickness, surface finish (black,
galvanized, or painted), or end finish
(plain end, beveled end, threaded, or
threaded and coupled). These pipes and
tubes are generally known as standard
pipes and tubes and are intended for the
low-pressure conveyance of water,
steam, natural gas, air, and other liquids
and gases in plumbing and heating
systems, air-conditioning units,
automatic sprinkler systems, and other
related uses. Standard pipe may also be
used for light load-bearing applications,
such as for fence tubing, and as
structural pipe tubing used for framing
and as support members for
reconstruction or load-bearing purposes
in the construction, shipbuilding,
trucking, farm equipment, and other
related industries. Unfinished conduit
pipe is also included in this review.
All carbon-steel pipes and tubes
within the physical description outlined
above are included within the scope of
this review except line pipe, oil-country
tubular goods, boiler tubing, mechanical
tubing, pipe and tube hollows for
redraws, finished scaffolding, and
finished conduit. In accordance with the
Department’s Final Negative
Determination of Scope Inquiry on
Certain Circular Welded Non-Alloy
Steel Pipe and Tube From Brazil, the
Republic of Korea, Mexico and
Venezuela, 61 FR 11608 (March 21,
1996), pipe certified to the API 5L linepipe specification and pipe certified to
both the API 5L line-pipe specifications
and the less-stringent ASTM A–53
standard-pipe specifications, which falls
within the physical parameters as
outlined above, and entered as line pipe
of a kind used for oil and gas pipelines
is outside of the scope of the
antidumping duty order.
Imports of these products are
currently classifiable under the
following Harmonized Tariff Schedule
(‘‘HTS’’) subheadings: 7306.30.10.00,
7306.30.50.25, 7306.30.50.32,
7306.30.50.40, 7306.30.50.55,
7306.30.50.85, and 7306.30.50.90.
Although the HTS subheadings are
provided for convenience and customs
purposes, our written description of the
scope of this proceeding is dispositive.
Date of Sale
The Department normally will use the
date of invoice, as recorded in the
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producer’s or exporter’s records kept in
the ordinary course of business, as the
date of sale, but may use a date other
than the invoice date if the Department
is satisfied that a different date better
reflects the date on which the material
terms of sale are established. See 19 CFR
351.401(i).
(A) SeAH
For its home market sales, SeAH has
reported the date the billing document
is created in its accounting system as
the date of sale. This is the date when
the final price and quantity are set and
is, in most cases, the same as the date
of the shipping invoice.
For its U.S. sales, SeAH reported the
date of shipment from Korea as the date
of sale because all U.S. sales are
produced to order and the quantity
ordered is subject to change between
order and shipment. In addition, the
shipment date from Korea always
precedes the date of the invoice to the
unaffiliated U.S. customer, because
SeAH’s U.S. affiliate, Pusan Pipe
America Inc. (‘‘PPA’’), does not invoice
the unaffiliated U.S. customer until
shortly after the subject merchandise
enters into the United States. Because
quantity is not finalized until shipment
and because the shipment date always
precedes the invoice date to the U.S.
customer, we are relying on the date of
shipment from Korea as the U.S. date of
sale.
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(B) Husteel
For its home market sales, Husteel
issues the shipment invoice at the time
of shipment and considers the shipment
date as the date of sale.
For its U.S. sales through Husteel
USA, Husteel reported the date of sale
as the earlier of the commercial invoice
date or the shipment date from Korea,
in accordance with the Department’s
regulatory presumption that the invoice
date is the date of sale. Therefore, we
are relying on the earlier of the
commercial invoice date or the
shipment date as the date of sale.
(C) Nexteel
Nexteel reported that negotiations
regarding price and quantity can
continue throughout the entire sales
process. For both home market and U.S.
sales, price is not fixed until Nexteel
issues its tax and commercial invoice,
which can occur after shipment date.
See Nexteel A QR at A–20; see also
Nexteel B&C QR at B–14 and A–9. Per
the Department’s practice that the date
of sale may not be after shipment from
factory, Nexteel reported the earlier of
shipment date or invoice date as the
date of sale. Therefore, we are relying on
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the earlier of the shipment date or the
commercial invoice date as the date of
sale.
Comparisons to Normal Value
To determine whether SeAH and
Husteel’s sales of CWP from Korea to
the United States were made at less than
NV, we compared constructed export
price (‘‘CEP’’) to NV, as described in the
‘‘Constructed Export Price’’ and ‘‘Normal
Value’’ sections of this notice below. To
determine whether Nexteel’s sales of
CWP from Korea to the United States
were made at less than NV, we
compared export price (‘‘EP’’) to NV, as
described in the ‘‘Export Price and
‘‘Normal Value’’ sections of this notice
below.
Pursuant to section 777A(d)(2) of the
Act, we compared the EP and CEP of
individual U.S. transactions to monthly
weighted-average NVs of the foreign-like
product, where there were sales made in
the ordinary course of trade, as
discussed in the ‘‘Cost of Production
Analysis’’ section below.
We are using a quarterly costing
approach for SeAH and Husteel, as
described in the ‘‘Normal Value’’ section
below and, therefore, we have not made
price-to-price comparisons for these
companies outside of a quarter to lessen
the distortive effect of comparing noncontemporaneous sales prices during a
period of significantly changing costs.
Product Comparisons
In accordance with section 771(16) of
the Act, we considered all products
produced by SeAH, Husteel, and
Nexteel that are covered by the
description contained in the ‘‘Scope of
the Order’’ section above and were sold
in the home market during the POR to
be the foreign like product for purposes
of determining appropriate product
comparisons to U.S. sales.
We have relied on five criteria to
match U.S. sales of subject merchandise
to comparison market sales of the
foreign like product: (1) Grade; (2)
nominal pipe size; (3) wall thickness; (4)
surface finish; and (5) end-finish. For
SeAH, we used actual pipe size in
millimeters instead of nominal pipe
size, because SeAH works with actual
outside diameter in the ordinary course
of business, and its unit of measure for
nominal pipe size varies by transaction.
For Husteel, we used outside diameter
for certain transactions instead of
nominal pipe size because for certain
specifications, a nominal pipe size is
not available. Where there were no sales
of identical merchandise in the
comparison market made in the
ordinary course of trade to compare to
U.S. sales, we compared U.S. sales to
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77841
the next most similar foreign like
product on the basis of the
characteristics listed above.
Consistent with the most recently
completed administrative review, for
Nexteel and SeAH, we reclassified
certain of the reported grades of certain
pipes for product comparison purposes.
See Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel
Pipe from the Republic of Korea: Final
Results of the Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review, 75 FR 34980
(June 21, 2010) (‘‘CWP from Korea 2007–
2008’’), and accompanying Issues and
Decision Memorandum at Comment 5.
See also Memorandum from Joshua
Morris, International Trade Compliance
Analyst, to the File, ‘‘Preliminary
Results Calculation Memorandum,’’
dated December 7, 2010 (‘‘SeAH
Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo’’);
and Memorandum from Matthew Jordan
and Yasmin Nair, International Trade
Compliance Analysts, to the File,
‘‘Preliminary Results Calculation
Memorandum for Nexteel Co., Ltd.,’’
dated December 7, 2010 (‘‘Nexteel
Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo’’).
Level of Trade/Constructed Export Price
Offset
In accordance with section
773(a)(1)(B) of the Act, to the extent
practicable, we determine NV based on
sales in the comparison market at the
same level of trade (‘‘LOT’’) as the EP or
CEP transaction. The LOT in the
comparison market is the LOT of the
starting-price sales or, when NV is based
on constructed value (‘‘CV’’), the LOT of
the sales from which we derive selling,
general and administrative (‘‘SG&A’’)
expenses and profit. For CEP, the LOT
is that of the constructed sale from the
exporter to the affiliated importer. See
19 CFR 351.412(c)(ii). See also Micron
Technology, Inc. v. United States, 243
F.3d 1301, 1314 (Fed. Cir. 2001).
Where it is not possible to make
comparisons at the same LOT, the
statute permits the Department to
account for the different levels. See
section 773(a)(7)(A) of the Act.
Specifically, if the comparison market
sales are made at multiple LOTs, and
the difference in LOTs affects price
comparability, as manifested in a
pattern of consistent price differences
between the sales on which NV is based
and comparison market sales at the LOT
of the export transaction, the
Department makes an upward or
downward LOT adjustment in
accordance with section 773(a)(7)(A) of
the Act. See Notice of Preliminary
Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value: Light-Walled Rectangular
Pipe and Tube From Mexico, 73 FR
5515, 5522 (January 30, 2008) (‘‘LWR
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Pipe from Mexico’’). Alternatively, for
CEP sales, if the NV LOT is at a more
advanced stage of distribution than the
LOT of the CEP, but the data available
do not provide an appropriate basis to
determine a LOT adjustment, we reduce
NV by the amount of indirect selling
expenses incurred in the foreign
comparison market on sales of the
foreign like product, but by no more
than the amount of the indirect selling
expenses incurred for CEP sales. See
section 773(a)(7)(B) of the Act (the CEP
offset provision) and LWR Pipe from
Mexico, 73 FR at 5522.
To determine whether sales are made
at different LOTs, we examine stages in
the marketing process and selling
functions along the chain of distribution
between the producer and the
unaffiliated customer. See, e.g., Notice
of Preliminary Determination of Sales at
Not Less Than Fair Value: Polyethylene
Terephthalate Film, Sheet, and Strip
from Thailand, 73 FR 24565 (May 5,
2008); and LWR Pipe from Mexico,
unchanged in Notice of Final
Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value: Light-Walled Rectangular
Pipe and Tube from Mexico, 73 FR
35649 (June 24, 2008). In particular, we
analyze whether different selling
activities are performed, and whether
any price differences (other than those
for which other allowances are made
under the Act) are shown to be wholly
or partly due to a difference in LOT
between the CEP and NV. In analyzing
differences in selling functions, we
determine whether the LOTs identified
by the respondent are meaningful. See
Antidumping Duties; Countervailing
Duties, 62 FR at 27371. If the claimed
LOTs are the same, we expect that the
functions and activities of the seller
should be similar. Conversely, if a party
claims that LOTs are different for
different groups of sales, the functions
and activities of the seller should be
dissimilar. See Porcelain-on-Steel
Cookware From Mexico: Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review, 65 FR 30068 (May 10, 2000),
and accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 6.
(A) SeAH
SeAH reported two channels of
distribution in the comparison market,
Korea: (1) Direct sales to unaffiliated
end-users and distributors; and (2) sales
to affiliated companies. In the U.S.
market, SeAH reported one LOT and
one channel of distribution for the CEP
sales made through its affiliated
company in the United States, PPA.
SeAH stated that its U.S. sales were
made at a different, less advanced LOT
than its comparison market sales. SeAH
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is not seeking a LOT adjustment,
however, because it had no comparison
market sales that were at the same LOT
as the U.S. CEP sales. Instead, it claims
that a CEP offset is warranted. See SeAH
A QR 21–22.
In evaluating SeAH’s claim, we
examined its activities in each channel
of distribution relating to four different
types of selling functions: Sales process
and marketing support; freight and
delivery; inventory maintenance and
warehousing; and warranty and
technical services. Based on our
analysis, we preliminarily determine
that SeAH’s selling activities in the
comparison market did not vary
significantly by channel of distribution.
See SeAH’s Section A Questionnaire
Response at Exhibit A–16. Therefore, we
preliminary determine that SeAH sold
at one LOT in the comparison market.
We further determine preliminarily that
SeAH sold at one LOT in the U.S.
market.
We then compared the selling
functions performed by SeAH for its
U.S. sales to the selling functions
performed for the single LOT in the
comparison market. Record evidence
indicates that SeAH undertakes
significant activities in the comparison
market related to the sales process and
marketing support, as well as
warehousing and warranty services that
it does not undertake for its U.S. CEP
sales. See SeAH Preliminary Sales
Calculation Memo and SeAH A QR at
Exhibit A–16. These differences in
selling functions indicate that SeAH’s
comparison market sales are made at a
more advanced stage of distribution
than its CEP sales. Consequently, we
preliminarily determine that SeAH’s
comparison market and CEP sales are at
different LOTs.
(B) Husteel
Husteel reported one channel of
distribution in its home market: Sales to
unaffiliated customers that include
distributors and end-users. In the U.S.
market, Husteel reported one channel of
distribution: Sales to unaffiliated
customers made through its affiliated
company in the United States, Husteel
USA. Husteel stated that its U.S. sales
were made at a different, less advanced
LOT than its comparison market sales.
Husteel is not seeking a LOT
adjustment, however, because it had no
comparison market sales that were at
the same LOT as the U.S. CEP sales.
Instead, it claims that a CEP offset is
warranted. See Husteel A QR at A–15.
In evaluating Husteel’s claim, we
examined its activities in each channel
of distribution relating to four different
types of selling functions: Sales process
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Sfmt 4703
and marketing support; freight and
delivery; inventory maintenance and
warehousing; and warranty and
technical services. Based on our
analysis, we preliminarily determine
that Husteel’s selling activities in the
comparison market did not vary
significantly by channel of distribution.
See Husteel November Supplemental
Response at Exhibit A–22. Therefore, we
preliminary determine that Husteel sold
at one LOT in the comparison market.
We further determine preliminarily that
Husteel sold at one LOT in the U.S.
market.
We then compared the selling
functions performed by Husteel for its
U.S. sales to the selling functions
performed for the single LOT in the
comparison market. Record evidence
indicates that Husteel undertakes
significant activities in the comparison
market related to the sales process and
market research, procurement and
sourcing services, as well as personnel
training that it does not undertake for its
U.S. CEP sales. See Memorandum from
Alexander Montoro, International Trade
Compliance Analyst, to the File, Re:
Preliminary Results Calculation
Memorandum, dated December 7, 2010
(‘‘Husteel Preliminary Sales Calculation
Memo’’) and Husteel November
Supplemental Response at Exhibit A–
22. These differences in selling
functions performed for comparison
market and CEP transactions indicate
that Husteel’s comparison market sales
are made at a more advanced stage of
distribution than its CEP sales.
Consequently, we preliminarily
determine that Husteel’s comparison
market and CEP sales are at different
LOTs.
(C) Nexteel
Nexteel reported one channel of
distribution in the home market: Direct
sales to unaffiliated end-users and
distributors. In the U.S. market, Nexteel
reported one LOT and two channels of
distribution. See Nexteel Preliminary
Sales Calculation Memo. Nexteel stated
that its U.S. sales were made at the same
LOT as its comparison market sales and
is, therefore, not seeking a LOT
adjustment. See Nexteel A QR at 11; see
also Nexteel B&C QR at B–22 and A–16.
As discussed above, the Department
will make a LOT adjustment in these
circumstances when the information
exists to do so. We have found different
LOTs between the comparison market
and the CEP sales for SeAH and Husteel.
However, since there is only one LOT in
the comparison market for both SeAH
and Husteel, there is no basis upon
which to determine whether there is a
pattern of consistent price differences
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between LOTs in the comparison market
upon which to base a LOT adjustment
to the CEP sales. Further, we do not
have the information that would allow
us to examine the price patterns of
SeAH’s and Husteel’s sales of other
similar products, and there is no other
record evidence upon which a LOT
adjustment could be based. Therefore,
we have not made a LOT adjustment for
either SeAH or Husteel.
Instead, in accordance with section
773(a)(7)(B) of the Act, we preliminarily
determine that a CEP offset is
appropriate for SeAH and Husteel to
reflect that their comparison market
sales are at a more advanced stage than
the LOT of their respective CEP sales.
We based the amount of the CEP offset
on comparison market indirect selling
expenses and limited the deduction to
the amount of the indirect selling
expenses deducted from CEP under
section 772(d)(1)(D) of the Act. We
applied the CEP offset to the NV–CEP
comparisons. For a detailed discussion,
see SeAH Preliminary Sales Calculation
Memo; see also Husteel Preliminary
Sales Calculation Memo.
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Constructed Export Price
In accordance with section 772(b) of
the Act, CEP is the price at which the
subject merchandise is first sold (or
agreed to be sold) in the United States
before or after the date of importation by
or for the account of the producer or
exporter of such merchandise, or by a
seller affiliated with the producer or
exporter, to a purchaser not affiliated
with the producer or exporter.
(A) SeAH
For purposes of this review, SeAH
classified all of its export sales of CWP
to the United States as CEP sales. During
the POR, SeAH made sales in the United
States through its U.S. affiliate, PPA,
which then resold the merchandise to
unaffiliated customers in the United
States. The Department calculated CEP
based on the packed, delivered prices to
unaffiliated purchasers in the United
States, net of early payment discounts
and other discounts. We adjusted these
prices for movement expenses,
including foreign inland freight,
international freight, marine insurance,
foreign and U.S. brokerage and
handling, and U.S. customs duties, in
accordance with section 772(c)(2)(A) of
the Act.
In accordance with section 772(d)(1)
of the Act, we deducted from the
starting price those selling expenses that
were incurred in selling the subject
merchandise in the United States,
including imputed credit expenses,
warranty expenses, and indirect selling
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77843
expenses. We also made an adjustment
for profit in accordance with section
772(d)(3) of the Act. We used the
expenses reported by SeAH in
connection with its U.S. sales, with the
exception of an adjustment to the
indirect selling expense calculation. See
SeAH Preliminary Sales Calculation
Memo.
these reported prices to unaffiliated
purchasers in the United States. Where
appropriate, the Department made
deductions, consistent with section
772(c)(2)(A) of the Act, for the following
movement expenses: Foreign inland
freight; foreign brokerage and handling;
international freight; and marine
insurance.
(B) Husteel
Normal Value
For purposes of this review, Husteel
classified all of its export sales of CWP
to the United States as CEP sales. During
the POR, Husteel made sales in the
United States through its U.S. affiliate,
Husteel USA, which then resold the
merchandise to unaffiliated customers
in the United States. The Department
calculated CEP based on the packed,
delivered prices to unaffiliated
purchasers in the United States. We
adjusted these prices for movement
expenses, including foreign inland
freight, international freight, marine
insurance, foreign and U.S. brokerage
and handling, and U.S. customs duties,
in accordance with section 772(c)(2)(A)
of the Act.
In accordance with section 772(d)(1)
of the Act, we deducted from the
starting price those selling expenses that
were incurred in selling the subject
merchandise in the United States,
including imputed credit expenses and
indirect selling expenses. We also made
an adjustment for profit in accordance
with section 772(d)(3) of the Act. We
used the expenses reported by Husteel
in connection with its U.S. sales. See
Husteel Preliminary Sales Calculation
Memo.
(A) Cost Averaging Methodology
The Department’s normal practice is
to calculate an annual weighted-average
cost for the POR. See Certain Pasta
From Italy: Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review, 65 FR 77852 (December 13,
2000), and accompanying Issues and
Decision Memorandum at Comment 18,
and Notice of Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review: Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel
Wire Rod from Canada, 71 FR 3822
(January 24, 2006), and accompanying
Issues and Decision Memorandum at
Comment 5 (explaining the
Department’s practice of computing a
single weighted-average cost for the
entire period). However, we recognize
that possible distortions may result if
we use our normal annual-average cost
method during a period of significant
cost changes. In determining whether to
deviate from our normal methodology of
calculating an annual weighted-average
cost, we evaluate the case-specific
record evidence using two primary
factors: (1) The change in the cost of
manufacturing (‘‘COM’’) recognized by
the respondent during the POR must be
deemed significant; (2) the record
evidence must indicate that sales during
the shorter averaging periods could be
reasonably linked with the cost of
production (‘‘COP’’) or CV during the
same shorter averaging periods. See
Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils
From Mexico: Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review, 75 FR 6627 (February 10, 2010)
(‘‘SSSS from Mexico’’), and
accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 6 and
Stainless Steel Plate in Coils From
Belgium: Final Results of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review, 73 FR
75398 (December 11, 2008) (‘‘SSPC from
Belgium’’), and accompanying Issues
and Decision Memorandum at Comment
4.
Export Price
(C) Nexteel
Nexteel reported that it made U.S.
sales only on an EP basis. For sales to
the United States, the Department
calculated EP in accordance with
section 772(a) of the Act. Section 772(a)
of the Act defines EP as the price at
which the subject merchandise is first
sold before the date of importation by
the exporter or manufacturer outside the
United States to an unaffiliated
purchaser in the United States or to an
unaffiliated purchaser for exportation to
the United States. We calculated EP
because the merchandise was sold by
Nexteel to an unaffiliated purchaser for
exportation to the United States prior to
importation and CEP methodology was
not otherwise warranted. Nexteel
reported sales to the United States based
upon three different types of sales
terms: Free-on board; cost and freight;
and cost, insurance and freight. The
Department calculated EP based on
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Sfmt 4703
1. Significance of Cost Changes
In prior cases, we established 25
percent as the threshold (between the
high- and low-quarter COM) for
determining that the changes in COM
are significant enough to warrant a
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departure from our standard annual-cost
approach. See SSPC from Belgium and
accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 4. In the
instant case, record evidence shows that
Husteel and SeAH experienced
significant changes (i.e., changes that
exceeded 25 percent) between the high
and low quarterly COM during the POR
for the selected highest sales volume
CWP products. This change in COM is
attributable primarily to the price
volatility for hot-rolled carbon steel coil
used in the manufacture of CWP. We
found that prices for hot-rolled carbon
steel coil changed significantly
throughout the POR and, as a result,
directly affected the cost of the material
inputs consumed by Husteel and SeAH.
See Memorandum from James Balog to
Neal M. Halper, Director of Office of
Accounting, ‘‘Cost of Production and
Constructed Value Calculation
Adjustments for the Preliminary
Results—Husteel Co., Ltd. (‘‘Husteel
Preliminary Cost Calculation Memo’’)
dated December 7, 2010, and
Memorandum from Kristin Case to Neal
M. Halper, Director of Office of
Accounting, ‘‘Cost of Production and
Constructed Value Calculation
Adjustments for the Preliminary
Results—SeAH Steel Corporation,’’
(‘‘SeAH Preliminary Cost Calculation
Memo’’) dated December 7, 2010.
2. Linkage Between Cost and Sales
Information
Consistent with past precedent,
because we found the changes in costs
to be significant, we evaluated whether
there is evidence of a linkage between
the cost changes and the sales prices
during the POR. See, e.g., SSSS from
Mexico and accompanying Issues and
Decision Memorandum at Comment 6
and SSPC from Belgium and
accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 4. Absent a
surcharge or other pricing mechanism,
the Department may alternatively look
for evidence of a clear pattern that
changes in selling prices reasonably
correlate to changes in unit costs. See
SSPC from Belgium and accompanying
Issues and Decision Memorandum at
Comment 4. These correlative elements
may be measured and defined in a
number of ways depending on the
associated industry and the overall
production and sales processes. To
determine whether a reasonable
correlation existed between the sales
prices and their underlying costs during
the POR, for SeAH and Husteel, we
compared weighted-average quarterly
prices to the corresponding quarterly
COM for the five control numbers with
the highest volume of sales in the
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Jkt 223001
comparison market and the United
States. Our comparison reveals that
sales and costs for a majority of the
sample CONNUMs showed reasonable
correlation. After reviewing this
information and determining that
changes in selling prices reasonably
correlate to changes in unit costs, we
preliminarily determine that there is
linkage between Husteel’s and SeAH’s
costs and sales prices during the POR.
See Husteel Preliminary Cost
Calculation Memo. See also SeAH
Preliminary Cost Calculation Memo.
See, e.g., SSSS from Mexico and
accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 6 and SSPC
from Belgium and accompanying Issues
and Decision Memorandum at Comment
4.
Because we have found significant
cost changes in COM as well as
reasonable linkage between costs and
sales prices, we have preliminarily
determined that a quarterly costing
approach leads to more appropriate
comparisons in our antidumping duty
calculations for Husteel and SeAH.
(B) Selection of Comparison Market
To determine whether there was a
sufficient volume of sales in the
comparison market, Korea, to serve as a
viable basis for calculating NV, we
compared Husteel’s, Nexteel’s, and
SeAH’s home market sales volumes of
the foreign like product to their U.S.
sales volumes of the subject
merchandise, in accordance with
section 773(a)(1) of the Act. For each
company, the aggregate home market
sales volumes of the foreign like product
were greater than five percent of their
aggregate U.S. sales volumes of the
subject merchandise. Therefore, we
determine that the home market was
viable for comparison purposes for
Husteel, Nexteel, and SeAH.
(C) Affiliated Party Transactions and
Arm’s-Length Test
Husteel reported that it did not sell
any subject merchandise to affiliated
parties during the POR.
SeAH and Nexteel reported sales of
the foreign like product to affiliated and
unaffiliated customers in the
comparison market. The Department
calculates NV based on a sale to an
affiliated party only if it is satisfied that
the price to the affiliated party is
comparable to the price at which sales
are made to parties not affiliated with
the producer or exporter, i.e., sales at
‘‘arm’s length.’’ See 19 CFR 351.403(c).
To test whether the sales to affiliates
were made at arm’s-length prices, we
compared on a model-specific basis, the
starting prices of sales to affiliated and
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Sfmt 4703
unaffiliated customers net of all
movement charges, direct selling
expenses, and packing. In accordance
with the Department’s current practice,
if the prices charged to an affiliated
party were, on average, between 98 and
102 percent of the prices charged to
unaffiliated parties for merchandise
identical or most similar to that sold to
the affiliated party, we considered the
sales to be at arm’s-length prices and
included such sales in the calculation of
NV. See 19 CFR 351.403(c). Conversely,
where sales to the affiliated party did
not pass the arm’s-length test, all sales
to that affiliated party were excluded
from the NV calculation. See
Antidumping Proceedings: Affiliated
Party Sales in the Ordinary Course of
Trade, 67 FR 69186, 69194 (November
15, 2002).
(D) Cost of Production Analysis
SeAH
The Department disregarded sales
made below the COP in the last
completed review in which SeAH
participated. See CWP from Korea 2007–
2008. Thus, in accordance with section
773(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act, there are
reasonable grounds to believe or suspect
that SeAH made sales of the subject
merchandise in its comparison market
at prices below the COP in the current
review period. Pursuant to section
773(b)(1) of the Act, we initiated a COP
investigation of sales by SeAH.
Husteel
The Department disregarded sales
made below the COP in the last
completed review in which Husteel
participated. See Circular Welded NonAlloy Steel Pipe From the Republic of
Korea: Final Results of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review, 69 FR
32492 (June 10, 2004). Thus, in
accordance with section 773(b)(2)(A)(ii)
of the Act, there are reasonable grounds
to believe or suspect that Husteel made
sales of the subject merchandise in its
comparison market at prices below the
COP in the current review period.
Pursuant to section 773(b)(1) of the Act,
we initiated a COP investigation of sales
by Husteel.
Nexteel
No COP investigation was conducted
for Nexteel.
1. Calculation of Cost of Production
Before making any comparisons to
NV, we conducted a COP analysis of
SeAH and Husteel, pursuant to section
773(b) of the Act, to determine whether
SeAH’s and Husteel’s comparison
market sales were made at prices below
the COP, by quarter. We compared sales
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of the foreign like product in the home
market with model-specific COP figures.
In accordance with section 773(b)(3) of
the Act, we calculated COP based on the
sum of the costs of materials and
fabrication employed in producing the
foreign like product, plus SG&A
expenses, financial expenses and all
costs and expenses incidental to placing
the foreign like product in packed
condition and ready for shipment.
SeAH
We relied on home market sales and
COP information provided by SeAH in
its questionnaire responses, except
where noted below:
During the POR, SeAH purchased
carbon steel hot-rolled coil inputs from
a home market affiliated company,
Pohang Iron and Steel Company
(‘‘POSCO’’). Carbon steel hot-rolled coil
is considered a major input to the
production of CWP. Section 773(f)(3) of
the Act (the major input rule) states:
If, in the case of a transaction between
affiliated persons involving the production
by one of such persons of a major input to
the merchandise, the administering authority
has reasonable grounds to believe or suspect
that an amount represented as the value of
such input is less than the cost of production
of such input, then the administering
authority may determine the value of the
major input on the basis of the information
available regarding such cost of production,
if such cost is greater than the amount that
would be determined for such input under
paragraph (2).
Paragraph 2 of section 773(f) of the
Act (transactions disregarded) states:
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A transaction directly or indirectly
between affiliated persons may be
disregarded if, in the case of any element of
value required to be considered, the amount
representing that element does not fairly
reflect the amount usually reflected in sales
of merchandise under consideration in the
market under consideration. If a transaction
is disregarded under the preceding sentence
and no other transactions are available for
consideration, the determination of the
amount shall be based on the information
available as to what the amount would have
been if the transaction had occurred between
persons who are not affiliated.
In accordance with the major input
rule, and as stated in the Stainless Steel
Sheet and Strip in Coils From Mexico:
Preliminary Results of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review, 73 FR at
45714 (August 8, 2008), unchanged in
Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils
from Mexico: Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review, 74 FR 6365 (February 9, 2009),
it is the Department’s normal practice to
use all three elements of the major input
rule (i.e., transfer price, COP, and
market price) where available. In
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accordance with section 773(f)(3) of the
Act (the major input rule), we evaluated
transactions between SeAH and its
affiliate using the transfer price, COP,
and market price of carbon steel hotrolled coil. For the preliminary results,
we adjusted SeAH’s reported costs to
reflect the highest of these three values
for SeAH’s purchases of hot-rolled coil
from POSCO. Because we have
determined that shorter cost periods are
appropriate for the COP analysis, we
have applied the major input rule
analysis and calculated the related
adjustments on a quarterly basis.
We adjusted the cost of goods sold
denominator used in the general and
administrative expense ratio to reflect
our major input adjustment. We also
adjusted the cost of goods sold
denominator used in the financial
expense ratio to reflect our major input
adjustment. See SeAH Preliminary Cost
Calculation Memo.
We did not include local home market
sales that were paid on a local letter of
credit basis, as SeAH knew these sales
were destined for export. See SeAH
Preliminary Cost Calculation Memo.
Husteel
In our sales-below-cost analysis, we
relied on home market sales and COP
information provided by Husteel in its
questionnaire responses, except that we
adjusted the general and administrative
expense ratio to exclude the offset for
commission income. See Husteel
Preliminary Cost Calculation Memo.
1. Test of Comparison Market Sales
Prices
In determining whether to disregard
SeAH’s and Husteel’s home market sales
made at prices below the COP, we
examined, in accordance with sections
773(b)(1)(A) and (B) of the Act, whether,
within an extended period of time, such
sales were made in substantial
quantities, and whether such sales were
made at prices which permitted the
recovery of all costs within a reasonable
period of time in the normal course of
trade. As noted in section 773(b)(2)(D)
of the Act, prices are considered to
provide for recovery of costs if such
prices are above the weighted average
per-unit COP for the period of
investigation or review. We determined
the net comparison market prices for the
below-cost test by subtracting from the
gross unit price any applicable
movement charges, discounts, direct
and indirect selling expenses, and
packing expenses. See SeAH
Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo;
see also Husteel Preliminary Sales
Calculation Memo.
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77845
As discussed above, we have relied on
a quarterly costing approach in this
review. Similar to that used by the
Department in cases of high-inflation
(see, e.g., Notice of Final Determination
of Sales at Less Than Fair Value:
Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon-Quality
Steel Plate Products from Indonesia, 64
FR 73164 (December 29, 1999), and
accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 1), this
methodology restates the quarterly costs
on a year-end equivalent basis,
calculates an annual weighted-average
cost for the POR and then restates it to
each respective quarter. We find that
this alternative cost calculation method
meets the requirements of section
773(b)(2)(D) of the Act.
2. Results of the COP Test
Pursuant to section 773(b)(2)(C)(i) of
the Act, where less than 20 percent of
sales of a given product were at prices
less than the COP, we did not disregard
any below-cost sales of that product
because we determined that the belowcost sales were not made in ‘‘substantial
quantities.’’ Where 20 percent or more of
a respondent’s sales of a given product
were at prices less than the COP we
disregarded the below-cost sales
because: (1) They were made within an
extended period of time in ‘‘substantial
quantities,’’ in accordance with sections
773(b)(2)(B) and (C) of the Act; and (2)
based on our comparison of prices to the
indexed weighted-average COPs for the
POR, they were at prices which would
not permit the recovery of all costs
within a reasonable period of time, in
accordance with section 773(b)(2)(D) of
the Act.
Our cost tests for Husteel and SeAH
revealed that, for home market sales of
certain models, less than 20 percent of
the sales of those models were made at
prices below the COP. Therefore, we
retained all such sales in our analysis
and included them in determining NV.
Our cost test for SeAH and Husteel also
indicated that for home market sales of
other models, more than 20 percent
were sold at prices below the COP
within an extended period of time and
were at prices which would not permit
the recovery of all costs within a
reasonable period of time. Thus, in
accordance with section 773(b)(1) of the
Act, we excluded these below-cost sales
from our analysis and used the
remaining above-cost sales to determine
NV. See SeAH Preliminary Sales
Calculation Memo; see also Husteel
Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo.
(E) Constructed Value
In accordance with section 773(e) of
the Act, we calculated CV for SeAH and
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 14, 2010 / Notices
Husteel based on the sum of their
respective material and fabrication
costs, SG&A expenses, profit, and U.S.
packing costs. We calculated the COP
component of CV as described above in
the ‘‘Cost of Production Analysis’’
section of this notice. In accordance
with section 773(e)(2)(A) of the Act, we
based SG&A expenses and profit on the
amounts incurred and realized by each
respondent in connection with the
production and sale of the foreign like
product in the ordinary course of trade,
for consumption in the foreign country.
(F) Calculation of Normal Value Based
on Comparison Market Prices
We calculated NV based on packed
prices to unaffiliated customers in
Korea. For Nexteel and Husteel, we
adjusted these prices for early payment
discounts. We adjusted the starting
price for all respondents, less any
discounts, by deducting foreign inland
freight and warehousing (Nexteel only),
pursuant to section 773(a)(6)(B)(ii) of
the Act. We made adjustments for
differences in packing, in accordance
with sections 773(a)(6)(A) and
773(a)(6)(B)(i) of the Act, and in
circumstances of sale (for imputed
credit expenses), under section
773(a)(6)(c)(iii) of the Act and 19 CFR
315.410.
When comparing U.S. sales with
comparison market sales of similar, but
not identical, merchandise, we also
made adjustments for physical
differences in the merchandise in
accordance with section 773(a)(6)(C)(ii)
of the Act and 19 CFR 351.411. We
based this adjustment on the difference
in the variable cost of manufacturing for
the foreign like product and subject
merchandise. See 19 CFR 351.411(b).
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES
(G) Price-to-CV Comparison
Where we were unable to find a home
market match of such or similar
merchandise, in accordance with
section 773(a)(4) of the Act, we based
NV on CV. Where appropriate, we made
adjustments to CV in accordance with
section 773(a)(8) of the Act.
Currency Conversion
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.415 and
section 773A of the Act, we made
currency conversions based on the
exchange rates in effect on the date of
the U.S. sale, as certified by the Federal
Reserve Bank. See Import
Administration website at: https://
ia.ita.doc.gov/exchange/.
Preliminary Results of the Review
We preliminarily determine that a
weighted-average dumping margin
exists for the respondents for the period
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:09 Dec 13, 2010
Jkt 223001
November 1, 2008, through October 31,
2009. Respondents other than
mandatory respondents will receive the
weighted-average of the margins
calculated for those companies selected
for individual review (i.e., mandatory
respondents), excluding de minimis
margins or margins based entirely on
adverse facts available.
Manufacturer/Exporter
Weighted-average margin
percent
SeAH Steel Corporation .......
Husteel Co., Ltd ....................
Nexteel Co., Ltd ....................
Hyundai HYSCO ...................
Kumkang Industrial Co., Ltd
A–JU Besteel Co., Ltd ..........
6.24
2.15
12.30
*
8.88
8.88
* No shipments or sales subject to this review. The firm has an individual rate from the
last segment of the proceeding in which the
firm had shipments or sales.
Public Comment
The Department will disclose
calculations performed within five days
of the date of publication of this notice
to the parties to this proceeding in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b).
Any interested party may request a
hearing within 30 days of the
publication of this notice in the Federal
Register. See 19 CFR 351.310. If a
hearing is requested, the Department
will notify interested parties of the
hearing schedule. Issues raised in the
hearing will be limited to those raised
in the case briefs.
Interested parties are invited to
comment on the preliminary results of
this review. The Department will
consider case briefs filed by interested
parties within 30 days after the date of
publication of this notice in the Federal
Register. See 19 CFR 351.309(c).
Interested parties may file rebuttal
briefs, limited to issues raised in the
case briefs. See 19 CFR 351.309(d). The
Department will consider rebuttal briefs
filed not later than five days after the
time limit for filing case briefs. Parties
submitting arguments in this proceeding
are requested to submit with the
argument: (1) A statement of the issue;
(2) a brief summary of the argument;
and (3) a table of authorities, in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.309(d)(2).
Further, parties submitting case and/or
rebuttal briefs are requested to provide
the Department with an additional
electronic copy of the public version of
any such comments on a computer
diskette. Case and rebuttal briefs must
be served on interested parties in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.303(f).
The Department will issue the final
results of this administrative review,
which will include the results of its
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
analysis of issues raised in any such
comments, or at a hearing, if requested,
within 120 days of publication of these
preliminary results, unless extended.
See section 751(a)(3)(A) of the Act, and
19 CFR 351.213(h).
Assessment Rates
The Department shall determine, and
CBP shall assess, antidumping duties on
all appropriate entries, in accordance
with 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1). The
Department will issue appropriate
appraisement instructions for the
companies subject to this review
directly to CBP 15 days after the date of
publication of the final results of this
review.
For SeAH and Husteel, we will
calculate importer-specific ad valorem
duty assessment rates based on the ratio
of the total amount of antidumping
duties calculated for the examined sales
to the total entered value of the sales, as
reported by SeAH and Husteel. See 19
CFR 351.212(b)(1).
Nexteel reported the importer of
record for certain of its U.S. sales.
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1), for all
sales where Nexteel reported the
importer of record, Nexteel submitted
the reported entered value of the U.S.
sales and the Department has calculated
importer-specific assessment rates based
on the ratio of the total amount of
antidumping duties calculated for the
examined sales to the total entered
value of those sales. For certain U.S.
sales Nexteel did not report the importer
or the entered value. For purposes of
calculating importer-specific assessment
rates, we considered Nexteel’s U.S.
customer to be the importer of record
when the importer was unknown, and
we calculated entered value as U.S.
price net of international movement
expenses.
The Department has calculated
importer-specific per-unit duty
assessment rates for the merchandise in
question by aggregating the dumping
margins calculated for all U.S. sales to
each importer and dividing this amount
by the total quantity of those sales. To
determine whether the duty assessment
rates were de minimis, in accordance
with the requirement set forth in 19 CFR
351.106(c)(2), the Department calculated
importer-specific ad valorem ratios
based on the estimated entered value.
For the companies that were not
selected for individual review, we
calculated an assessment rate based on
the weighted-average of the cash deposit
rates calculated for companies selected
for individual review, where those rates
were not de minimis or based on
adverse facts available, in accordance
with Department practice.
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 14, 2010 / Notices
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.106(c)(2), we
will instruct CBP to liquidate without
regard to antidumping duties any
entries for which the assessment rate is
de minimis (i.e., less than 0.50 percent).
The Department clarified its
‘‘automatic assessment’’ regulation on
May 6, 2003, in its Assessment Policy
Notice. This clarification will apply to
entries of subject merchandise during
the POR produced by SeAH, Husteel,
Nexteel, and Hyundai HYSCO for which
these companies did not know that their
merchandise was destined for the
United States. In such instances, we will
instruct CBP to liquidate unreviewed
entries at the all-others rate if there is no
rate for the intermediary involved in the
transaction. See Assessment Policy
Notice for a full discussion of this
clarification.
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES
Cash Deposit Requirements
The following deposit rates will be
effective upon publication of the final
results of this administrative review for
all shipments of CWP from Korea
entered, or withdrawn from warehouse,
for consumption on or after the
publication date, as provided by section
751(a)(2)(C) of the Act: (1) The cash
deposit rates for the companies listed
above will be the rates established in the
final results of this review, except if the
rate is less than 0.5 percent and,
therefore, de minimis, the cash deposit
will be zero; (2) for previously reviewed
or investigated companies not listed
above, the cash deposit rate will
continue to be the company-specific rate
published for the most recent final
results in which that manufacturer or
exporter participated; (3) if the exporter
is not a firm covered in this review, a
prior review, or the original less-thanfair-value (‘‘LTFV’’) investigation, but
the manufacturer is, the cash deposit
rate will be the rate established for the
most recent final results for the
manufacturer of the merchandise; and
(4) if neither the exporter nor the
manufacturer is a firm covered in this or
any previous review conducted by the
Department, the cash deposit rate will
be 4.80 percent, the ‘‘all others’’ rate
established in the LTFV investigation.
See CWP Order. These cash deposit
requirements, when imposed, shall
remain in effect until further notice.
Notification to Importers
This notice serves as a preliminary
reminder to importers of their
responsibility under 19 CFR
351.402(f)(2) to file a certificate
regarding the reimbursement of
antidumping duties prior to liquidation
of the relevant entries during this
review period. Failure to comply with
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:09 Dec 13, 2010
Jkt 223001
this requirement could result in the
Secretary’s presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping duties
occurred and the subsequent assessment
of double antidumping duties.
Notification to Interested Parties
This notice serves as the only
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/
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.
These preliminary results of review
are issued and published in accordance
with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of
the Act.
Dated: December 7, 2010.
Paul Piquado,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2010–31368 Filed 12–13–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Proposed Information Collection;
Comment Request
Corporation for National and
Community Service.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Corporation for National
and Community Service (hereinafter the
‘‘Corporation’’), as part of its continuing
effort to reduce paperwork and
respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to
provide the general public and federal
agencies with an opportunity to
comment on proposed and/or
continuing collections of information in
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44
U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program
helps to ensure that requested data can
be provided in the desired format,
reporting burden (time and financial
resources) is minimized, collection
instruments are clearly understood, and
the impact of collection requirement on
respondents can be properly assessed.
Currently, the Corporation is
soliciting comments concerning its
proposed renewal of its Senior Corps
Grant Application (424–NSSC)—
reference OMB Control Number 3045–
0035, with an expiration date of May 31,
2011. The Corporation proposes to
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
77847
renew the Senior Corps Grant
Application with one modification:
The Corporation will ask applicants to
include an Executive Summary at the
beginning of Part III: Project Narratives.
Copies of the information collection
request can be obtained by contacting
the office listed in the addresses section
of this Notice.
DATES: Written comments must be
submitted to the individual and office
listed in the ADDRESSES section by
February 14, 2011.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by the title of the information
collection activity, by any of the
following methods:
(1) By mail sent to: Corporation for
National and Community Service,
Senior Corps, Attention: Mr. Zach
Rhein, Program Officer, Room 9408A;
1201 New York Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20525.
(2) By hand delivery or by courier to
the Corporation’s mailroom at Room
8100 at the mail address given in
paragraph (1) above, between 9 a.m. and
4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
(3) By fax to: (202) 606–3475,
Attention: Mr. Zach Rhein, Program
Officer.
(4) Electronically through
www.regulations.gov. Individuals who
use a telecommunications device for the
deaf (TTY–TDD) may call (202) 606–
3472 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Zach Rhein by e-mail at zrhein@cns.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Corporation is particularly interested in
comments that:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the Corporation, including
whether the information will have
practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
• Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are expected to respond, including the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology
(e.g., permitting electronic submissions
of responses).
E:\FR\FM\14DEN1.SGM
14DEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 14, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77838-77847]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31368]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
[A-580-809]
Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe From the Republic of Korea:
Preliminary Results of the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review
AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: In response to requests from interested parties, the
Department of Commerce (``the Department'') is conducting an
administrative review of the antidumping duty order on circular welded
non-alloy steel pipe (``CWP'') from the Republic of Korea (``Korea'').
The period of review (``POR'') is November 1, 2008, through October 31,
2009. This review covers multiple exporters/producers, three of which
are being individually reviewed as mandatory respondents. We
preliminarily determine the mandatory respondents made sales of the
subject merchandise at prices below normal value (``NV''). We have
assigned the remaining respondents the weighted-average of the margins
calculated for the mandatory respondents. If these preliminary results
are adopted in our final results, we will instruct U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (``CBP'')
[[Page 77839]]
to assess antidumping duties on all appropriate entries. Interested
parties are invited to comment on these preliminary results.
DATES: Effective Date: December 14, 2010.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexander Montoro, Matthew Jordan, or
Joshua Morris, AD/CVD Operations, Office 1, Import Administration,
International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th
Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington DC 20230; telephone
(202) 482-0238, (202) 482-1540, or (202) 482-1779, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On November 2, 1992, the Department published an antidumping duty
order on CWP from Korea. See Notice of Antidumping Duty Orders: Certain
Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from Brazil, the Republic of Korea
(Korea), Mexico, and Venezuela, and Amendment to Final Determination of
Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel
Pipe from Korea, 57 FR 49453 (November 2, 1992) (``CWP Order'').
On November 30, 2009, SeAH Steel Corporation (``SeAH'') timely
requested an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on CWP
from Korea for the period November 1, 2008, through October 31, 2009.
Also on November 30, 2009, Wheatland Tube Company (``Wheatland'') and
United States Steel Corporation (``U.S. Steel''), manufacturers of the
domestic like product, also timely requested a review. U.S. Steel
requested the Department conduct an administrative review of the
following producers/exporters of subject merchandise: SeAH; Hyundai
HYSCO; Husteel Co., Ltd. (``Husteel''); Nexteel Co., Ltd.
(``Nexteel''); Kumkang Industrial Co., Ltd. (``Kumkang''); and A-JU
Besteel Co., Ltd. Wheatland requested the Department conduct an
administrative review of SeAH. On December 23, 2009, the Department
published a notice of initiation of an administrative review of the
antidumping duty order on CWP from Korea. See Initiation of Antidumping
and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Request for
Revocation in Part, 74 FR 68229 (December 23, 2009) (``Initiation
Notice'').
On January 26, 2010, SeAH withdrew its request for review. On March
23, 2010, Wheatland withdrew its request for a review of SeAH.
In our initiation notice, we indicated that we would select
mandatory respondents for review based upon CBP data, and that we would
limit the respondents selected for individual review in accordance with
section 777A(c)(2) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (``the Act'').
See Initiation Notice, 74 FR at 68229. On January 6, 2010, we received
comments on the issue of respondent selection from Kumkang.
On February 18, 2010, after considering the resources available to
the Department, we determined that it was not practicable to examine
all producers/exporters of subject merchandise for which a review was
requested. As a result, we selected the two largest producers/exporters
of CWP from Korea during the POR for individual review in this segment
of this proceeding, pursuant to section 777A(c)(2)(B) of the Act. These
mandatory respondents were Nexteel and SeAH. See Memorandum from Yasmin
Nair and Matthew Jordan, International Trade Compliance Analysts, AD/
CVD Operations, Office 1, to Susan H. Kuhbach, Director, AD/CVD
Operations, Office 1, ``Respondent Selection: Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review: Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from the
Republic of Korea,'' dated February 18, 2010.
On January 14, 2010, Wheatland submitted a request for a duty
absorption determination for a number of producers or exporters subject
to this review, including SeAH, Husteel, and Nexteel. The Court of
Appeals for the Federal Circuit found that the Department lacks
authority to conduct two-and four-year duty absorption inquiries for
transitional orders (orders in effect before January 1, 1995). See FAG
Italia S.p.A. v. United States, 291 F.3d 806, 819 (Fed. Cir. 2002).
Since the order for this case is from 1992, we have not conducted a
duty absorption inquiry in this proceeding.
On January 15, 2010, and January 22, 2010, Hyundai HYSCO submitted
letters to the Department stating it had no exports, sales, or entries
of subject merchandise to the United States during the POR.
On February 19, 2010, we issued the antidumping questionnaire to
Nexteel and SeAH. On March 9, 2010, Husteel requested the Department to
reconsider its decision to limit the review to two mandatory
respondents or, in the alternate, to treat Husteel as a voluntary
respondent. On March 25, 2010, we received a section A questionnaire
response from Husteel (``Husteel A QR''). On March 26, 2010, we
received a section A questionnaire response from SeAH (``SeAH A QR'').
On March 29, 2010, we received a section A questionnaire response from
Nexteel (``Nexteel A QR'').
On March 29, 2010, we selected Husteel as a third mandatory
respondent. See March 29, 2010 letter from Susan Kuhbach, Director,
Office of AD/CVD Operations 1, to Husteel Co., Ltd., ``Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review of Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from the
Republic of Korea: Request for Selection as Mandatory Respondent;
Request for Voluntary Respondent Treatment.'' See also Memorandum from
Matthew Jordan, International Trade Compliance Analyst, Office 1, AD/
CVD Operations, to the File, ``Selection of Husteel Co., Ltd., as Third
Mandatory Respondent,'' dated March 30, 2010.
We received a response to sections B, C, and D of the questionnaire
from SeAH on April 12, 2010. We received a response to sections B, C,
and D of the questionnaire from Husteel on April 21, 2010. We received
a response to sections B and C of the questionnaire from Nexteel on
April 27, 2010 (``Nexteel B&C QR'').
On June 17, 2010, the Department issued a supplemental
questionnaire regarding section D of the initial questionnaire to
Husteel and received a response on July 22, 2010. On July 7, 2010, the
Department issued a supplemental questionnaire regarding section D of
the initial questionnaire to SeAH and received a response on August 4,
2010.
On September 27, 2010, we issued supplemental questionnaires for
sections A, B, and C to Nexteel, Husteel, and SeAH. We received a
response from SeAH on October 26, 2010, and responses from Nexteel and
Husteel on November 2, 2010 (``Husteel November Supplemental
Response'').
On October 11, 2010, the Department issued a second supplemental
questionnaire for section D to SeAH. We received a response from SeAH
on October 21, 2010.
On November 5, 2010, the Department issued second supplemental
questionnaires for sections A, B, and C to Husteel and SeAH. The
Department received responses from SeAH and Husteel on November 12,
2010.
On November 12, 2010, the Department issued a third supplemental
questionnaire for sections A, B, and C to SeAH. The Department received
a response from SeAH on November 19, 2010.
On July 13, 2010, the Department published in the Federal Register
an extension of the time limit for the completion of the preliminary
results of this review until no later than December 7, 2010, in
accordance with section
[[Page 77840]]
751(a)(3)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.213(h)(2). See Circular Welded
Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from the Republic of Korea: Extension of Time
Limit for Preliminary Results of the Antidumping Duty Administrative
Review, 75 FR 39917 (July 13, 2010).
Hyundai HYSCO
On January 15, 2010, Hyundai HYSCO submitted a letter indicating
that it made no sales to the United States during the POR. We have not
received any comments on Hyundai HYSCO's submission. In response to the
Department's inquiry to CBP, CBP data showed entries for consumption of
subject merchandise from Hyundai HYSCO may have entered U.S. customs
territory during the POR. See Memorandum from Joseph Shuler,
International Trade Compliance Analyst, to the File, ``Customs
Documentation in the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review of Circular
Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from the Republic of Korea,'' dated
November 18, 2010.
On November 18, 2010, we asked Hyundai HYSCO to explain the
apparent discrepancy between its no shipment claim and the CBP
information.
Hyundai HYSCO responded on November 30, 2010, re-affirming that it
did not export or sell subject merchandise to the United States during
the POR, and that it did not know or have reason to know that such
merchandise would be exported to the United States during the POR.
The Department has concluded that there is no evidence on the
record that, at the time of sale, Hyundai HYSCO had knowledge that
these entries were destined for the United States, nor is there
evidence that Hyundai HYSCO had knowledge that any of these entries of
subject merchandise entered the United States during the POR. See
Memorandum to File, from Matthew Jordan, International Trade Compliance
Analyst, through Nancy Decker, Program Manager, AD/CVD Operations
Office 1, ``Antidumping Duty Administrative Review on Circular Welded
Non-Alloy Steel Pipe from the Republic of Korea with respect to Hyundai
HYSCO,'' dated December 7, 2010.
With regard to Hyundai HYSCO's claim of no shipments, our practice
since implementation of the 1997 regulations concerning no-shipment
respondents has been to rescind the administrative review if the
respondent certifies that it had no shipments and we have confirmed
through our examination of CBP data that there were no shipments of
subject merchandise during the POR. See Antidumping Duties;
Countervailing Duties, 62 FR 27296, 27393 (May 19, 1997), and Oil
Country Tubular Goods from Japan: Preliminary Results of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review and Partial Rescission of Review, 70 FR
53161, 53162 (September 7, 2005), unchanged in Oil Country Tubular
Goods from Japan: Final Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping
Duty Administrative Review, 71 FR 95 (January 3, 2006).
In our May 6, 2003, ``automatic assessment'' clarification, we
explained that, where respondents in an administrative review
demonstrate that they had no knowledge of sales through resellers to
the United States, we would instruct CBP to liquidate such entries at
the all-others rate applicable to the proceeding. See Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Proceedings: Assessment of Antidumping Duties, 68
FR 23954 (May 6, 2003) (``Assessment Policy Notice'').
Based on Hyundai HYSCO's certification of no shipments and evidence
on the record, we preliminarily determine that Hyundai HYSCO had no
shipments of subject merchandise to the United States during the POR.
Because ``as entered'' liquidation instructions do not alleviate
the concerns which the Assessment Policy Notice clarification was
intended to address, we find it appropriate in this case to instruct
CBP to liquidate any existing entries of merchandise produced by
Hyundai HYSCO and exported by other parties at the all-others rate
should we continue to find at the time of our final results that
Hyundai HYSCO had no shipments of subject merchandise from Korea. See,
e.g., Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from India: Partial Rescission of
Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 73 FR 77610, 77612 (December
19, 2008); Magnesium Metal From the Russian Federation: Preliminary
Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 75 FR 26922 (May 13,
2010), unchanged in Magnesium Metal From the Russian Federation: Final
Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 75 FR 56989
(September 17, 2010). In addition, the Department finds that it is more
consistent with the Assessment Policy Notice clarification not to
rescind the review in part in these circumstances but, rather, to
complete the review with respect to Hyundai HYSCO and issue appropriate
instructions to CBP based on the final results of the review. See the
Assessment Rates section of this notice below.
Scope of the Order
The merchandise subject to this review is circular welded non-alloy
steel pipe and tube, of circular cross-section, not more than 406.4mm
(16 inches) in outside diameter, regardless of wall thickness, surface
finish (black, galvanized, or painted), or end finish (plain end,
beveled end, threaded, or threaded and coupled). These pipes and tubes
are generally known as standard pipes and tubes and are intended for
the low-pressure conveyance of water, steam, natural gas, air, and
other liquids and gases in plumbing and heating systems, air-
conditioning units, automatic sprinkler systems, and other related
uses. Standard pipe may also be used for light load-bearing
applications, such as for fence tubing, and as structural pipe tubing
used for framing and as support members for reconstruction or load-
bearing purposes in the construction, shipbuilding, trucking, farm
equipment, and other related industries. Unfinished conduit pipe is
also included in this review.
All carbon-steel pipes and tubes within the physical description
outlined above are included within the scope of this review except line
pipe, oil-country tubular goods, boiler tubing, mechanical tubing, pipe
and tube hollows for redraws, finished scaffolding, and finished
conduit. In accordance with the Department's Final Negative
Determination of Scope Inquiry on Certain Circular Welded Non-Alloy
Steel Pipe and Tube From Brazil, the Republic of Korea, Mexico and
Venezuela, 61 FR 11608 (March 21, 1996), pipe certified to the API 5L
line-pipe specification and pipe certified to both the API 5L line-pipe
specifications and the less-stringent ASTM A-53 standard-pipe
specifications, which falls within the physical parameters as outlined
above, and entered as line pipe of a kind used for oil and gas
pipelines is outside of the scope of the antidumping duty order.
Imports of these products are currently classifiable under the
following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (``HTS'') subheadings:
7306.30.10.00, 7306.30.50.25, 7306.30.50.32, 7306.30.50.40,
7306.30.50.55, 7306.30.50.85, and 7306.30.50.90. Although the HTS
subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, our
written description of the scope of this proceeding is dispositive.
Date of Sale
The Department normally will use the date of invoice, as recorded
in the
[[Page 77841]]
producer's or exporter's records kept in the ordinary course of
business, as the date of sale, but may use a date other than the
invoice date if the Department is satisfied that a different date
better reflects the date on which the material terms of sale are
established. See 19 CFR 351.401(i).
(A) SeAH
For its home market sales, SeAH has reported the date the billing
document is created in its accounting system as the date of sale. This
is the date when the final price and quantity are set and is, in most
cases, the same as the date of the shipping invoice.
For its U.S. sales, SeAH reported the date of shipment from Korea
as the date of sale because all U.S. sales are produced to order and
the quantity ordered is subject to change between order and shipment.
In addition, the shipment date from Korea always precedes the date of
the invoice to the unaffiliated U.S. customer, because SeAH's U.S.
affiliate, Pusan Pipe America Inc. (``PPA''), does not invoice the
unaffiliated U.S. customer until shortly after the subject merchandise
enters into the United States. Because quantity is not finalized until
shipment and because the shipment date always precedes the invoice date
to the U.S. customer, we are relying on the date of shipment from Korea
as the U.S. date of sale.
(B) Husteel
For its home market sales, Husteel issues the shipment invoice at
the time of shipment and considers the shipment date as the date of
sale.
For its U.S. sales through Husteel USA, Husteel reported the date
of sale as the earlier of the commercial invoice date or the shipment
date from Korea, in accordance with the Department's regulatory
presumption that the invoice date is the date of sale. Therefore, we
are relying on the earlier of the commercial invoice date or the
shipment date as the date of sale.
(C) Nexteel
Nexteel reported that negotiations regarding price and quantity can
continue throughout the entire sales process. For both home market and
U.S. sales, price is not fixed until Nexteel issues its tax and
commercial invoice, which can occur after shipment date. See Nexteel A
QR at A-20; see also Nexteel B&C QR at B-14 and A-9. Per the
Department's practice that the date of sale may not be after shipment
from factory, Nexteel reported the earlier of shipment date or invoice
date as the date of sale. Therefore, we are relying on the earlier of
the shipment date or the commercial invoice date as the date of sale.
Comparisons to Normal Value
To determine whether SeAH and Husteel's sales of CWP from Korea to
the United States were made at less than NV, we compared constructed
export price (``CEP'') to NV, as described in the ``Constructed Export
Price'' and ``Normal Value'' sections of this notice below. To
determine whether Nexteel's sales of CWP from Korea to the United
States were made at less than NV, we compared export price (``EP'') to
NV, as described in the ``Export Price and ``Normal Value'' sections of
this notice below.
Pursuant to section 777A(d)(2) of the Act, we compared the EP and
CEP of individual U.S. transactions to monthly weighted-average NVs of
the foreign-like product, where there were sales made in the ordinary
course of trade, as discussed in the ``Cost of Production Analysis''
section below.
We are using a quarterly costing approach for SeAH and Husteel, as
described in the ``Normal Value'' section below and, therefore, we have
not made price-to-price comparisons for these companies outside of a
quarter to lessen the distortive effect of comparing non-
contemporaneous sales prices during a period of significantly changing
costs.
Product Comparisons
In accordance with section 771(16) of the Act, we considered all
products produced by SeAH, Husteel, and Nexteel that are covered by the
description contained in the ``Scope of the Order'' section above and
were sold in the home market during the POR to be the foreign like
product for purposes of determining appropriate product comparisons to
U.S. sales.
We have relied on five criteria to match U.S. sales of subject
merchandise to comparison market sales of the foreign like product: (1)
Grade; (2) nominal pipe size; (3) wall thickness; (4) surface finish;
and (5) end-finish. For SeAH, we used actual pipe size in millimeters
instead of nominal pipe size, because SeAH works with actual outside
diameter in the ordinary course of business, and its unit of measure
for nominal pipe size varies by transaction. For Husteel, we used
outside diameter for certain transactions instead of nominal pipe size
because for certain specifications, a nominal pipe size is not
available. Where there were no sales of identical merchandise in the
comparison market made in the ordinary course of trade to compare to
U.S. sales, we compared U.S. sales to the next most similar foreign
like product on the basis of the characteristics listed above.
Consistent with the most recently completed administrative review,
for Nexteel and SeAH, we reclassified certain of the reported grades of
certain pipes for product comparison purposes. See Circular Welded Non-
Alloy Steel Pipe from the Republic of Korea: Final Results of the
Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 75 FR 34980 (June 21, 2010)
(``CWP from Korea 2007-2008''), and accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 5. See also Memorandum from Joshua Morris,
International Trade Compliance Analyst, to the File, ``Preliminary
Results Calculation Memorandum,'' dated December 7, 2010 (``SeAH
Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo''); and Memorandum from Matthew
Jordan and Yasmin Nair, International Trade Compliance Analysts, to the
File, ``Preliminary Results Calculation Memorandum for Nexteel Co.,
Ltd.,'' dated December 7, 2010 (``Nexteel Preliminary Sales Calculation
Memo'').
Level of Trade/Constructed Export Price Offset
In accordance with section 773(a)(1)(B) of the Act, to the extent
practicable, we determine NV based on sales in the comparison market at
the same level of trade (``LOT'') as the EP or CEP transaction. The LOT
in the comparison market is the LOT of the starting-price sales or,
when NV is based on constructed value (``CV''), the LOT of the sales
from which we derive selling, general and administrative (``SG&A'')
expenses and profit. For CEP, the LOT is that of the constructed sale
from the exporter to the affiliated importer. See 19 CFR
351.412(c)(ii). See also Micron Technology, Inc. v. United States, 243
F.3d 1301, 1314 (Fed. Cir. 2001).
Where it is not possible to make comparisons at the same LOT, the
statute permits the Department to account for the different levels. See
section 773(a)(7)(A) of the Act. Specifically, if the comparison market
sales are made at multiple LOTs, and the difference in LOTs affects
price comparability, as manifested in a pattern of consistent price
differences between the sales on which NV is based and comparison
market sales at the LOT of the export transaction, the Department makes
an upward or downward LOT adjustment in accordance with section
773(a)(7)(A) of the Act. See Notice of Preliminary Determination of
Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube
From Mexico, 73 FR 5515, 5522 (January 30, 2008) (``LWR
[[Page 77842]]
Pipe from Mexico''). Alternatively, for CEP sales, if the NV LOT is at
a more advanced stage of distribution than the LOT of the CEP, but the
data available do not provide an appropriate basis to determine a LOT
adjustment, we reduce NV by the amount of indirect selling expenses
incurred in the foreign comparison market on sales of the foreign like
product, but by no more than the amount of the indirect selling
expenses incurred for CEP sales. See section 773(a)(7)(B) of the Act
(the CEP offset provision) and LWR Pipe from Mexico, 73 FR at 5522.
To determine whether sales are made at different LOTs, we examine
stages in the marketing process and selling functions along the chain
of distribution between the producer and the unaffiliated customer.
See, e.g., Notice of Preliminary Determination of Sales at Not Less
Than Fair Value: Polyethylene Terephthalate Film, Sheet, and Strip from
Thailand, 73 FR 24565 (May 5, 2008); and LWR Pipe from Mexico,
unchanged in Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair
Value: Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube from Mexico, 73 FR 35649
(June 24, 2008). In particular, we analyze whether different selling
activities are performed, and whether any price differences (other than
those for which other allowances are made under the Act) are shown to
be wholly or partly due to a difference in LOT between the CEP and NV.
In analyzing differences in selling functions, we determine whether the
LOTs identified by the respondent are meaningful. See Antidumping
Duties; Countervailing Duties, 62 FR at 27371. If the claimed LOTs are
the same, we expect that the functions and activities of the seller
should be similar. Conversely, if a party claims that LOTs are
different for different groups of sales, the functions and activities
of the seller should be dissimilar. See Porcelain-on-Steel Cookware
From Mexico: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review,
65 FR 30068 (May 10, 2000), and accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 6.
(A) SeAH
SeAH reported two channels of distribution in the comparison
market, Korea: (1) Direct sales to unaffiliated end-users and
distributors; and (2) sales to affiliated companies. In the U.S.
market, SeAH reported one LOT and one channel of distribution for the
CEP sales made through its affiliated company in the United States,
PPA. SeAH stated that its U.S. sales were made at a different, less
advanced LOT than its comparison market sales. SeAH is not seeking a
LOT adjustment, however, because it had no comparison market sales that
were at the same LOT as the U.S. CEP sales. Instead, it claims that a
CEP offset is warranted. See SeAH A QR 21-22.
In evaluating SeAH's claim, we examined its activities in each
channel of distribution relating to four different types of selling
functions: Sales process and marketing support; freight and delivery;
inventory maintenance and warehousing; and warranty and technical
services. Based on our analysis, we preliminarily determine that SeAH's
selling activities in the comparison market did not vary significantly
by channel of distribution. See SeAH's Section A Questionnaire Response
at Exhibit A-16. Therefore, we preliminary determine that SeAH sold at
one LOT in the comparison market. We further determine preliminarily
that SeAH sold at one LOT in the U.S. market.
We then compared the selling functions performed by SeAH for its
U.S. sales to the selling functions performed for the single LOT in the
comparison market. Record evidence indicates that SeAH undertakes
significant activities in the comparison market related to the sales
process and marketing support, as well as warehousing and warranty
services that it does not undertake for its U.S. CEP sales. See SeAH
Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo and SeAH A QR at Exhibit A-16. These
differences in selling functions indicate that SeAH's comparison market
sales are made at a more advanced stage of distribution than its CEP
sales. Consequently, we preliminarily determine that SeAH's comparison
market and CEP sales are at different LOTs.
(B) Husteel
Husteel reported one channel of distribution in its home market:
Sales to unaffiliated customers that include distributors and end-
users. In the U.S. market, Husteel reported one channel of
distribution: Sales to unaffiliated customers made through its
affiliated company in the United States, Husteel USA. Husteel stated
that its U.S. sales were made at a different, less advanced LOT than
its comparison market sales. Husteel is not seeking a LOT adjustment,
however, because it had no comparison market sales that were at the
same LOT as the U.S. CEP sales. Instead, it claims that a CEP offset is
warranted. See Husteel A QR at A-15.
In evaluating Husteel's claim, we examined its activities in each
channel of distribution relating to four different types of selling
functions: Sales process and marketing support; freight and delivery;
inventory maintenance and warehousing; and warranty and technical
services. Based on our analysis, we preliminarily determine that
Husteel's selling activities in the comparison market did not vary
significantly by channel of distribution. See Husteel November
Supplemental Response at Exhibit A-22. Therefore, we preliminary
determine that Husteel sold at one LOT in the comparison market. We
further determine preliminarily that Husteel sold at one LOT in the
U.S. market.
We then compared the selling functions performed by Husteel for its
U.S. sales to the selling functions performed for the single LOT in the
comparison market. Record evidence indicates that Husteel undertakes
significant activities in the comparison market related to the sales
process and market research, procurement and sourcing services, as well
as personnel training that it does not undertake for its U.S. CEP
sales. See Memorandum from Alexander Montoro, International Trade
Compliance Analyst, to the File, Re: Preliminary Results Calculation
Memorandum, dated December 7, 2010 (``Husteel Preliminary Sales
Calculation Memo'') and Husteel November Supplemental Response at
Exhibit A-22. These differences in selling functions performed for
comparison market and CEP transactions indicate that Husteel's
comparison market sales are made at a more advanced stage of
distribution than its CEP sales. Consequently, we preliminarily
determine that Husteel's comparison market and CEP sales are at
different LOTs.
(C) Nexteel
Nexteel reported one channel of distribution in the home market:
Direct sales to unaffiliated end-users and distributors. In the U.S.
market, Nexteel reported one LOT and two channels of distribution. See
Nexteel Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo. Nexteel stated that its
U.S. sales were made at the same LOT as its comparison market sales and
is, therefore, not seeking a LOT adjustment. See Nexteel A QR at 11;
see also Nexteel B&C QR at B-22 and A-16.
As discussed above, the Department will make a LOT adjustment in
these circumstances when the information exists to do so. We have found
different LOTs between the comparison market and the CEP sales for SeAH
and Husteel. However, since there is only one LOT in the comparison
market for both SeAH and Husteel, there is no basis upon which to
determine whether there is a pattern of consistent price differences
[[Page 77843]]
between LOTs in the comparison market upon which to base a LOT
adjustment to the CEP sales. Further, we do not have the information
that would allow us to examine the price patterns of SeAH's and
Husteel's sales of other similar products, and there is no other record
evidence upon which a LOT adjustment could be based. Therefore, we have
not made a LOT adjustment for either SeAH or Husteel.
Instead, in accordance with section 773(a)(7)(B) of the Act, we
preliminarily determine that a CEP offset is appropriate for SeAH and
Husteel to reflect that their comparison market sales are at a more
advanced stage than the LOT of their respective CEP sales. We based the
amount of the CEP offset on comparison market indirect selling expenses
and limited the deduction to the amount of the indirect selling
expenses deducted from CEP under section 772(d)(1)(D) of the Act. We
applied the CEP offset to the NV-CEP comparisons. For a detailed
discussion, see SeAH Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo; see also
Husteel Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo.
Constructed Export Price
In accordance with section 772(b) of the Act, CEP is the price at
which the subject merchandise is first sold (or agreed to be sold) in
the United States before or after the date of importation by or for the
account of the producer or exporter of such merchandise, or by a seller
affiliated with the producer or exporter, to a purchaser not affiliated
with the producer or exporter.
(A) SeAH
For purposes of this review, SeAH classified all of its export
sales of CWP to the United States as CEP sales. During the POR, SeAH
made sales in the United States through its U.S. affiliate, PPA, which
then resold the merchandise to unaffiliated customers in the United
States. The Department calculated CEP based on the packed, delivered
prices to unaffiliated purchasers in the United States, net of early
payment discounts and other discounts. We adjusted these prices for
movement expenses, including foreign inland freight, international
freight, marine insurance, foreign and U.S. brokerage and handling, and
U.S. customs duties, in accordance with section 772(c)(2)(A) of the
Act.
In accordance with section 772(d)(1) of the Act, we deducted from
the starting price those selling expenses that were incurred in selling
the subject merchandise in the United States, including imputed credit
expenses, warranty expenses, and indirect selling expenses. We also
made an adjustment for profit in accordance with section 772(d)(3) of
the Act. We used the expenses reported by SeAH in connection with its
U.S. sales, with the exception of an adjustment to the indirect selling
expense calculation. See SeAH Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo.
(B) Husteel
For purposes of this review, Husteel classified all of its export
sales of CWP to the United States as CEP sales. During the POR, Husteel
made sales in the United States through its U.S. affiliate, Husteel
USA, which then resold the merchandise to unaffiliated customers in the
United States. The Department calculated CEP based on the packed,
delivered prices to unaffiliated purchasers in the United States. We
adjusted these prices for movement expenses, including foreign inland
freight, international freight, marine insurance, foreign and U.S.
brokerage and handling, and U.S. customs duties, in accordance with
section 772(c)(2)(A) of the Act.
In accordance with section 772(d)(1) of the Act, we deducted from
the starting price those selling expenses that were incurred in selling
the subject merchandise in the United States, including imputed credit
expenses and indirect selling expenses. We also made an adjustment for
profit in accordance with section 772(d)(3) of the Act. We used the
expenses reported by Husteel in connection with its U.S. sales. See
Husteel Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo.
Export Price
(C) Nexteel
Nexteel reported that it made U.S. sales only on an EP basis. For
sales to the United States, the Department calculated EP in accordance
with section 772(a) of the Act. Section 772(a) of the Act defines EP as
the price at which the subject merchandise is first sold before the
date of importation by the exporter or manufacturer outside the United
States to an unaffiliated purchaser in the United States or to an
unaffiliated purchaser for exportation to the United States. We
calculated EP because the merchandise was sold by Nexteel to an
unaffiliated purchaser for exportation to the United States prior to
importation and CEP methodology was not otherwise warranted. Nexteel
reported sales to the United States based upon three different types of
sales terms: Free-on board; cost and freight; and cost, insurance and
freight. The Department calculated EP based on these reported prices to
unaffiliated purchasers in the United States. Where appropriate, the
Department made deductions, consistent with section 772(c)(2)(A) of the
Act, for the following movement expenses: Foreign inland freight;
foreign brokerage and handling; international freight; and marine
insurance.
Normal Value
(A) Cost Averaging Methodology
The Department's normal practice is to calculate an annual
weighted-average cost for the POR. See Certain Pasta From Italy: Final
Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 65 FR 77852
(December 13, 2000), and accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum at
Comment 18, and Notice of Final Results of Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review: Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from
Canada, 71 FR 3822 (January 24, 2006), and accompanying Issues and
Decision Memorandum at Comment 5 (explaining the Department's practice
of computing a single weighted-average cost for the entire period).
However, we recognize that possible distortions may result if we use
our normal annual-average cost method during a period of significant
cost changes. In determining whether to deviate from our normal
methodology of calculating an annual weighted-average cost, we evaluate
the case-specific record evidence using two primary factors: (1) The
change in the cost of manufacturing (``COM'') recognized by the
respondent during the POR must be deemed significant; (2) the record
evidence must indicate that sales during the shorter averaging periods
could be reasonably linked with the cost of production (``COP'') or CV
during the same shorter averaging periods. See Stainless Steel Sheet
and Strip in Coils From Mexico: Final Results of Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review, 75 FR 6627 (February 10, 2010) (``SSSS from
Mexico''), and accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum at Comment 6
and Stainless Steel Plate in Coils From Belgium: Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 73 FR 75398 (December 11, 2008)
(``SSPC from Belgium''), and accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 4.
1. Significance of Cost Changes
In prior cases, we established 25 percent as the threshold (between
the high- and low-quarter COM) for determining that the changes in COM
are significant enough to warrant a
[[Page 77844]]
departure from our standard annual-cost approach. See SSPC from Belgium
and accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum at Comment 4. In the
instant case, record evidence shows that Husteel and SeAH experienced
significant changes (i.e., changes that exceeded 25 percent) between
the high and low quarterly COM during the POR for the selected highest
sales volume CWP products. This change in COM is attributable primarily
to the price volatility for hot-rolled carbon steel coil used in the
manufacture of CWP. We found that prices for hot-rolled carbon steel
coil changed significantly throughout the POR and, as a result,
directly affected the cost of the material inputs consumed by Husteel
and SeAH. See Memorandum from James Balog to Neal M. Halper, Director
of Office of Accounting, ``Cost of Production and Constructed Value
Calculation Adjustments for the Preliminary Results--Husteel Co., Ltd.
(``Husteel Preliminary Cost Calculation Memo'') dated December 7, 2010,
and Memorandum from Kristin Case to Neal M. Halper, Director of Office
of Accounting, ``Cost of Production and Constructed Value Calculation
Adjustments for the Preliminary Results--SeAH Steel Corporation,''
(``SeAH Preliminary Cost Calculation Memo'') dated December 7, 2010.
2. Linkage Between Cost and Sales Information
Consistent with past precedent, because we found the changes in
costs to be significant, we evaluated whether there is evidence of a
linkage between the cost changes and the sales prices during the POR.
See, e.g., SSSS from Mexico and accompanying Issues and Decision
Memorandum at Comment 6 and SSPC from Belgium and accompanying Issues
and Decision Memorandum at Comment 4. Absent a surcharge or other
pricing mechanism, the Department may alternatively look for evidence
of a clear pattern that changes in selling prices reasonably correlate
to changes in unit costs. See SSPC from Belgium and accompanying Issues
and Decision Memorandum at Comment 4. These correlative elements may be
measured and defined in a number of ways depending on the associated
industry and the overall production and sales processes. To determine
whether a reasonable correlation existed between the sales prices and
their underlying costs during the POR, for SeAH and Husteel, we
compared weighted-average quarterly prices to the corresponding
quarterly COM for the five control numbers with the highest volume of
sales in the comparison market and the United States. Our comparison
reveals that sales and costs for a majority of the sample CONNUMs
showed reasonable correlation. After reviewing this information and
determining that changes in selling prices reasonably correlate to
changes in unit costs, we preliminarily determine that there is linkage
between Husteel's and SeAH's costs and sales prices during the POR. See
Husteel Preliminary Cost Calculation Memo. See also SeAH Preliminary
Cost Calculation Memo. See, e.g., SSSS from Mexico and accompanying
Issues and Decision Memorandum at Comment 6 and SSPC from Belgium and
accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum at Comment 4.
Because we have found significant cost changes in COM as well as
reasonable linkage between costs and sales prices, we have
preliminarily determined that a quarterly costing approach leads to
more appropriate comparisons in our antidumping duty calculations for
Husteel and SeAH.
(B) Selection of Comparison Market
To determine whether there was a sufficient volume of sales in the
comparison market, Korea, to serve as a viable basis for calculating
NV, we compared Husteel's, Nexteel's, and SeAH's home market sales
volumes of the foreign like product to their U.S. sales volumes of the
subject merchandise, in accordance with section 773(a)(1) of the Act.
For each company, the aggregate home market sales volumes of the
foreign like product were greater than five percent of their aggregate
U.S. sales volumes of the subject merchandise. Therefore, we determine
that the home market was viable for comparison purposes for Husteel,
Nexteel, and SeAH.
(C) Affiliated Party Transactions and Arm's-Length Test
Husteel reported that it did not sell any subject merchandise to
affiliated parties during the POR.
SeAH and Nexteel reported sales of the foreign like product to
affiliated and unaffiliated customers in the comparison market. The
Department calculates NV based on a sale to an affiliated party only if
it is satisfied that the price to the affiliated party is comparable to
the price at which sales are made to parties not affiliated with the
producer or exporter, i.e., sales at ``arm's length.'' See 19 CFR
351.403(c). To test whether the sales to affiliates were made at arm's-
length prices, we compared on a model-specific basis, the starting
prices of sales to affiliated and unaffiliated customers net of all
movement charges, direct selling expenses, and packing. In accordance
with the Department's current practice, if the prices charged to an
affiliated party were, on average, between 98 and 102 percent of the
prices charged to unaffiliated parties for merchandise identical or
most similar to that sold to the affiliated party, we considered the
sales to be at arm's-length prices and included such sales in the
calculation of NV. See 19 CFR 351.403(c). Conversely, where sales to
the affiliated party did not pass the arm's-length test, all sales to
that affiliated party were excluded from the NV calculation. See
Antidumping Proceedings: Affiliated Party Sales in the Ordinary Course
of Trade, 67 FR 69186, 69194 (November 15, 2002).
(D) Cost of Production Analysis
SeAH
The Department disregarded sales made below the COP in the last
completed review in which SeAH participated. See CWP from Korea 2007-
2008. Thus, in accordance with section 773(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act,
there are reasonable grounds to believe or suspect that SeAH made sales
of the subject merchandise in its comparison market at prices below the
COP in the current review period. Pursuant to section 773(b)(1) of the
Act, we initiated a COP investigation of sales by SeAH.
Husteel
The Department disregarded sales made below the COP in the last
completed review in which Husteel participated. See Circular Welded
Non-Alloy Steel Pipe From the Republic of Korea: Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 69 FR 32492 (June 10, 2004).
Thus, in accordance with section 773(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act, there are
reasonable grounds to believe or suspect that Husteel made sales of the
subject merchandise in its comparison market at prices below the COP in
the current review period. Pursuant to section 773(b)(1) of the Act, we
initiated a COP investigation of sales by Husteel.
Nexteel
No COP investigation was conducted for Nexteel.
1. Calculation of Cost of Production
Before making any comparisons to NV, we conducted a COP analysis of
SeAH and Husteel, pursuant to section 773(b) of the Act, to determine
whether SeAH's and Husteel's comparison market sales were made at
prices below the COP, by quarter. We compared sales
[[Page 77845]]
of the foreign like product in the home market with model-specific COP
figures. In accordance with section 773(b)(3) of the Act, we calculated
COP based on the sum of the costs of materials and fabrication employed
in producing the foreign like product, plus SG&A expenses, financial
expenses and all costs and expenses incidental to placing the foreign
like product in packed condition and ready for shipment.
SeAH
We relied on home market sales and COP information provided by SeAH
in its questionnaire responses, except where noted below:
During the POR, SeAH purchased carbon steel hot-rolled coil inputs
from a home market affiliated company, Pohang Iron and Steel Company
(``POSCO''). Carbon steel hot-rolled coil is considered a major input
to the production of CWP. Section 773(f)(3) of the Act (the major input
rule) states:
If, in the case of a transaction between affiliated persons
involving the production by one of such persons of a major input to
the merchandise, the administering authority has reasonable grounds
to believe or suspect that an amount represented as the value of
such input is less than the cost of production of such input, then
the administering authority may determine the value of the major
input on the basis of the information available regarding such cost
of production, if such cost is greater than the amount that would be
determined for such input under paragraph (2).
Paragraph 2 of section 773(f) of the Act (transactions disregarded)
states:
A transaction directly or indirectly between affiliated persons
may be disregarded if, in the case of any element of value required
to be considered, the amount representing that element does not
fairly reflect the amount usually reflected in sales of merchandise
under consideration in the market under consideration. If a
transaction is disregarded under the preceding sentence and no other
transactions are available for consideration, the determination of
the amount shall be based on the information available as to what
the amount would have been if the transaction had occurred between
persons who are not affiliated.
In accordance with the major input rule, and as stated in the
Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils From Mexico: Preliminary
Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 73 FR at 45714
(August 8, 2008), unchanged in Stainless Steel Sheet and Strip in Coils
from Mexico: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review,
74 FR 6365 (February 9, 2009), it is the Department's normal practice
to use all three elements of the major input rule (i.e., transfer
price, COP, and market price) where available. In accordance with
section 773(f)(3) of the Act (the major input rule), we evaluated
transactions between SeAH and its affiliate using the transfer price,
COP, and market price of carbon steel hot-rolled coil. For the
preliminary results, we adjusted SeAH's reported costs to reflect the
highest of these three values for SeAH's purchases of hot-rolled coil
from POSCO. Because we have determined that shorter cost periods are
appropriate for the COP analysis, we have applied the major input rule
analysis and calculated the related adjustments on a quarterly basis.
We adjusted the cost of goods sold denominator used in the general
and administrative expense ratio to reflect our major input adjustment.
We also adjusted the cost of goods sold denominator used in the
financial expense ratio to reflect our major input adjustment. See SeAH
Preliminary Cost Calculation Memo.
We did not include local home market sales that were paid on a
local letter of credit basis, as SeAH knew these sales were destined
for export. See SeAH Preliminary Cost Calculation Memo.
Husteel
In our sales-below-cost analysis, we relied on home market sales
and COP information provided by Husteel in its questionnaire responses,
except that we adjusted the general and administrative expense ratio to
exclude the offset for commission income. See Husteel Preliminary Cost
Calculation Memo.
1. Test of Comparison Market Sales Prices
In determining whether to disregard SeAH's and Husteel's home
market sales made at prices below the COP, we examined, in accordance
with sections 773(b)(1)(A) and (B) of the Act, whether, within an
extended period of time, such sales were made in substantial
quantities, and whether such sales were made at prices which permitted
the recovery of all costs within a reasonable period of time in the
normal course of trade. As noted in section 773(b)(2)(D) of the Act,
prices are considered to provide for recovery of costs if such prices
are above the weighted average per-unit COP for the period of
investigation or review. We determined the net comparison market prices
for the below-cost test by subtracting from the gross unit price any
applicable movement charges, discounts, direct and indirect selling
expenses, and packing expenses. See SeAH Preliminary Sales Calculation
Memo; see also Husteel Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo.
As discussed above, we have relied on a quarterly costing approach
in this review. Similar to that used by the Department in cases of
high-inflation (see, e.g., Notice of Final Determination of Sales at
Less Than Fair Value: Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon-Quality Steel Plate
Products from Indonesia, 64 FR 73164 (December 29, 1999), and
accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum at Comment 1), this
methodology restates the quarterly costs on a year-end equivalent
basis, calculates an annual weighted-average cost for the POR and then
restates it to each respective quarter. We find that this alternative
cost calculation method meets the requirements of section 773(b)(2)(D)
of the Act.
2. Results of the COP Test
Pursuant to section 773(b)(2)(C)(i) of the Act, where less than 20
percent of sales of a given product were at prices less than the COP,
we did not disregard any below-cost sales of that product because we
determined that the below-cost sales were not made in ``substantial
quantities.'' Where 20 percent or more of a respondent's sales of a
given product were at prices less than the COP we disregarded the
below-cost sales because: (1) They were made within an extended period
of time in ``substantial quantities,'' in accordance with sections
773(b)(2)(B) and (C) of the Act; and (2) based on our comparison of
prices to the indexed weighted-average COPs for the POR, they were at
prices which would not permit the recovery of all costs within a
reasonable period of time, in accordance with section 773(b)(2)(D) of
the Act.
Our cost tests for Husteel and SeAH revealed that, for home market
sales of certain models, less than 20 percent of the sales of those
models were made at prices below the COP. Therefore, we retained all
such sales in our analysis and included them in determining NV. Our
cost test for SeAH and Husteel also indicated that for home market
sales of other models, more than 20 percent were sold at prices below
the COP within an extended period of time and were at prices which
would not permit the recovery of all costs within a reasonable period
of time. Thus, in accordance with section 773(b)(1) of the Act, we
excluded these below-cost sales from our analysis and used the
remaining above-cost sales to determine NV. See SeAH Preliminary Sales
Calculation Memo; see also Husteel Preliminary Sales Calculation Memo.
(E) Constructed Value
In accordance with section 773(e) of the Act, we calculated CV for
SeAH and
[[Page 77846]]
Husteel based on the sum of their respective material and fabrication
costs, SG&A expenses, profit, and U.S. packing costs. We calculated the
COP component of CV as described above in the ``Cost of Production
Analysis'' section of this notice. In accordance with section
773(e)(2)(A) of the Act, we based SG&A expenses and profit on the
amounts incurred and realized by each respondent in connection with the
production and sale of the foreign like product in the ordinary course
of trade, for consumption in the foreign country.
(F) Calculation of Normal Value Based on Comparison Market Prices
We calculated NV based on packed prices to unaffiliated customers
in Korea. For Nexteel and Husteel, we adjusted these prices for early
payment discounts. We adjusted the starting price for all respondents,
less any discounts, by deducting foreign inland freight and warehousing
(Nexteel only), pursuant to section 773(a)(6)(B)(ii) of the Act. We
made adjustments for differences in packing, in accordance with
sections 773(a)(6)(A) and 773(a)(6)(B)(i) of the Act, and in
circumstances of sale (for imputed credit expenses), under section
773(a)(6)(c)(iii) of the Act and 19 CFR 315.410.
When comparing U.S. sales with comparison market sales of similar,
but not identical, merchandise, we also made adjustments for physical
differences in the merchandise in accordance with section
773(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.411. We based this
adjustment on the difference in the variable cost of manufacturing for
the foreign like product and subject merchandise. See 19 CFR
351.411(b).
(G) Price-to-CV Comparison
Where we were unable to find a home market match of such or similar
merchandise, in accordance with section 773(a)(4) of the Act, we based
NV on CV. Where appropriate, we made adjustments to CV in accordance
with section 773(a)(8) of the Act.
Currency Conversion
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.415 and section 773A of the Act, we made
currency conversions based on the exchange rates in effect on the date
of the U.S. sale, as certified by the Federal Reserve Bank. See Import
Administration website at: https://ia.ita.doc.gov/exchange/.
Preliminary Results of the Review
We preliminarily determine that a weighted-average dumping margin
exists for the respondents for the period November 1, 2008, through
October 31, 2009. Respondents other than mandatory respondents will
receive the weighted-average of the margins calculated for those
companies selected for individual review (i.e., mandatory respondents),
excluding de minimis margins or margins based entirely on adverse facts
available.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-
Manufacturer/Exporter average margin
percent
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SeAH Steel Corporation.................................. 6.24
Husteel Co., Ltd........................................ 2.15
Nexteel Co., Ltd........................................ 12.30
Hyundai HYSCO........................................... *
Kumkang Industrial Co., Ltd............................. 8.88
A-JU Besteel Co., Ltd................................... 8.88
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* No shipments or sales subject to this review. The firm has an
individual rate from the last segment of the proceeding in which the
firm had shipments or sales.
Public Comment
The Department will disclose calculations performed within five
days of the date of publication of this notice to the parties to this
proceeding in accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b). Any interested party
may request a hearing within 30 days of the publication of this notice
in the Federal Register. See 19 CFR 351.310. If a hearing is requested,
the Department will notify interested parties of the hearing schedule.
Issues raised in the hearing will be limited to those raised in the
case briefs.
Interested parties are invited to comment on the preliminary
results of this review. The Department will consider case briefs filed
by interested parties within 30 days after the date of publication of
this notice in the Federal Register. See 19 CFR 351.309(c). Interested
parties may file rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in the case
briefs. See 19 CFR 351.309(d). The Department will consider rebuttal
briefs filed not later than five days after the time limit for filing
case briefs. Parties submitting arguments in this proceeding are
requested to submit with the argument: (1) A statement of the issue;
(2) a brief summary of the argument; and (3) a table of authorities, in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.309(d)(2). Further, parties submitting case
and/or rebuttal briefs are requested to provide the Department with an
additional electronic copy of the public version of any such comments
on a computer diskette. Case and rebuttal briefs must be served on
interested parties in accordance with 19 CFR 351.303(f).
The Department will issue the final results of this administrative
review, which will include the results of its analysis of issues raised
in any such comments, or at a hearing, if requested, within 120 days of
publication of these preliminary results, unless extended. See section
751(a)(3)(A) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.213(h).
Assessment Rates
The Department shall determine, and CBP shall assess, antidumping
duties on all appropriate entries, in accordance with 19 CFR
351.212(b)(1). The Department will issue appropriate appraisement
instructions for the companies subject to this review directly to CBP
15 days after the date of publication of the final results of this
review.
For SeAH and Husteel, we will calculate importer-specific ad
valorem duty assessment rates based on the ratio of the total amount of
antidumping duties calculated for the examined sales to the total
entered value of the sales, as reported by SeAH and Husteel. See 19 CFR
351.212(b)(1).
Nexteel reported the importer of record for certain of its U.S.
sales. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1), for all sales where Nexteel
reported the importer of record, Nexteel submitted the reported entered
value of the U.S. sales and the Department has calculated importer-
specific assessment rates based on the ratio of the total amount of
antidumping duties calculated for the examined sales to the total
entered value of those sales. For certain U.S. sales Nexteel did not
report the importer or the entered value. For purposes of calculating
importer-specific assessment rates, we considered Nexteel's U.S.
customer to be the importer of record when the importer was unknown,
and we calculated entered value as U.S. price net of international
movement expenses.
The Department has calculated importer-specific per-unit duty
assessment rates for the merchandise in question by aggregating the
dumping margins calculated for all U.S. sales to each importer and
dividing this amount by the total quantity of those sales. To determine
whether the duty assessment rates were de minimis, in accordance with
the requirement set forth in 19 CFR 351.106(c)(2), the Department
calculated importer-specific ad valorem ratios based on the estimated
entered value.
For the companies that were not selected for individual review, we
calculated an assessment rate based on the weighted-average of the cash
deposit rates calculated for companies selected for individual review,
where those rates were not de minimis or based on adverse facts
available, in accordance with Department practice.
[[Page 77847]]
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.106(c)(2), we will instruct CBP to liquidate
without regard to antidumping duties any entries for which the
assessment rate is de minimis (i.e., less than 0.50 percent).
The Department clarified its ``automatic assessment'' regulation on
May 6, 2003, in its Assessment Policy Notice. This clarification will
apply to entries of subject merchandise during the POR produced by
SeAH, Husteel, Nexteel, and Hyundai HYSCO for which these companies did
not know that their merchandise was destined for the United States. In
such instances, we will instruct CBP to liquidate unreviewed entries at
the all-others rate if there is no rate for the intermediary involved
in the transaction. See Assessment Policy Notice for a full discussion
of this clarification.
Cash Deposit Requirements
The following deposit rates will be effective upon publication of
the final results of this administrative review for all shipments of
CWP from Korea entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on
or after the publication date, as provided by section 751(a)(2)(C) of
the Act: (1) The cash deposit rates for the companies listed above will
be the rates established in the final results of this review, except if
the rate is less than 0.5 percent and, therefore, de minimis, the cash
deposit will be zero; (2) for previously reviewed or investigated
companies not listed above, the cash deposit rate will continue to be
the company-specific rate published for the most recent final results
in which that manufacturer or exporter participated; (3) if the
exporter is not a firm covered in this review, a prior review, or the
original less-than-fair-value (``LTFV'') investigation, but the
manufacturer is, the cash deposit rate will be the rate established for
the most recent final results for the manufacturer of the merchandise;
and (4) if neither the exporter nor the manufacturer is a firm covered
in this or any previous review conducted by the Department, the cash
deposit rate will be 4.80 percent, the ``all others'' rate established
in the LTFV investigation. See CWP Order. These cash deposit
requirements, when imposed, shall remain in effect until further
notice.
Notification to Importers
This notice serves as a preliminary reminder to importers of their
responsibility under 19 CFR 351.402(f)(2) to file a certificate
regarding the reimbursement of antidumping duties prior to liquidation
of the relevant entries during this review period. Failure to comply
with this requirement could result in the Secretary's presumption that
reimbursement of antidumping duties occurred and the subsequent
assessment of double antidumping duties.
Notification to Interested Parties
This notice serves as the only 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/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.
These preliminary results of review are issued and published in
accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act.
Dated: December 7, 2010.
Paul Piquado,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.
[FR Doc. 2010-31368 Filed 12-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P