Uncovered Innerspring Units From the People's Republic of China: Initiation of Anticircumvention Inquiry, 30501-30504 [2012-12508]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2012 / Notices matters pertinent to those portions of the Export Administration Act, as amended, that deal with United States policies of encouraging trade with all countries with which the United States has diplomatic or trading relations and of controlling trade for national security and foreign policy reasons. Agenda 1. Opening remarks by the Chairman and Vice Chairman. 2. Export Control Reform Update. 3. Presentation of Papers or Comments by the Public. 4. Working Group Updates. 5. Deemed Export Panel. The open session will be accessible via teleconference to 25 participants on a first come, first serve basis. To join the conference, submit inquiries to Ms. Yvette Springer at Yvette.Springer@bis.doc.gov, no later than, May 30, 2012. A limited number of seats will be available for the public session. Reservations are not accepted. To the extent time permits, members of the public may present oral statements to the PECSEA. Written statements may be submitted at any time before or after the meeting. However, to facilitate distribution of public presentation materials to PECSEA members, the PECSEA suggests that public presentation materials or comments be forwarded before the meeting to Ms. Yvette Springer at Yvette.Springer@bis.doc.gov. For more information, contact Yvette Springer on 202–482–2813. Dated: May 16, 2012. Kevin J. Wolf, Assistant Secretary for Export Administration. [FR Doc. 2012–12506 Filed 5–22–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–JT–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–570–928] Uncovered Innerspring Units From the People’s Republic of China: Initiation of Anticircumvention Inquiry Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: In response to a request from Leggett & Platt Incorporated (‘‘Petitioner’’), the Department of Commerce (‘‘the Department’’) is initiating an anticircumvention inquiry to determine whether certain imports are circumventing the antidumping duty mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 May 22, 2012 Jkt 226001 order on uncovered innerspring units from the People’s Republic of China (‘‘PRC’’).1 DATES: Effective Date: May 23, 2012. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Pulongbarit or Steven Hampton, AD/CVD Operations, Office 9, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–4031, or (202) 482–0116 respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On December 31, 2007, Petitioner filed a petition seeking imposition of antidumping duties on imports of uncovered innerspring units from, among other countries, the PRC.2 Following completion of an investigation by the Department and the U.S. International Trade Commission (‘‘the Commission’’), the Department imposed antidumping duties in the amounts of 234.51 percent on the mandatory respondent, Foshan Jingxin Steel & Wire Spring Co., Ltd., and 164.75 percent on seven companies that qualified for separate rates.3 In the second administrative review of the Order,4 Petitioner requested that the Department review Reztec Industries Sdn Bhd (‘‘Reztec’’).5 The Department initiated the review on March 31, 2011 6 and sent questionnaires to the named respondents, including Reztec. On May 19, 2011, in response to the Department’s questionnaire, Reztec submitted a no-shipment letter to the Department and certified that it did not export PRC-origin uncovered 1 See Uncovered Innerspring Units From the People’s Republic of China: Notice of Antidumping Duty Order, 74 FR 7661 (February 19, 2009) (‘‘Order’’). 2 The petition also included imports of uncovered innerspring units from South Africa and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. See Uncovered Innerspring Units From the People’s Republic of China, South Africa, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of Antidumping Duty Investigations, 73 FR 4817 (January 28, 2008). 3 Order, 74 FR at 7662. 4 The second administrative review covered the period of review (‘‘POR’’) February 1, 2010, through January 31, 2011. See Initiation of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, Requests for Revocation in Part, and Deferral of Administrative Review, 76 FR 17825 (March 31, 2011). 5 See also Memorandum to the File from Steven Hampton, regarding Placing Supporting Documentation on the Record of the Anticircumvention Inquiry: Petitioner’s Request from Second Administrative Review of Uncovered Innerspring Units from the People’s Republic of China, dated April 13, 2012 at Attachment #1. 6 See Initiation of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, Requests for Revocation in Part, and Deferral of Administrative Review, 76 FR 17825 (March 31, 2011). PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 30501 innerspring units to the United States during the POR.7 However, in its noshipment letter, Reztec stated that it, ‘‘does purchase some raw materials from China, some of which is {sic} used to produce innerspring units in Malaysia’’ and that ‘‘{t}hese Chinese raw materials are further processed in Malaysia and combined with other materials into finished innerspring units and mattresses, for sale within Malaysia and for export.’’ 8 On April 12, 2012, the Department determined that Reztec did not sell subject merchandise during the POR and rescinded the review with respect to Reztec.9 On February 29, 2012, pursuant to section 781(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (‘‘the Act’’), and section 351.225(h) of the Department’s regulations, Petitioner submitted a request for the Department to initiate an anticircumvention inquiry of Reztec to determine whether Reztec’s innerspring units completed and assembled in Malaysia from PRC-origin components constitute circumvention of the Order.10 In its request, Petitioner contends that Reztec, by its own admission in its noshipment letter, imports innerspring unit components from the PRC to Malaysia, further assembles these components into uncovered innerspring units, and exports the assembled innerspring units to the United States in the form of subject merchandise.11 Petitioner argues that Reztec’s operations constitute minor further assembly in a third country, i.e. Malaysia. On April 2, 2012, the Department extended the deadline to initiate a circumvention inquiry by 45 days, pursuant to section 351.302(b) of the Department’s regulations.12 Scope of the Order The merchandise subject to the order is uncovered innerspring units composed of a series of individual metal springs joined together in sizes corresponding to the sizes of adult 7 See also Memorandum to the File from Steven Hampton, regarding Placing Supporting Documentation on the Record of the Anticircumvention Inquiry: Reztec’s No Shipment Letter from the Second Administrative Review of Uncovered Innerspring Units from the People’s Republic of China, dated April 13, 2012 at Attachment #1 (‘‘No Shipment Letter’’). 8 See No Shipment Letter at 2. 9 See Uncovered Innerspring Units From the People’s Republic of China: Final Results and Final Rescission, in Part, of the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 77 FR 21961, 21962 (April 12, 2012). 10 See Petitioner’s February 29, 2012 submission (‘‘Circumvention Request’’) at 3. 11 See id. at 2–3. 12 See Letter from Paul Walker, Acting Program Manager, to Leggett & Platt Incorporated April 2, 2012. E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 30502 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2012 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES mattresses (e.g., twin, twin long, full, full long, queen, California king, and king) and units used in smaller constructions, such as crib and youth mattresses. All uncovered innerspring units are included in the scope regardless of width and length. Included within this definition are innersprings typically ranging from 30.5 inches to 76 inches in width and 68 inches to 84 inches in length. Innersprings for crib mattresses typically range from 25 inches to 27 inches in width and 50 inches to 52 inches in length. Uncovered innerspring units are suitable for use as the innerspring component in the manufacture of innerspring mattresses, including mattresses that incorporate a foam encasement around the innerspring. Pocketed and non-pocketed innerspring units are included in this definition. Non-pocketed innersprings are typically joined together with helical wire and border rods. Non-pocketed innersprings are included in this definition regardless of whether they have border rods attached to the perimeter of the innerspring. Pocketed innersprings are individual coils covered by a ‘‘pocket’’ or ‘‘sock’’ of a nonwoven synthetic material or woven material and then glued together in a linear fashion. Uncovered innersprings are classified under subheading 9404.29.9010 and have also been classified under subheadings 9404.10.0000, 7326.20.0070, 7320.20.5010, or 7320.90.5010 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (‘‘HTSUS’’). The HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes only; the written description of the scope of the order is dispositive. Initiation of Circumvention Proceeding Section 781(b)(1) of the Act provides that the Department may find circumvention of an antidumping duty order when merchandise of the same class or kind subject to the order is completed or assembled in a foreign country other than the country to which the order applies. In conducting circumvention inquiries, under section 781(b)(1) of the Act, the Department will also evaluate whether: (1) The process of assembly or completion in the other foreign country is minor or insignificant; (2) the value of the merchandise produced in the foreign country to which the antidumping duty order applies is a significant portion of the total value of the merchandise exported to the United States; and (3) action is appropriate to prevent evasion of such an order or finding. As discussed below, Petitioner has VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 May 22, 2012 Jkt 226001 provided evidence with respect to these criteria. A. Merchandise of the Same Class or Kind Petitioner argues that merchandise imported by Reztec from Malaysia into the United States is of the same class or kind as that subject to the Order. Petitioner claims that the uncovered innerspring units that Reztec completes or assembles in Malaysia, then ships to the United States, are the same class or kind of merchandise as the uncovered innerspring units that are subject to the Order.13 Petitioner contends that there is no question that the uncovered innerspring units that Reztec exports to the United States meet the physical characteristics that define the scope of the order.14 Moreover, Petitioner states that Reztec even acknowledged this in the second administrative review, where it stated: ‘‘Reztec’s products, including its uncovered innerspring units sold to the United States, are manufactured in Malaysia.’’ 15 B. Completion of Merchandise in a Foreign Country Petitioner notes that the Order clearly indicates that innerspring units are assembled from three key components: Steel wire coils, helical wires, and in certain cases, border rods.16 Petitioner argues that Reztec admitted that it imports the key inputs used in the production of innerspring units from the PRC that are then ‘‘further processed in Malaysia and combined with other materials into finished innerspring units and mattresses, for sale within Malaysia and for export.’’ 17 While Reztec asserts that it further processes these inputs in Malaysia and combines these inputs with other materials into finished innerspring units, Petitioner believes that Reztec’s further processing is minor and instead involves simple assembly operations.18 Petitioner underscores that 13 See Circumvention Request at 7–19. 15 See No Shipment Letter at 4. Circumvention Request at 2. The Commission also noted that innerspring coils and border rods are major components of an innerspring unit. See Uncovered Innerspring Units From South Africa and Vietnam, USITC Pub. 4051, Inv. Nos. 731–TA–1141–1142 at I–11 (December 2008) (hereinafter, ‘‘USITC Uncovered Innersprings Report’’). In its final determination regarding imports of uncovered innersprings from the PRC, the Commission adopted the findings and analyses in its determinations and views regarding subject imports from South Africa and Vietnam with respect to the domestic like product, the domestic industry, cumulation, and material injury. Uncovered Innerspring Units from China, USITC Pub. 4061, Inv. No. 731–TA–1140 at 3 and I–1 (February 2009). 17 See No Shipment Letter at 2. 18 See Circumvention Request at 7–9. 16 See Frm 00006 C. Minor or Insignificant Process Under section 781(b)(2) of the Act, the Department is required to consider five factors to determine whether the process of assembly or completion is minor or insignificant. Petitioner believes that an examination of these factors indicates that Reztec’s process of assembly and completion of innerspring units in Malaysia is not significant. (1) Level of Investment Petitioner states that the process employed to assemble innerspring components into innerspring units is relatively simple and requires only limited investment and labor, and that the start-up investment costs and the barriers to entry into this type of assembly operation (i.e., manual or semi-automated) are low. Petitioner asserts that in the most basic, fullymanual operation, coils are assembled manually using a wooden or steel jig in which the coils (continuous or bonnell) 20 are hand-loaded, then handlaced with helical wire and finished by clipping the border rods to the unit.21 Petitioner posits that the cost of a new wooden (or steel) jig is approximately $200–$400.22 Petitioner argues that the level of investment would also be low if Reztec relies on a semi-automated assembly operation where a machine is used to assemble the rows of coils.23 (2) Level of Research and Development Petitioner is not aware that Reztec performs any research and development related to the assembly and/or production of innerspring units.24 Moreover, Petitioner states that it would not expect Reztec to incur any research 19 See Circumvention Request at 7–8. coils, the most commonly used type of coils in innerspring units, have an hour-glass shape which tapers inward from top to center and then outward from the center to bottom. Bonnell coils are generally the lowest priced units and the type of coil generally used in imported innerspring units. Continuous coils have entire rows of continuous coils formed from a single piece of wire. For a more detailed description of the types of innerspring coils, see USITC Uncovered Innersprings Report at I–8 to I–10. 21 See Circumvention Request at 9–10. A somewhat more advanced assembly operation may involve manual assembly using a wooden or steel jig in which the coils are hand-set, and a lacing machine is used to feed the helical to join the rows, and then the borders are manually clipped to the unit. Id. 22 Id. 23 Id. 24 Id. at 11. 20 Bonnell 14 Id. PO 00000 there is no dispute that this requirement has been met: Reztec itself acknowledges that it completes innerspring units in Malaysia from innerspring components produced in the PRC.19 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2012 / Notices and development expenses related to its innerspring assembly operations.25 (3) Nature of the Production Process According to Petitioner, the manufacturing process for assembling innerspring units from imported components is relatively simple and does not require significant start-up costs, sophisticated machinery and inputs, or substantial labor.26 (4) Extent of Production in the Malaysia Petitioner notes that Reztec’s Web site indicates that it ‘‘manufacturers in a 60,000 sq. foot plant with a 100,000 sq. foot capacity.27 Petitioner also claims that only a portion of that facility is likely dedicated to assembly operations as Reztec claims to also produce other products such as finished mattresses.28 (5) Value of Processing in Malaysia as Compared to Uncovered Innerspring Units Imported Into the United States Petitioner asserts that the value of assembly processing performed in Malaysia represents a small portion of the total value of the innerspring units imported into the United States.29 Petitioner believes Reztec’s assembly operations likely rely on relatively unskilled, low wage employees.30 Thus, these assembly operations involve minimal additional labor costs.31 Petitioner asserts that by any standard, the assembly operations represent an insignificant portion of the total value.32 D. Value of Merchandise Produced in PRC Petitioner argues that the value of the components that Reztec sources in the PRC for further assembly in Malaysia into subject merchandise is a significant portion of the total value of the innerspring units exported to the United States.33 As Petitioner noted previously, innerspring coils, helical and border rods are the key components of an innerspring unit. Petitioner explains that they also constitute a significant portion of the overall costs of an innerspring unit.34 Petitioner does not 25 Id, mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 26 Id. 27 Id. (citing https://www.reztec.com.my); see also id. at Exhibit 4. 28 Id. 29 Id. 30 Id. at 12–13. 31 Id. at 13. There are virtually no additional energy costs given that the machines, if utilized, are quite basic. The only additional material inputs (besides the coils, which represent the single largest cost of an innerspring unit) are steel wire for lacing and border clips. Id. at 13 n.28. 32 Id. at 13. 33 Id. at 13–14. 34 Id. at 14. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 May 22, 2012 Jkt 226001 have access to other PRC innerspring unit producer/exporter costs. Therefore, it conducted an analysis related to the production costs of various innerspring unit models at its own facility in Guangzhou, PRC. Petitioner believes that its operation (and costs) in the PRC are representative of the operations (and costs) of other PRC innerspring unit producers/exporters, as it is the largest producer of innersprings in the PRC.35 According to Petitioner’s analysis of its own production costs in the PRC, the total value of these innerspring components compose a significant portion of the total value of an innerspring unit.36 E. Additional Factors To Consider in Determining Whether Action Is Necessary Section 781(b)(3) of the Act directs the Department to consider additional factors in determining whether to include merchandise assembled or completed in a foreign country within the scope of the Order. Petitioner argues that since the Order was imposed, imports into the United States from Malaysia of uncovered innerspring units have spiked. Malaysia’s imports from the PRC of key inputs have also increased. Moreover, Petitioner believes that Reztec has close relationships with several PRC producers/exporters named in the underlying investigation. (1) Pattern of Trade Based on official U.S. import data, Petitioner contends that imports of uncovered innerspring units from Malaysia have increased dramatically since the Order was imposed.37 Petitioner provided a chart that illustrated the U.S. annual imports from Malaysia under the relevant HTSUS subheadings.38 Petitioner states that prior to 2009, there were virtually no imports of uncovered innerspring units from Malaysia to the U.S.39 However, according to the table, subject imports 35 Id. 36 Id. 37 Id. at 14–15. Petitioner states that until 2011, U.S. imports of uncovered innerspring units were properly classified and entered the United States under harmonized tariff schedule (‘‘HTS’’) 9404.29.9010 (‘‘uncovered innerspring units’’). In 2011, the HTS classification for uncovered innerspring units was refined and further broken out to provide a separate ten-digit classification for innerspring units used in cribs and toddler beds. Thus, HTS 9409.29.9010 was eliminated and replaced with 9404.29.9005 (Uncovered innerspring units: For use in a crib or toddler bed) and 9404.29.9011 (Uncovered innerspring units: Other). Petitioner notes that the Order covers innerspring units in both of these HTS classifications. Id. at 15. 38 Id. at 15 n. 31. Petitioner notes that there were no U.S. imports from Malaysia in YTD 2011 under HTS 9404.29.9005. 39 Id. at 15. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 30503 from Malaysia to the U.S. have steadily increased: 185,917 pieces were imported in 2009, 312,181 pieces were imported in 2010, and 316,687 pieces were imported from January 2011 to November 2011 under HTSUS 9404.29.9011.40 Petitioner claims that the actual level of imports is likely higher as innerspring units are often erroneously classified under various other classifications.41 Petitioner argues that in its No Shipment Letter, Reztec identified certain companies in the PRC as its suppliers of innerspring unit inputs.42 Petitioner believes that this constitutes circumvention of the Order, and suggests that Reztec’s operations and activities warrant additional investigation. (2) Increase of Subject Imports From the PRC to Malaysia After the Investigation Initiation Petitioner contends that Malaysia’s official import statistics indicated that imports from the PRC of the key component in innerspring units, i.e., coils, have increased substantially since the Order was imposed.43 Petitioner provided a chart of import data related to Malaysia’s imports of coils from the PRC over the last several years and yearto-date 2011 under HTS 7320.99.000 (other springs and leaves for springs, of iron/steel, kilograms (‘‘kgs’’)). This chart shows an increase of imported coils from 2,619,670 kgs in 2007 to 9,518.181 kgs in 2010, and 8,634,757 kgs year-todate for 2011.44 Analysis of the Request Based on our analysis of Petitioner’s circumvention inquiry request, the Department determines that Petitioner has satisfied the criteria under section 781(b)(1) of the Act to warrant an initiation of a formal circumvention inquiry. In accordance with section 351.225(e) of the Department’s regulations, the Department finds that the issue of whether a product is included within the scope of an order cannot be determined based solely upon the application and the descriptions of the merchandise. Accordingly, the Department will notify by mail all parties on the Department’s scope service list of the initiation of a circumvention inquiry. In addition, in accordance with section 351.225(f)(1)(ii) 40 Id. 41 Id. at 15 n.32 (citing USITC Uncovered Innerspring Report at I–6, I–7 and IV–1, IV–2). 42 Id. at 16 (citing No Shipment Letter at 2). 43 Id. at 16. 44 Id. at 16. Petitioner also provided a description of Malaysia’s relevant HTS numbers. Id. at Exhibit 8. E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 30504 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 23, 2012 / Notices of the Department’s regulations, a notice of the initiation of a circumvention inquiry issued under section 351.225(e) of the Department’s regulations includes a description of the product that is the subject of the circumvention inquiry— uncovered innerspring units that contain the characteristics as provided in the scope of the Order, and an explanation of the reasons for the Department’s decision to initiate a circumvention inquiry, as provided below. With regard to whether the merchandise from the Malaysia is of the same class or kind as the merchandise produced in the PRC, Petitioner has presented information to the Department indicating that, pursuant to section 781(b)(1)(A) of the Act, the merchandise being produced in and/or exported from Malaysia by Reztec may be of the same class or kind as uncovered innerspring units produced in the PRC, which is subject to the Order. Consequently, the Department finds that Petitioner has provided sufficient information in its request regarding the class of kind of merchandise to support the initiation of a circumvention inquiry. With regard to completion or assembly of merchandise in a foreign country, pursuant to section 781(b)(1)(B) of the Act, Petitioner has also presented information to the Department indicating that the uncovered innerspring units exported from Malaysia to the United States are assembled by Reztec in Malaysia using key components from the PRC that account for a significant portion of the total costs related to the production of uncovered innerspring units. We find that the information presented by Petitioner regarding this criterion supports its request to initiate a circumvention inquiry. The Department finds that Petitioner sufficiently addressed the factors described in section 781(b)(1)(C) and 781(b)(2) of the Act regarding whether the assembly or completion of uncovered innerspring units in the Malaysia is minor or insignificant. Specifically, in support of its argument, Petitioner relied on its own experience and surrogate values from the less-thanfair-value investigation. Thus, we find that the information presented by Petitioner supports their request to initiate a circumvention inquiry. In particular, we find that Petitioner’s submission asserts that: (1) Little investment has been made by Reztec in its uncovered innerspring unit operations in Malaysia; (2) Reztec has fully integrated production facilities in the PRC, and therefore, research and VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:00 May 22, 2012 Jkt 226001 development presumably takes place in the PRC rather than the Malaysia; (3) the assembly or completion of key uncovered innerspring unit components in Malaysia does not alter the fundamental characteristics of the uncovered innerspring unit, nor does it remove it from the scope of the Order; (4) Reztec has a lower investment level than other companies that produce uncovered innerspring units; and (5) further assembly or completion of key uncovered innerspring unit components in Malaysia adds little value to the merchandise imported to the United States. Our analysis will focus on Reztec’s assembly operations in the Malaysia and, in the context of this proceeding, we will closely examine the manner in which this company’s processing materials are obtained, whether those materials are considered subject to the scope of the Order, and the extent of processing in Malaysia, as well as the manner in which production and sales relationships are conducted with the alleged PRC suppliers. With respect to the value of the merchandise produced in the PRC, pursuant to section 781(b)(1)(D) of the Act, Petitioner relied on its own production experience in the PRC and arguments in the ‘‘minor or insignificant process’’ portion of its circumvention request to indicate that the value of the key components produced in the PRC may be significant relative to the total value of the finished uncovered innerspring units exported to the United States. We find that this information adequately meets the requirements of this factor, as discussed above, for the purposes of initiating a circumvention inquiry. Finally, with respect to the additional factors listed under section 781(b)(3) of the Act, we find that imports of uncovered innerspring units from Malaysia has increased steadily since the imposition of the Order and that imports of uncovered innerspring units and key components from the PRC to Malaysia also have increased since the Order took effect. In accordance with section 351.225(l)(2) of the Department’s regulations, if the Department issues a preliminary affirmative determination, we will then instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to suspend liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated duties on the merchandise. This circumvention inquiry covers Reztec. If, within sufficient time, the Department receives a formal request from an interested party regarding potential circumvention of the Order by other Malaysian companies, we will PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 consider conducting additional inquiries concurrently. The Department will establish a schedule for questionnaires and comments on the issues. In accordance with section 351.225(f)(5) of the Department’s regulations, the Department intends to issue its final determination within 300 days of the date of publication of this initiation, in accordance with section 781(f) of the Act. This notice is published in accordance with section 351.225(f) of the Department’s regulations. Dated: May 17, 2012. Christian Marsh, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations. [FR Doc. 2012–12508 Filed 5–22–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–351–840] Certain Orange Juice From Brazil: Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Eastwood or Blaine Wiltse, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–3874 or (202) 482–6345, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AGENCY: Background On March 1, 2012, the Department of Commerce (the Department) published in the Federal Register a notice of ‘‘Opportunity to Request Administrative Review’’ of the antidumping duty order on certain orange juice (OJ) from Brazil for a period of review (POR) of March 1, 2011, through February 29, 2012.1 On March 30, 2012, in accordance with section 751(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), and 19 CFR 351.213(b), the Department received a timely request from Southern Gardens Citrus Processing Corporation (Southern Gardens), a domestic interested party, to conduct an administrative review of the sales of the following companies: Citrovita Agro Industrial Ltd. (Citrovita); Coinbra-Frutesp S.A. (Coinbra Frutesp); 1 See Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity To Request Administrative Review, 77 FR 12559 (Mar. 1, 2012). E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30501-30504]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12508]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[A-570-928]


Uncovered Innerspring Units From the People's Republic of China: 
Initiation of Anticircumvention Inquiry

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

SUMMARY: In response to a request from Leggett & Platt Incorporated 
(``Petitioner''), the Department of Commerce (``the Department'') is 
initiating an anticircumvention inquiry to determine whether certain 
imports are circumventing the antidumping duty order on uncovered 
innerspring units from the People's Republic of China (``PRC'').\1\
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    \1\ See Uncovered Innerspring Units From the People's Republic 
of China: Notice of Antidumping Duty Order, 74 FR 7661 (February 19, 
2009) (``Order'').

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DATES: Effective Date: May 23, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Pulongbarit or Steven Hampton, 
AD/CVD Operations, Office 9, Import Administration, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and 
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-
4031, or (202) 482-0116 respectively.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On December 31, 2007, Petitioner filed a petition seeking 
imposition of antidumping duties on imports of uncovered innerspring 
units from, among other countries, the PRC.\2\ Following completion of 
an investigation by the Department and the U.S. International Trade 
Commission (``the Commission''), the Department imposed antidumping 
duties in the amounts of 234.51 percent on the mandatory respondent, 
Foshan Jingxin Steel & Wire Spring Co., Ltd., and 164.75 percent on 
seven companies that qualified for separate rates.\3\
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    \2\ The petition also included imports of uncovered innerspring 
units from South Africa and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. See 
Uncovered Innerspring Units From the People's Republic of China, 
South Africa, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of 
Antidumping Duty Investigations, 73 FR 4817 (January 28, 2008).
    \3\ Order, 74 FR at 7662.
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    In the second administrative review of the Order,\4\ Petitioner 
requested that the Department review Reztec Industries Sdn Bhd 
(``Reztec'').\5\ The Department initiated the review on March 31, 2011 
\6\ and sent questionnaires to the named respondents, including Reztec. 
On May 19, 2011, in response to the Department's questionnaire, Reztec 
submitted a no-shipment letter to the Department and certified that it 
did not export PRC-origin uncovered innerspring units to the United 
States during the POR.\7\ However, in its no-shipment letter, Reztec 
stated that it, ``does purchase some raw materials from China, some of 
which is {sic{time}  used to produce innerspring units in Malaysia'' 
and that ``{t{time} hese Chinese raw materials are further processed in 
Malaysia and combined with other materials into finished innerspring 
units and mattresses, for sale within Malaysia and for export.'' \8\ On 
April 12, 2012, the Department determined that Reztec did not sell 
subject merchandise during the POR and rescinded the review with 
respect to Reztec.\9\
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    \4\ The second administrative review covered the period of 
review (``POR'') February 1, 2010, through January 31, 2011. See 
Initiation of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, Requests for 
Revocation in Part, and Deferral of Administrative Review, 76 FR 
17825 (March 31, 2011).
    \5\ See also Memorandum to the File from Steven Hampton, 
regarding Placing Supporting Documentation on the Record of the 
Anticircumvention Inquiry: Petitioner's Request from Second 
Administrative Review of Uncovered Innerspring Units from the 
People's Republic of China, dated April 13, 2012 at Attachment 
1.
    \6\ See Initiation of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, 
Requests for Revocation in Part, and Deferral of Administrative 
Review, 76 FR 17825 (March 31, 2011).
    \7\ See also Memorandum to the File from Steven Hampton, 
regarding Placing Supporting Documentation on the Record of the 
Anticircumvention Inquiry: Reztec's No Shipment Letter from the 
Second Administrative Review of Uncovered Innerspring Units from the 
People's Republic of China, dated April 13, 2012 at Attachment 
1 (``No Shipment Letter'').
    \8\ See No Shipment Letter at 2.
    \9\ See Uncovered Innerspring Units From the People's Republic 
of China: Final Results and Final Rescission, in Part, of the 
Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 77 FR 21961, 21962 (April 
12, 2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On February 29, 2012, pursuant to section 781(b) of the Tariff Act 
of 1930, as amended (``the Act''), and section 351.225(h) of the 
Department's regulations, Petitioner submitted a request for the 
Department to initiate an anticircumvention inquiry of Reztec to 
determine whether Reztec's innerspring units completed and assembled in 
Malaysia from PRC-origin components constitute circumvention of the 
Order.\10\ In its request, Petitioner contends that Reztec, by its own 
admission in its no-shipment letter, imports innerspring unit 
components from the PRC to Malaysia, further assembles these components 
into uncovered innerspring units, and exports the assembled innerspring 
units to the United States in the form of subject merchandise.\11\ 
Petitioner argues that Reztec's operations constitute minor further 
assembly in a third country, i.e. Malaysia. On April 2, 2012, the 
Department extended the deadline to initiate a circumvention inquiry by 
45 days, pursuant to section 351.302(b) of the Department's 
regulations.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See Petitioner's February 29, 2012 submission 
(``Circumvention Request'') at 3.
    \11\ See id. at 2-3.
    \12\ See Letter from Paul Walker, Acting Program Manager, to 
Leggett & Platt Incorporated April 2, 2012.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scope of the Order

    The merchandise subject to the order is uncovered innerspring units 
composed of a series of individual metal springs joined together in 
sizes corresponding to the sizes of adult

[[Page 30502]]

mattresses (e.g., twin, twin long, full, full long, queen, California 
king, and king) and units used in smaller constructions, such as crib 
and youth mattresses. All uncovered innerspring units are included in 
the scope regardless of width and length. Included within this 
definition are innersprings typically ranging from 30.5 inches to 76 
inches in width and 68 inches to 84 inches in length. Innersprings for 
crib mattresses typically range from 25 inches to 27 inches in width 
and 50 inches to 52 inches in length.
    Uncovered innerspring units are suitable for use as the innerspring 
component in the manufacture of innerspring mattresses, including 
mattresses that incorporate a foam encasement around the innerspring. 
Pocketed and non-pocketed innerspring units are included in this 
definition. Non-pocketed innersprings are typically joined together 
with helical wire and border rods. Non-pocketed innersprings are 
included in this definition regardless of whether they have border rods 
attached to the perimeter of the innerspring. Pocketed innersprings are 
individual coils covered by a ``pocket'' or ``sock'' of a nonwoven 
synthetic material or woven material and then glued together in a 
linear fashion.
    Uncovered innersprings are classified under subheading 9404.29.9010 
and have also been classified under subheadings 9404.10.0000, 
7326.20.0070, 7320.20.5010, or 7320.90.5010 of the Harmonized Tariff 
Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS''). The HTSUS subheadings are 
provided for convenience and customs purposes only; the written 
description of the scope of the order is dispositive.

Initiation of Circumvention Proceeding

    Section 781(b)(1) of the Act provides that the Department may find 
circumvention of an antidumping duty order when merchandise of the same 
class or kind subject to the order is completed or assembled in a 
foreign country other than the country to which the order applies. In 
conducting circumvention inquiries, under section 781(b)(1) of the Act, 
the Department will also evaluate whether: (1) The process of assembly 
or completion in the other foreign country is minor or insignificant; 
(2) the value of the merchandise produced in the foreign country to 
which the antidumping duty order applies is a significant portion of 
the total value of the merchandise exported to the United States; and 
(3) action is appropriate to prevent evasion of such an order or 
finding. As discussed below, Petitioner has provided evidence with 
respect to these criteria.

A. Merchandise of the Same Class or Kind

    Petitioner argues that merchandise imported by Reztec from Malaysia 
into the United States is of the same class or kind as that subject to 
the Order. Petitioner claims that the uncovered innerspring units that 
Reztec completes or assembles in Malaysia, then ships to the United 
States, are the same class or kind of merchandise as the uncovered 
innerspring units that are subject to the Order.\13\ Petitioner 
contends that there is no question that the uncovered innerspring units 
that Reztec exports to the United States meet the physical 
characteristics that define the scope of the order.\14\ Moreover, 
Petitioner states that Reztec even acknowledged this in the second 
administrative review, where it stated: ``Reztec's products, including 
its uncovered innerspring units sold to the United States, are 
manufactured in Malaysia.'' \15\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See Circumvention Request at 7-19.
    \14\ Id.
    \15\ See No Shipment Letter at 4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Completion of Merchandise in a Foreign Country

    Petitioner notes that the Order clearly indicates that innerspring 
units are assembled from three key components: Steel wire coils, 
helical wires, and in certain cases, border rods.\16\ Petitioner argues 
that Reztec admitted that it imports the key inputs used in the 
production of innerspring units from the PRC that are then ``further 
processed in Malaysia and combined with other materials into finished 
innerspring units and mattresses, for sale within Malaysia and for 
export.'' \17\ While Reztec asserts that it further processes these 
inputs in Malaysia and combines these inputs with other materials into 
finished innerspring units, Petitioner believes that Reztec's further 
processing is minor and instead involves simple assembly 
operations.\18\ Petitioner underscores that there is no dispute that 
this requirement has been met: Reztec itself acknowledges that it 
completes innerspring units in Malaysia from innerspring components 
produced in the PRC.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ See Circumvention Request at 2. The Commission also noted 
that innerspring coils and border rods are major components of an 
innerspring unit. See Uncovered Innerspring Units From South Africa 
and Vietnam, USITC Pub. 4051, Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1141-1142 at I-11 
(December 2008) (hereinafter, ``USITC Uncovered Innersprings 
Report''). In its final determination regarding imports of uncovered 
innersprings from the PRC, the Commission adopted the findings and 
analyses in its determinations and views regarding subject imports 
from South Africa and Vietnam with respect to the domestic like 
product, the domestic industry, cumulation, and material injury. 
Uncovered Innerspring Units from China, USITC Pub. 4061, Inv. No. 
731-TA-1140 at 3 and I-1 (February 2009).
    \17\ See No Shipment Letter at 2.
    \18\ See Circumvention Request at 7-9.
    \19\ See Circumvention Request at 7-8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. Minor or Insignificant Process

    Under section 781(b)(2) of the Act, the Department is required to 
consider five factors to determine whether the process of assembly or 
completion is minor or insignificant. Petitioner believes that an 
examination of these factors indicates that Reztec's process of 
assembly and completion of innerspring units in Malaysia is not 
significant.
(1) Level of Investment
    Petitioner states that the process employed to assemble innerspring 
components into innerspring units is relatively simple and requires 
only limited investment and labor, and that the start-up investment 
costs and the barriers to entry into this type of assembly operation 
(i.e., manual or semi-automated) are low. Petitioner asserts that in 
the most basic, fully-manual operation, coils are assembled manually 
using a wooden or steel jig in which the coils (continuous or bonnell) 
\20\ are hand-loaded, then hand-laced with helical wire and finished by 
clipping the border rods to the unit.\21\ Petitioner posits that the 
cost of a new wooden (or steel) jig is approximately $200-$400.\22\ 
Petitioner argues that the level of investment would also be low if 
Reztec relies on a semi-automated assembly operation where a machine is 
used to assemble the rows of coils.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ Bonnell coils, the most commonly used type of coils in 
innerspring units, have an hour-glass shape which tapers inward from 
top to center and then outward from the center to bottom. Bonnell 
coils are generally the lowest priced units and the type of coil 
generally used in imported innerspring units. Continuous coils have 
entire rows of continuous coils formed from a single piece of wire. 
For a more detailed description of the types of innerspring coils, 
see USITC Uncovered Innersprings Report at I-8 to I-10.
    \21\ See Circumvention Request at 9-10. A somewhat more advanced 
assembly operation may involve manual assembly using a wooden or 
steel jig in which the coils are hand-set, and a lacing machine is 
used to feed the helical to join the rows, and then the borders are 
manually clipped to the unit. Id.
    \22\ Id.
    \23\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Level of Research and Development
    Petitioner is not aware that Reztec performs any research and 
development related to the assembly and/or production of innerspring 
units.\24\ Moreover, Petitioner states that it would not expect Reztec 
to incur any research

[[Page 30503]]

and development expenses related to its innerspring assembly 
operations.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ Id. at 11.
    \25\ Id,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) Nature of the Production Process
    According to Petitioner, the manufacturing process for assembling 
innerspring units from imported components is relatively simple and 
does not require significant start-up costs, sophisticated machinery 
and inputs, or substantial labor.\26\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4) Extent of Production in the Malaysia
    Petitioner notes that Reztec's Web site indicates that it 
``manufacturers in a 60,000 sq. foot plant with a 100,000 sq. foot 
capacity.\27\ Petitioner also claims that only a portion of that 
facility is likely dedicated to assembly operations as Reztec claims to 
also produce other products such as finished mattresses.\28\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ Id. (citing https://www.reztec.com.my); see also id. at 
Exhibit 4.
    \28\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(5) Value of Processing in Malaysia as Compared to Uncovered 
Innerspring Units Imported Into the United States
    Petitioner asserts that the value of assembly processing performed 
in Malaysia represents a small portion of the total value of the 
innerspring units imported into the United States.\29\ Petitioner 
believes Reztec's assembly operations likely rely on relatively 
unskilled, low wage employees.\30\ Thus, these assembly operations 
involve minimal additional labor costs.\31\ Petitioner asserts that by 
any standard, the assembly operations represent an insignificant 
portion of the total value.\32\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ Id.
    \30\ Id. at 12-13.
    \31\ Id. at 13. There are virtually no additional energy costs 
given that the machines, if utilized, are quite basic. The only 
additional material inputs (besides the coils, which represent the 
single largest cost of an innerspring unit) are steel wire for 
lacing and border clips. Id. at 13 n.28.
    \32\ Id. at 13.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Value of Merchandise Produced in PRC
    Petitioner argues that the value of the components that Reztec 
sources in the PRC for further assembly in Malaysia into subject 
merchandise is a significant portion of the total value of the 
innerspring units exported to the United States.\33\ As Petitioner 
noted previously, innerspring coils, helical and border rods are the 
key components of an innerspring unit. Petitioner explains that they 
also constitute a significant portion of the overall costs of an 
innerspring unit.\34\ Petitioner does not have access to other PRC 
innerspring unit producer/exporter costs. Therefore, it conducted an 
analysis related to the production costs of various innerspring unit 
models at its own facility in Guangzhou, PRC. Petitioner believes that 
its operation (and costs) in the PRC are representative of the 
operations (and costs) of other PRC innerspring unit producers/
exporters, as it is the largest producer of innersprings in the 
PRC.\35\ According to Petitioner's analysis of its own production costs 
in the PRC, the total value of these innerspring components compose a 
significant portion of the total value of an innerspring unit.\36\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ Id. at 13-14.
    \34\ Id. at 14.
    \35\ Id.
    \36\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Additional Factors To Consider in Determining Whether Action Is 
Necessary

    Section 781(b)(3) of the Act directs the Department to consider 
additional factors in determining whether to include merchandise 
assembled or completed in a foreign country within the scope of the 
Order. Petitioner argues that since the Order was imposed, imports into 
the United States from Malaysia of uncovered innerspring units have 
spiked. Malaysia's imports from the PRC of key inputs have also 
increased. Moreover, Petitioner believes that Reztec has close 
relationships with several PRC producers/exporters named in the 
underlying investigation.
(1) Pattern of Trade
    Based on official U.S. import data, Petitioner contends that 
imports of uncovered innerspring units from Malaysia have increased 
dramatically since the Order was imposed.\37\ Petitioner provided a 
chart that illustrated the U.S. annual imports from Malaysia under the 
relevant HTSUS subheadings.\38\ Petitioner states that prior to 2009, 
there were virtually no imports of uncovered innerspring units from 
Malaysia to the U.S.\39\ However, according to the table, subject 
imports from Malaysia to the U.S. have steadily increased: 185,917 
pieces were imported in 2009, 312,181 pieces were imported in 2010, and 
316,687 pieces were imported from January 2011 to November 2011 under 
HTSUS 9404.29.9011.\40\ Petitioner claims that the actual level of 
imports is likely higher as innerspring units are often erroneously 
classified under various other classifications.\41\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ Id. at 14-15. Petitioner states that until 2011, U.S. 
imports of uncovered innerspring units were properly classified and 
entered the United States under harmonized tariff schedule (``HTS'') 
9404.29.9010 (``uncovered innerspring units''). In 2011, the HTS 
classification for uncovered innerspring units was refined and 
further broken out to provide a separate ten-digit classification 
for innerspring units used in cribs and toddler beds. Thus, HTS 
9409.29.9010 was eliminated and replaced with 9404.29.9005 
(Uncovered innerspring units: For use in a crib or toddler bed) and 
9404.29.9011 (Uncovered innerspring units: Other). Petitioner notes 
that the Order covers innerspring units in both of these HTS 
classifications. Id. at 15.
    \38\ Id. at 15 n. 31. Petitioner notes that there were no U.S. 
imports from Malaysia in YTD 2011 under HTS 9404.29.9005.
    \39\ Id. at 15.
    \40\ Id.
    \41\ Id. at 15 n.32 (citing USITC Uncovered Innerspring Report 
at I-6, I-7 and IV-1, IV-2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Petitioner argues that in its No Shipment Letter, Reztec identified 
certain companies in the PRC as its suppliers of innerspring unit 
inputs.\42\ Petitioner believes that this constitutes circumvention of 
the Order, and suggests that Reztec's operations and activities warrant 
additional investigation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ Id. at 16 (citing No Shipment Letter at 2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Increase of Subject Imports From the PRC to Malaysia After the 
Investigation Initiation
    Petitioner contends that Malaysia's official import statistics 
indicated that imports from the PRC of the key component in innerspring 
units, i.e., coils, have increased substantially since the Order was 
imposed.\43\ Petitioner provided a chart of import data related to 
Malaysia's imports of coils from the PRC over the last several years 
and year-to-date 2011 under HTS 7320.99.000 (other springs and leaves 
for springs, of iron/steel, kilograms (``kgs'')). This chart shows an 
increase of imported coils from 2,619,670 kgs in 2007 to 9,518.181 kgs 
in 2010, and 8,634,757 kgs year-to-date for 2011.\44\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ Id. at 16.
    \44\ Id. at 16. Petitioner also provided a description of 
Malaysia's relevant HTS numbers. Id. at Exhibit 8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Analysis of the Request
    Based on our analysis of Petitioner's circumvention inquiry 
request, the Department determines that Petitioner has satisfied the 
criteria under section 781(b)(1) of the Act to warrant an initiation of 
a formal circumvention inquiry. In accordance with section 351.225(e) 
of the Department's regulations, the Department finds that the issue of 
whether a product is included within the scope of an order cannot be 
determined based solely upon the application and the descriptions of 
the merchandise. Accordingly, the Department will notify by mail all 
parties on the Department's scope service list of the initiation of a 
circumvention inquiry. In addition, in accordance with section 
351.225(f)(1)(ii)

[[Page 30504]]

of the Department's regulations, a notice of the initiation of a 
circumvention inquiry issued under section 351.225(e) of the 
Department's regulations includes a description of the product that is 
the subject of the circumvention inquiry--uncovered innerspring units 
that contain the characteristics as provided in the scope of the Order, 
and an explanation of the reasons for the Department's decision to 
initiate a circumvention inquiry, as provided below.
    With regard to whether the merchandise from the Malaysia is of the 
same class or kind as the merchandise produced in the PRC, Petitioner 
has presented information to the Department indicating that, pursuant 
to section 781(b)(1)(A) of the Act, the merchandise being produced in 
and/or exported from Malaysia by Reztec may be of the same class or 
kind as uncovered innerspring units produced in the PRC, which is 
subject to the Order. Consequently, the Department finds that 
Petitioner has provided sufficient information in its request regarding 
the class of kind of merchandise to support the initiation of a 
circumvention inquiry.
    With regard to completion or assembly of merchandise in a foreign 
country, pursuant to section 781(b)(1)(B) of the Act, Petitioner has 
also presented information to the Department indicating that the 
uncovered innerspring units exported from Malaysia to the United States 
are assembled by Reztec in Malaysia using key components from the PRC 
that account for a significant portion of the total costs related to 
the production of uncovered innerspring units. We find that the 
information presented by Petitioner regarding this criterion supports 
its request to initiate a circumvention inquiry.
    The Department finds that Petitioner sufficiently addressed the 
factors described in section 781(b)(1)(C) and 781(b)(2) of the Act 
regarding whether the assembly or completion of uncovered innerspring 
units in the Malaysia is minor or insignificant. Specifically, in 
support of its argument, Petitioner relied on its own experience and 
surrogate values from the less-than-fair-value investigation. Thus, we 
find that the information presented by Petitioner supports their 
request to initiate a circumvention inquiry. In particular, we find 
that Petitioner's submission asserts that: (1) Little investment has 
been made by Reztec in its uncovered innerspring unit operations in 
Malaysia; (2) Reztec has fully integrated production facilities in the 
PRC, and therefore, research and development presumably takes place in 
the PRC rather than the Malaysia; (3) the assembly or completion of key 
uncovered innerspring unit components in Malaysia does not alter the 
fundamental characteristics of the uncovered innerspring unit, nor does 
it remove it from the scope of the Order; (4) Reztec has a lower 
investment level than other companies that produce uncovered 
innerspring units; and (5) further assembly or completion of key 
uncovered innerspring unit components in Malaysia adds little value to 
the merchandise imported to the United States. Our analysis will focus 
on Reztec's assembly operations in the Malaysia and, in the context of 
this proceeding, we will closely examine the manner in which this 
company's processing materials are obtained, whether those materials 
are considered subject to the scope of the Order, and the extent of 
processing in Malaysia, as well as the manner in which production and 
sales relationships are conducted with the alleged PRC suppliers.
    With respect to the value of the merchandise produced in the PRC, 
pursuant to section 781(b)(1)(D) of the Act, Petitioner relied on its 
own production experience in the PRC and arguments in the ``minor or 
insignificant process'' portion of its circumvention request to 
indicate that the value of the key components produced in the PRC may 
be significant relative to the total value of the finished uncovered 
innerspring units exported to the United States. We find that this 
information adequately meets the requirements of this factor, as 
discussed above, for the purposes of initiating a circumvention 
inquiry.
    Finally, with respect to the additional factors listed under 
section 781(b)(3) of the Act, we find that imports of uncovered 
innerspring units from Malaysia has increased steadily since the 
imposition of the Order and that imports of uncovered innerspring units 
and key components from the PRC to Malaysia also have increased since 
the Order took effect.
    In accordance with section 351.225(l)(2) of the Department's 
regulations, if the Department issues a preliminary affirmative 
determination, we will then instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
to suspend liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated duties 
on the merchandise. This circumvention inquiry covers Reztec. If, 
within sufficient time, the Department receives a formal request from 
an interested party regarding potential circumvention of the Order by 
other Malaysian companies, we will consider conducting additional 
inquiries concurrently.
    The Department will establish a schedule for questionnaires and 
comments on the issues. In accordance with section 351.225(f)(5) of the 
Department's regulations, the Department intends to issue its final 
determination within 300 days of the date of publication of this 
initiation, in accordance with section 781(f) of the Act. This notice 
is published in accordance with section 351.225(f) of the Department's 
regulations.

    Dated: May 17, 2012.
Christian Marsh,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty 
Operations.
[FR Doc. 2012-12508 Filed 5-22-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P

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