Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts From Thailand: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigation, 29836-29840 [2017-13824]

Download as PDF 29836 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2017 / Notices Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.310(c), interested parties who wish to request a hearing, limited to issues raised in the case and rebuttal briefs, must submit a written request to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance, U.S. Department of Commerce, within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice. Requests should contain the party’s name, address, and telephone number, the number of participants, whether any participant is a foreign national, and a list of the issues to be discussed. If a request for a hearing is made, the Department intends to hold the hearing at the U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230, at a time and date to be determined. Parties should confirm by telephone the date, time, and location of the hearing two days before the scheduled date. International Trade Commission Notification In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, the Department intends to notify the International Trade Commission (ITC) of its preliminary affirmative determination. If the final determination is affirmative, the ITC will determine before the later of 120 days after the date of this preliminary determination or 45 days after the final determination whether these imports are materially injuring, or threaten material injury to, the U.S. industry. Notification to Interested Parties We intend to issue and publish this notice in accordance with sections 733(f) and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(c). Dated: June 23, 2017. Ronald Lorentzen, Acting Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES Appendix I Scope of the Investigation The merchandise covered by this investigation is softwood lumber, siding, flooring and certain other coniferous wood (softwood lumber products). The scope includes: • Coniferous wood, sawn, or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, whether or not sanded, or whether or not finger-jointed, of an actual thickness exceeding six millimeters. • Coniferous wood siding, flooring, and other coniferous wood (other than moldings and dowel rods), including strips and friezes for parquet flooring, that is continuously shaped (including, but not limited to, tongued, grooved, rebated, chamfered, Vjointed, beaded, molded, rounded) along any of its edges, ends, or faces, whether or not VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:32 Jun 29, 2017 Jkt 241001 planed, whether or not sanded, or whether or not end-jointed. • Coniferous drilled and notched lumber and angle cut lumber. • Coniferous lumber stacked on edge and fastened together with nails, whether or not with plywood sheathing. • Components or parts of semi-finished or unassembled finished products made from subject merchandise that would otherwise meet the definition of the scope above. Softwood lumber product imports are generally entered under Chapter 44 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).18 This chapter of the HTSUS covers ‘‘Wood and articles of wood.’’ Softwood lumber products that are subject to this investigation are currently classifiable under the following ten-digit HTSUS subheadings in Chapter 44: 4407.10.01.01; 4407.10.01.02; 4407.10.01.15; 4407.10.01.16; 4407.10.01.17; 4407.10.01.18; 4407.10.01.19; 4407.10.01.20; 4407.10.01.42; 4407.10.01.43; 4407.10.01.44; 4407.10.01.45; 4407.10.01.46; 4407.10.01.47; 4407.10.01.48; 4407.10.01.49; 4407.10.01.52; 4407.10.01.53; 4407.10.01.54; 4407.10.01.55; 4407.10.01.56; 4407.10.01.57; 4407.10.01.58; 4407.10.01.59; 4407.10.01.64; 4407.10.01.65; 4407.10.01.66; 4407.10.01.67; 4407.10.01.68; 4407.10.01.69; 4407.10.01.74; 4407.10.01.75; 4407.10.01.76; 4407.10.01.77; 4407.10.01.82; 4407.10.01.83; 4407.10.01.92; 4407.10.01.93; 4409.10.05.00; 4409.10.10.20; 4409.10.10.40; 4409.10.10.60; 4409.10.10.80; 4409.10.20.00; 4409.10.90.20; 4409.10.90.40; and 4418.99.10.00. Subject merchandise as described above might be identified on entry documentation as stringers, square cut box-spring-frame components, fence pickets, truss components, pallet components, flooring, and door and window frame parts. Items so identified might be entered under the following ten-digit HTSUS subheadings in Chapter 44: 4415.20.40.00; 4415.20.80.00; 4418.99.90.05; 4418.99.90.20; 4418.99.90.40; 4418.99.90.95; 4421.91.70.40; and 4421.91.97.80. Although these HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of these investigations is dispositive. The scope of the order excludes the following items: U.S.-origin lumber shipped to Canada for processing and imported into the United States is excluded from the scope of the investigations if the processing occurring in Canada is limited to one or more of the following: (1) Kiln drying; (2) planing to create smooth-to-size board; or (3) sanding. Box-spring frame kits are excluded if they contain the following wooden pieces—two side rails, two end (or top) rails and varying numbers of slats. The side rails and the end rails must be radius-cut at both ends. The kits must be individually packaged and must contain the exact number of wooden components needed to make a particular box spring frame, with no further processing required. None of the components exceeds 1″ in actual thickness or 83″ in length. 18 Throughout this document, all references to the HTSUS are based on the HTSUS as it exists at https://hts.usitc.gov/current. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Radius-cut box-spring-frame components, not exceeding 1″ in actual thickness or 83″ in length, ready for assembly without further processing are excluded. The radius cuts must be present on both ends of the boards and must be substantially cut so as to completely round one corner. Appendix II List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum I. Summary II. Background III. Period of Investigation IV. Critical Circumstances V. Scope of the Investigation VI. Scope Comments VII. Affiliation and Collapsing of Affiliates VIII. Discussion of the Methodology A. Determination of the Comparison Method B. Results of the Differential Pricing Analysis IX. Product Comparisons X. Date of Sale XI. Random-Length Board Sales XII. Export Price and Constructed Export Price XIII. Normal Value A. Home Market Viability B. Level of Trade C. Cost of Production (COP) Analysis 1. Calculation of COP 2. Test of Comparison-Market Sales Prices 3. Results of the COP Test D. Calculation of NV Based on Comparison-Market Prices E. Price-to-CV Comparisons XIV. Currency Conversion XV. Conclusion [FR Doc. 2017–13794 Filed 6–29–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [C–549–834] Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts From Thailand: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigation Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. DATES: Effective June 22, 2017. AGENCY: John Conniff at (202) 482–1009, AD/CVD Operations, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Petition On June 2, 2017, the Department of Commerce (the Department) received a countervailing duty (CVD) petition concerning imports of citric acid and E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2017 / Notices mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES certain citrate salts (citric acid) from Thailand,1 filed in proper form on behalf of Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM); Cargill Incorporated (Cargill); and Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas LLC (Tate & Lyle) (collectively, the petitioners). The Petition was accompanied by antidumping duty (AD) petitions concerning imports of citric acid from Belgium, Colombia and Thailand.2 The petitioners are domestic producers of citric acid.3 On June 7, and June 12, 2017, the Department requested additional information and clarification of certain areas of the Petition.4 The petitioners filed responses to these requests on June 9, and June 14, 2017, respectively.5 In accordance with section 702(b)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), the petitioners allege that imports of citric acid from Thailand received countervailable subsidies from Thai government authorities within the meaning of sections 701 and 771(5) of the Act, and that such imports are materially injuring, or threatening material injury to, an industry in the United States. Also, consistent with section 702(b)(1) of the Act, for those alleged programs on which we are initiating a CVD investigation, the Petition alleged the elements of a subsidy and provided information reasonably available to the petitioners supporting the allegations. The Department finds that the petitioners filed the Petition on behalf of the domestic industry because the petitioners are interested parties as defined in section 771(9)(C) of the Act. The Department also finds that the petitioners demonstrated sufficient industry support with respect to the initiation of the CVD investigation that the petitioners are requesting.6 1 See ‘‘Petitions for the Imposition of Antidumping and Countervailing Duties on Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand,’’ dated June 2, 2017, at Volume V (Petition). 2 See Petition, Volumes II–IV. 3 See Volume I of the Petitions, at 2. 4 See Letter to the petitioners from the Department, ‘‘Petition for the Imposition of Countervailing Duties on Imports of Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Thailand: Supplemental Questions,’’ dated June 7, 2017; see also Letter to the petitioners from the Department concerning supplemental questions on general issues, dated June 12, 2017. 5 See Letter from the petitioners, ‘‘Petitioners’ Responses to Supplemental Questions,’’ dated June 9, 2017; see also Letter from the petitioners, ‘‘Antidumping Duty Investigation of Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand: Petitioners’ Responses to Supplemental Questions—Volume I,’’ dated June 14, 2017 (General Issues Supplement). 6 See ‘‘Determination of Industry Support for the Petitions’’ section, below. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:32 Jun 29, 2017 Jkt 241001 Period of Investigation Because the Petition was filed on June 2, 2017, the period of investigation (POI) is January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016.7 Scope of the Investigation The product covered by this investigation is citric acid and certain citrate salts from Thailand. For a full description of the scope of this investigation, see the ‘‘Scope of the Investigation,’’ in the Appendix to this notice. Comments on Scope of the Investigation During our review of the Petition, the Department issues questions to, and received responses from, the petitioners pertaining to the proposed scope to ensure that the scope language in the Petition would be an accurate reflection of the products for which the domestic industry is seeking relief.8 As discussed in the preamble to the Department’s regulations, we are setting aside a period for interested parties to raise issues regarding product coverage (scope). The Department will consider all comments received from parties and, if necessary, will consult with parties prior to the issuance of the preliminary determinations. If scope comments include factual information (see 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21)), all such factual information should be limited to public information. In order to facilitate preparation of its questionnaires, the Department requests all interested parties to submit such comments by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on July 12, 2017, which is 20 calendar days from the signature date of this notice. Any rebuttal comments, which may include factual information (also limited to public information), must be filed by 5:00 p.m. ET on July 24, 2017, which is the next business day after 10 calendar days after the initial comments. All such comments must be filed on the records of this investigation and each of the concurrent AD investigations. The Department requests that any factual information the parties consider relevant to the scope of this investigation be submitted during this time period. However, if a party subsequently believes that additional factual information pertaining to the scope of the investigation may be relevant, the party may contact the Department and request permission to submit the additional information. As stated above, all such comments must be filed on the records of this 7 See 8 See PO 00000 19 CFR 351.204(b)(2). General Issues Supplement, at 1–4. Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29837 investigation and each of the concurrent AD investigations. Filing Requirements All submissions to the Department must be filed electronically using Enforcement and Compliance’s Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS).9 An electronically-filed document must be received successfully in its entirety by the time and date it is due. Documents excepted from the electronic submission requirements must be filed manually (i.e., in paper form) with Enforcement and Compliance’s APO/Dockets Unit, Room 18022, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230, and stamped with the date and time of receipt by the applicable deadlines. Consultations Pursuant to section 702(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act, the Department notified representatives of the Royal Thai Government (RTG) of the receipt of the Petition. Also, in accordance with section 702(b)(4)(A)(ii) of the Act, the Department provided representatives of the RTG with an opportunity for consultations with respect to the Petition. Consultations with the RTG were held at the Department’s main building on June 14, 2017. The invitation letter and the memorandum regarding these consultations are on file electronically via ACCESS. Determination of Industry Support for the Petition Section 702(b)(1) of the Act requires that a petition be filed on behalf of the domestic industry. Section 702(c)(4)(A) of the Act provides that a petition meets this requirement if the domestic producers or workers who support the petition account for: (i) at least 25 percent of the total production of the domestic like product; and (ii) more than 50 percent of the production of the domestic like product produced by that portion of the industry expressing support for, or opposition to, the petition. Moreover, section 702(c)(4)(D) of the Act provides that, if the petition does not establish support of domestic 9 See 19 CFR 351.303 (for general filing requirements); see also Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: Electronic Filing Procedures; Administrative Protective Order Procedures, 76 FR 39263 (July 6, 2011), for details of the Department’s electronic filing requirements, which went into effect on August 5, 2011. Information on help using ACCESS can be found at https://access.trade.gov/help.aspx, and a handbook can be found at https://access.trade.gov/help/ Handbook%20on%20Electronic%20Filling %20Procedures.pdf. E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 29838 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2017 / Notices mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES producers or workers accounting for more than 50 percent of the total production of the domestic like product, the Department shall: (i) Poll the industry or rely on other information in order to determine if there is support for the petition, as required by subparagraph (A); or (ii) determine industry support using a statistically valid sampling method to poll the ‘‘industry.’’ Section 771(4)(A) of the Act defines the ‘‘industry’’ as the producers, as a whole, of a domestic like product. Thus, to determine whether a petition has the requisite industry support, the statute directs the Department to look to producers and workers who produce the domestic like product. The International Trade Commission (ITC), which is responsible for determining whether ‘‘the domestic industry’’ has been injured, must also determine what constitutes a domestic like product in order to define the industry. While both the Department and the ITC must apply the same statutory definition regarding the domestic like product,10 they do so for different purposes and pursuant to a separate and distinct authority. In addition, the Department’s determination is subject to limitations of time and information. Although this may result in different definitions of the like product, such differences do not render the decision of either agency contrary to law.11 Section 771(10) of the Act defines the domestic like product as ‘‘a product which is like, or in the absence of like, most similar in characteristics and uses with, the article subject to an investigation under this title.’’ Thus, the reference point from which the domestic like product analysis begins is ‘‘the article subject to an investigation’’ (i.e., the class or kind of merchandise to be investigated, which normally will be the scope as defined in the Petition). With regard to the domestic like product, the petitioners do not offer a definition of the domestic like product distinct from the scope of the investigation. Based on our analysis of the information submitted on the record, we have determined that citric acid, as defined in the scope, constitutes a single domestic like product and we have analyzed industry support in terms of that domestic like product.12 10 See section 771(10) of the Act. USEC, Inc. v. United States, 132 F. Supp. 2d 1, 8 (CIT 2001) (citing Algoma Steel Corp., Ltd. v. United States, 688 F. Supp. 639, 644 (CIT 1988), aff’d 865 F.2d 240 (Fed. Cir. 1989)). 12 For a discussion of the domestic like product analysis, see Countervailing Duty Investigation Initiation Checklist: Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Thailand (Thailand CVD Initiation 11 See VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:32 Jun 29, 2017 Jkt 241001 In determining whether the petitioners have standing under section 702(c)(4)(A) of the Act, we considered the industry support data contained in the Petition with reference to the domestic like product as defined in the ‘‘Scope of the Investigation,’’ in the Appendix to this notice. To establish industry support, the petitioners provided their own production of the domestic like product in 2016.13 The petitioners state that they represent the totality of the domestic industry producing citric acid; therefore, the Petition is supported by 100 percent of the U.S. industry.14 Our review of the data provided in the Petition, the General Issues Supplement, and other information readily available to the Department indicates that the petitioners have established industry support for the Petition.15 First, the Petition established support from domestic producers (or workers) accounting for more than 50 percent of the total production of the domestic like product and, as such, the Department is not required to take further action in order to evaluate industry support (e.g., polling).16 Second, the domestic producers (or workers) have met the statutory criteria for industry support under section 702(c)(4)(A)(i) of the Act because the domestic producers (or workers) who support the Petition account for at least 25 percent of the total production of the domestic like product.17 Finally, the domestic producers (or workers) have met the statutory criteria for industry support under section 702(c)(4)(A)(ii) of the Act because the domestic producers (or workers) who support the Petition account for more than 50 percent of the production of the domestic like product produced by that portion of the industry expressing support for, or opposition to, the Petition.18 Accordingly, the Department determines that the Petition was filed on behalf of the domestic Checklist), at Attachment II, Analysis of Industry Support for the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Petitions Covering Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand (Attachment II). This checklist is dated concurrently with this notice and on file electronically via ACCESS. Access to documents filed via ACCESS is also available in the Central Records Unit, Room B8024 of the main Department of Commerce building. 13 See Volume I of the Petition, at Exhibit I–13. 14 Id., at 2–3 and Exhibits I–1 and I–2; see also General Issues Supplement, at 1, 7 and Attachments 1 and 3. 15 See Thailand CVD Initiation Checklist, at Attachment II. 16 See section 702(c)(4)(D) of the Act; see also Thailand CVD Initiation Checklist, at Attachment II. 17 See Thailand CVD Initiation Checklist, at Attachment II. 18 Id. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 industry within the meaning of section 702(b)(1) of the Act. The Department finds that the petitioners filed the Petition on behalf of the domestic industry because they are interested parties as defined in section 771(9)(C) of the Act, and they have demonstrated sufficient industry support with respect to the CVD investigation they are requesting the Department to initiate.19 Injury Test Because Thailand is a ‘‘Subsidies Agreement Country’’ within the meaning of section 701(b) of the Act, section 701(a)(2) of the Act applies to this investigation. Accordingly, the ITC must determine whether imports of the subject merchandise from Thailand materially injure, or threaten material injury to, a U.S. industry. Allegations and Evidence of Material Injury and Causation The petitioners allege that imports of the subject merchandise are benefitting from countervailable subsidies and that such imports are causing, or threaten to cause, material injury to the U.S. industry producing the domestic like product. In addition, the petitioners allege that subject imports exceed the negligibility threshold provided for under section 771(24)(A) of the Act.20 In CVD petitions, section 771(24)(B) of the Act provides that imports of subject merchandise from developing and least developed countries must exceed the negligibility threshold of four percent. The petitioners also demonstrate that subject imports from Thailand, which has been designated as developing country under section 771(36)(A) of the Act, exceed the negligibility threshold of four percent.21 The petitioners contend that the industry’s injured condition is illustrated by reduced market share; underselling and price suppression or depression; lost sales and revenues; adverse impact on the domestic industry’s production, capacity utilization, and U.S. shipments; and declines in financial performance.22 We have assessed the allegations and supporting evidence regarding material injury, threat of material injury, and causation, and we have determined that these allegations are properly supported 19 Id. 20 See Volume I of the Petition, at 21–22 and Exhibit I–12. 21 Id. 22 See Volume I of the Petition, at 17–32 and Exhibits I–7 and I–9—I–15. E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2017 / Notices by adequate evidence, and meet the statutory requirements for initiation.23 Initiation of CVD Investigation Section 702(b)(1) of the Act requires the Department to initiate a CVD investigation whenever an interested party files a CVD petition on behalf of an industry that: (1) Alleges the elements necessary for an imposition of a duty under section 701(a) of the Act; and (2) is accompanied by information reasonably available to the petitioners supporting the allegations. The petitioners allege that producers/ exporters of citric acid in Thailand benefit from countervailable subsidies bestowed by their government. The Department examined the Petition and finds that it complies with the requirements of section 702(b)(1) of the Act. Therefore, in accordance with section 702(b)(1) of the Act, we are initiating this CVD investigation to determine whether manufacturers, producers, and/or exporters of citric acid in Thailand receive countervailable subsidies from Thai government authorities. Under the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, numerous amendments to the AD and CVD law were made.24 The amendments to sections 776 and 782 of the Act are applicable to all determinations made on or after August 6, 2015, and, therefore, apply to this CVD investigation.25 Based on our review of the Petition, we find that there is sufficient information to initiate a CVD investigation on all nine alleged programs. For a full discussion of the basis for our decision to initiate on each program, see the Thailand CVD Initiation Checklist. A public version of the initiation checklist is available on ACCESS. In accordance with section 703(b)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(b)(1), unless postponed, we will make our preliminary determination no later than 65 days after the date of this initiation. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES Respondent Selection Based on information from independent sources, the petitioners 23 See Thailand CVD Initiation Checklist, at Attachment III, Analysis of Allegations and Evidence of Material Injury and Causation for the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Petitions Covering Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand (Attachment III). 24 See Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, Public Law 114–27, 129 Stat. 362 (2015). See also, Dates of Application of Amendments to the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws Made by the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, 80 FR 46793 (August 6, 2015) (Applicability Notice). 25 See Applicability Notice, 80 FR at 46794–95. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:32 Jun 29, 2017 Jkt 241001 identified four companies in Thailand as producers/exporters of citric acid.26 Following standard practice in CVD investigations, the Department intends to review U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data for U.S. imports under the appropriate HTSUS numbers listed in the ‘‘Scope of the Investigation,’’ in the Appendix, below. If the Department determines that, due to the large number of producers or exporters, it cannot individually examine each company based on the Department’s resources, then the Department will select respondents based on the CBP data. We intend to release the CBP data under Administrative Protective Order (APO) to all parties with access to information protected by APO. Comments regarding the CBP data and respondent selection should be submitted seven calendar days after the placement of the CBP data on the record of the investigation. Parties wishing to submit rebuttal comments should submit those comments five calendar days after the deadline for the initial comments. Comments must be filed electronically using ACCESS. An electronically-filed document must be received successfully, in its entirety, by ACCESS no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on the date noted above. We intend to finalize our decision regarding respondent selection within 20 days of publication of this notice. Distribution of Copies of the Petition In accordance with section 702(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.202(f), a copy of the public version of the Petition has been provided to the RTG via ACCESS. To the extent practicable, we will attempt to provide a copy of the public version of the Petition to each known exporter (as named in the Petition), consistent with 19 CFR 351.203(c)(2). ITC Notification We will notify the ITC of our initiation, as required by section 702(d) of the Act. Preliminary Determination by the ITC The ITC will preliminarily determine, within 45 days after the date on which the Petition was filed, whether there is a reasonable indication that imports of citric acid from Thailand are materially injuring, or threatening material injury to, a U.S. industry.27 A negative ITC determination will result in the investigation being terminated.28 26 See Petitions, Volume I at 30–31. section 703(a)(2) of the Act. 28 See section 703(a)(1) of the Act. 27 See PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29839 Otherwise, this investigation will proceed according to statutory and regulatory time limits. Submission of Factual Information Factual information is defined in 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21) as: (i) Evidence submitted in response to questionnaires; (ii) evidence submitted in support of allegations; (iii) publicly available information to value factors under 19 CFR 351.408(c) or to measure the adequacy of remuneration under 19 CFR 351.511(a)(2); (iv) evidence placed on the record by the Department; and (v) evidence other than factual information described in (i)–(iv). Any party, when submitting factual information, must specify under which subsection of 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21) the information is being submitted and, if the information is submitted to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information already on the record, to provide an explanation identifying the information already on the record that the factual information seeks to rebut, clarify, or correct. Time limits for the submission of factual information are addressed in 19 CFR 351.301, which provides specific time limits based on the type of factual information being submitted. Parties should review the regulations prior to submitting factual information in this investigation. Extension of Time Limits Regulation Parties may request an extension of time limits before the expiration of a time limit established under 19 CFR 351.301, or as otherwise specified by the Secretary. In general, an extension request will be considered untimely if it is filed after the expiration of the time limit established under 19 CFR 351.301. For submissions that are due from multiple parties simultaneously, an extension request will be considered untimely if it is filed after 10:00 a.m. on the due date. Under certain circumstances, we may elect to specify a different time limit by which extension requests will be considered untimely for submissions which are due from multiple parties simultaneously. In such a case, we will inform parties in the letter or memorandum setting forth the deadline (including a specified time) by which extension requests must be filed to be considered timely. An extension request must be made in a separate, stand-alone submission; under limited circumstances we will grant untimely-filed requests for the extension of time limits. Review Extension of Time Limits; Final Rule, 78 FR 57790 (September 20, 2013), available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-201309-20/html/2013-22853.htm, prior to E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 29840 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 125 / Friday, June 30, 2017 / Notices submitting factual information in this investigation. Certification Requirements Any party submitting factual information in an AD or CVD proceeding must certify to the accuracy and completeness of that information.29 Parties are hereby reminded that revised certification requirements are in effect for company/government officials, as well as their representatives. Investigations initiated on the basis of petitions filed on or after August 16, 2013, and other segments of any AD or CVD proceedings initiated on or after August 16, 2013, should use the formats for the revised certifications provided at the end of the Final Rule.30 The Department intends to reject factual submissions if the submitting party does not comply with the applicable revised certification requirements. Notification to Interested Parties Interested parties must submit applications for disclosure under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305. On January 22, 2008, the Department published Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: Documents Submission Procedures; APO Procedures, 73 FR 3634 (January 22, 2008). Parties wishing to participate in this investigation should ensure that they meet the requirements of these procedures (e.g., the filing of letters of appearance as discussed at 19 CFR 351.103(d)). This notice is issued and published pursuant to sections 702 and 777(i) of the Act. Dated: June 22, 2017. Ronald K. Lorentzen, Acting Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES Scope of the Investigation The merchandise covered by this investigation includes all grades and granulation sizes of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate in their unblended forms, whether dry or in solution, and regardless of packaging type. The scope also includes blends of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate; as well as blends with other ingredients, such as sugar, where the unblended form(s) of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate constitute 40 percent or more, by weight, of the blend. section 782(b) of the Act. Certification of Factual Information To Import Administration During Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings, 78 FR 42678 (July 17, 2013) (‘‘Final Rule’’); see also frequently asked questions regarding the Final Rule, available at https://enforcement.trade.gov/tlei/notices/factual_ info_final_rule_FAQ_07172013.pdf. 30 See VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:32 Jun 29, 2017 Jkt 241001 [FR Doc. 2017–13824 Filed 6–29–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–570–863] Appendix 29 See The scope also includes all forms of crude calcium citrate, including dicalcium citrate monohydrate, and tricalcium citrate tetrahydrate, which are intermediate products in the production of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate. The scope includes the hydrous and anhydrous forms of citric acid, the dihydrate and anhydrous forms of sodium citrate, otherwise known as citric acid sodium salt, and the monohydrate and monopotassium forms of potassium citrate. Sodium citrate also includes both trisodium citrate and monosodium citrate which are also known as citric acid trisodium salt and citric acid monosodium salt, respectively. The scope does not include calcium citrate that satisfies the standards set forth in the United States Pharmacopeia and has been mixed with a functional excipient, such as dextrose or starch, where the excipient constitutes at least 2 percent, by weight, of the product. Citric acid and sodium citrate are classifiable under 2918.14.0000 and 2918.15.1000 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), respectively. Potassium citrate and crude calcium citrate are classifiable under 2918.15.5000 and, if included in a mixture or blend, 3824.99.9295 of the HTSUS. Blends that include citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate are classifiable under 3824.99.9295 of the HTSUS. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise is dispositive. Honey From the People’s Republic of China: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With Final Results of Review and Notice of Amended Final Results of Review Pursuant to Court Decision Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce (the Department) is notifying the public that the Court of International Trade’s (CIT’s or the Court’s) final judgment in this case is not in harmony with the Department’s final results of review and is, therefore, amending the final dumping duty margin for one reviewed company. DATES: Effective Date: June 10, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Drury, AD/CVD Operations, Office VI, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–0195. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On December 10, 2001, the Department published an amended final determination of sales at less than fair value, and an antidumping duty order, on honey from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).1 As part of the Department’s amended final determination, the Department made affirmative critical circumstances determinations for Zhejiang Native Produce and Animal By-Products Import & Export Corp., a.k.a. Zhejiang Native Produce and Animal By-Products Import and Export Group Corporation (Zhejiang), and certain other firms.2 On January 20, 2003, the Department initiated an administrative review of the antidumping duty order on honey from the PRC covering the period February 10, 2001, through November 30, 2002.3 In the administrative review, the Department determined normal value using a factors of production (FOP) methodology, pursuant to section 773(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act) and selected India as the primary surrogate country from which to derive surrogate values. On May 5, 2004, the Department published the Final Results.4 On June 10, 2004, the Department published the Amended Final Results, which corrected certain ministerial errors.5 In the Amended Final Results, the Department corrected the antidumping duty margin for respondent Zhejiang from 68.35 percent to 67.70 percent ad valorem. Zhejiang challenged the Final Results and Amended Final Results before the CIT. On November 19, 2004, the Department amended the record of the proceeding to add 11 documents that were not included in the original 1 See Notice of Amended Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Antidumping Duty Order; Honey from the People’s Republic of China, 66 FR 63670 (December 10, 2001) (Amended Final Determination and Order). 2 Id., at 63672. 3 See Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Administrative Review and Requests for Revocation in Part, 68 FR 3009 (January 22, 2003) (Initiation Notice). 4 See Honey from the People’s Republic of China: Final Results of First Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 69 FR 25060 (May 5, 2004), and the accompanying ‘‘Issues and Decision Memorandum for the Final Results of the First Administrative Review of the Antidumping Order on Honey from the People’s Republic of China,’’ dated April 28, 2004 (Decision Memorandum) (collectively, Final Results). 5 See Honey from the People’s Republic of China: Amended Final Results of First Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 69 FR 32494 (June 10, 2004) (Amended Final Results). E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 125 (Friday, June 30, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29836-29840]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13824]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[C-549-834]


Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts From Thailand: Initiation 
of Countervailing Duty Investigation

AGENCY: Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, 
Department of Commerce.

DATES: Effective June 22, 2017.


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Conniff at (202) 482-1009, AD/CVD 
Operations, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue 
NW., Washington, DC 20230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

The Petition

    On June 2, 2017, the Department of Commerce (the Department) 
received a countervailing duty (CVD) petition concerning imports of 
citric acid and

[[Page 29837]]

certain citrate salts (citric acid) from Thailand,\1\ filed in proper 
form on behalf of Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM); Cargill 
Incorporated (Cargill); and Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas LLC (Tate 
& Lyle) (collectively, the petitioners). The Petition was accompanied 
by antidumping duty (AD) petitions concerning imports of citric acid 
from Belgium, Colombia and Thailand.\2\ The petitioners are domestic 
producers of citric acid.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See ``Petitions for the Imposition of Antidumping and 
Countervailing Duties on Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from 
Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand,'' dated June 2, 2017, at Volume V 
(Petition).
    \2\ See Petition, Volumes II-IV.
    \3\ See Volume I of the Petitions, at 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On June 7, and June 12, 2017, the Department requested additional 
information and clarification of certain areas of the Petition.\4\ The 
petitioners filed responses to these requests on June 9, and June 14, 
2017, respectively.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Letter to the petitioners from the Department, 
``Petition for the Imposition of Countervailing Duties on Imports of 
Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Thailand: Supplemental 
Questions,'' dated June 7, 2017; see also Letter to the petitioners 
from the Department concerning supplemental questions on general 
issues, dated June 12, 2017.
    \5\ See Letter from the petitioners, ``Petitioners' Responses to 
Supplemental Questions,'' dated June 9, 2017; see also Letter from 
the petitioners, ``Antidumping Duty Investigation of Citric Acid and 
Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand: 
Petitioners' Responses to Supplemental Questions--Volume I,'' dated 
June 14, 2017 (General Issues Supplement).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In accordance with section 702(b)(1) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as 
amended (the Act), the petitioners allege that imports of citric acid 
from Thailand received countervailable subsidies from Thai government 
authorities within the meaning of sections 701 and 771(5) of the Act, 
and that such imports are materially injuring, or threatening material 
injury to, an industry in the United States. Also, consistent with 
section 702(b)(1) of the Act, for those alleged programs on which we 
are initiating a CVD investigation, the Petition alleged the elements 
of a subsidy and provided information reasonably available to the 
petitioners supporting the allegations.
    The Department finds that the petitioners filed the Petition on 
behalf of the domestic industry because the petitioners are interested 
parties as defined in section 771(9)(C) of the Act. The Department also 
finds that the petitioners demonstrated sufficient industry support 
with respect to the initiation of the CVD investigation that the 
petitioners are requesting.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See ``Determination of Industry Support for the Petitions'' 
section, below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Period of Investigation

    Because the Petition was filed on June 2, 2017, the period of 
investigation (POI) is January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2016.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See 19 CFR 351.204(b)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scope of the Investigation

    The product covered by this investigation is citric acid and 
certain citrate salts from Thailand. For a full description of the 
scope of this investigation, see the ``Scope of the Investigation,'' in 
the Appendix to this notice.

Comments on Scope of the Investigation

    During our review of the Petition, the Department issues questions 
to, and received responses from, the petitioners pertaining to the 
proposed scope to ensure that the scope language in the Petition would 
be an accurate reflection of the products for which the domestic 
industry is seeking relief.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ See General Issues Supplement, at 1-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed in the preamble to the Department's regulations, we 
are setting aside a period for interested parties to raise issues 
regarding product coverage (scope). The Department will consider all 
comments received from parties and, if necessary, will consult with 
parties prior to the issuance of the preliminary determinations. If 
scope comments include factual information (see 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21)), 
all such factual information should be limited to public information. 
In order to facilitate preparation of its questionnaires, the 
Department requests all interested parties to submit such comments by 
5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on July 12, 2017, which is 20 calendar days 
from the signature date of this notice. Any rebuttal comments, which 
may include factual information (also limited to public information), 
must be filed by 5:00 p.m. ET on July 24, 2017, which is the next 
business day after 10 calendar days after the initial comments. All 
such comments must be filed on the records of this investigation and 
each of the concurrent AD investigations.
    The Department requests that any factual information the parties 
consider relevant to the scope of this investigation be submitted 
during this time period. However, if a party subsequently believes that 
additional factual information pertaining to the scope of the 
investigation may be relevant, the party may contact the Department and 
request permission to submit the additional information. As stated 
above, all such comments must be filed on the records of this 
investigation and each of the concurrent AD investigations.

Filing Requirements

    All submissions to the Department must be filed electronically 
using Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty 
Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS).\9\ An electronically-
filed document must be received successfully in its entirety by the 
time and date it is due. Documents excepted from the electronic 
submission requirements must be filed manually (i.e., in paper form) 
with Enforcement and Compliance's APO/Dockets Unit, Room 18022, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20230, and stamped with the date and time of receipt by the applicable 
deadlines.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See 19 CFR 351.303 (for general filing requirements); see 
also Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: Electronic 
Filing Procedures; Administrative Protective Order Procedures, 76 FR 
39263 (July 6, 2011), for details of the Department's electronic 
filing requirements, which went into effect on August 5, 2011. 
Information on help using ACCESS can be found at https://access.trade.gov/help.aspx, and a handbook can be found at https://access.trade.gov/help/Handbook%20on%20Electronic%20Filling%20Procedures.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consultations

    Pursuant to section 702(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act, the Department 
notified representatives of the Royal Thai Government (RTG) of the 
receipt of the Petition. Also, in accordance with section 
702(b)(4)(A)(ii) of the Act, the Department provided representatives of 
the RTG with an opportunity for consultations with respect to the 
Petition. Consultations with the RTG were held at the Department's main 
building on June 14, 2017. The invitation letter and the memorandum 
regarding these consultations are on file electronically via ACCESS.

Determination of Industry Support for the Petition

    Section 702(b)(1) of the Act requires that a petition be filed on 
behalf of the domestic industry. Section 702(c)(4)(A) of the Act 
provides that a petition meets this requirement if the domestic 
producers or workers who support the petition account for: (i) at least 
25 percent of the total production of the domestic like product; and 
(ii) more than 50 percent of the production of the domestic like 
product produced by that portion of the industry expressing support 
for, or opposition to, the petition. Moreover, section 702(c)(4)(D) of 
the Act provides that, if the petition does not establish support of 
domestic

[[Page 29838]]

producers or workers accounting for more than 50 percent of the total 
production of the domestic like product, the Department shall: (i) Poll 
the industry or rely on other information in order to determine if 
there is support for the petition, as required by subparagraph (A); or 
(ii) determine industry support using a statistically valid sampling 
method to poll the ``industry.''
    Section 771(4)(A) of the Act defines the ``industry'' as the 
producers, as a whole, of a domestic like product. Thus, to determine 
whether a petition has the requisite industry support, the statute 
directs the Department to look to producers and workers who produce the 
domestic like product. The International Trade Commission (ITC), which 
is responsible for determining whether ``the domestic industry'' has 
been injured, must also determine what constitutes a domestic like 
product in order to define the industry. While both the Department and 
the ITC must apply the same statutory definition regarding the domestic 
like product,\10\ they do so for different purposes and pursuant to a 
separate and distinct authority. In addition, the Department's 
determination is subject to limitations of time and information. 
Although this may result in different definitions of the like product, 
such differences do not render the decision of either agency contrary 
to law.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See section 771(10) of the Act.
    \11\ See USEC, Inc. v. United States, 132 F. Supp. 2d 1, 8 (CIT 
2001) (citing Algoma Steel Corp., Ltd. v. United States, 688 F. 
Supp. 639, 644 (CIT 1988), aff'd 865 F.2d 240 (Fed. Cir. 1989)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 771(10) of the Act defines the domestic like product as ``a 
product which is like, or in the absence of like, most similar in 
characteristics and uses with, the article subject to an investigation 
under this title.'' Thus, the reference point from which the domestic 
like product analysis begins is ``the article subject to an 
investigation'' (i.e., the class or kind of merchandise to be 
investigated, which normally will be the scope as defined in the 
Petition).
    With regard to the domestic like product, the petitioners do not 
offer a definition of the domestic like product distinct from the scope 
of the investigation. Based on our analysis of the information 
submitted on the record, we have determined that citric acid, as 
defined in the scope, constitutes a single domestic like product and we 
have analyzed industry support in terms of that domestic like 
product.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ For a discussion of the domestic like product analysis, see 
Countervailing Duty Investigation Initiation Checklist: Citric Acid 
and Certain Citrate Salts from Thailand (Thailand CVD Initiation 
Checklist), at Attachment II, Analysis of Industry Support for the 
Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Petitions Covering Citric Acid 
and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand 
(Attachment II). This checklist is dated concurrently with this 
notice and on file electronically via ACCESS. Access to documents 
filed via ACCESS is also available in the Central Records Unit, Room 
B8024 of the main Department of Commerce building.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In determining whether the petitioners have standing under section 
702(c)(4)(A) of the Act, we considered the industry support data 
contained in the Petition with reference to the domestic like product 
as defined in the ``Scope of the Investigation,'' in the Appendix to 
this notice. To establish industry support, the petitioners provided 
their own production of the domestic like product in 2016.\13\ The 
petitioners state that they represent the totality of the domestic 
industry producing citric acid; therefore, the Petition is supported by 
100 percent of the U.S. industry.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See Volume I of the Petition, at Exhibit I-13.
    \14\ Id., at 2-3 and Exhibits I-1 and I-2; see also General 
Issues Supplement, at 1, 7 and Attachments 1 and 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Our review of the data provided in the Petition, the General Issues 
Supplement, and other information readily available to the Department 
indicates that the petitioners have established industry support for 
the Petition.\15\ First, the Petition established support from domestic 
producers (or workers) accounting for more than 50 percent of the total 
production of the domestic like product and, as such, the Department is 
not required to take further action in order to evaluate industry 
support (e.g., polling).\16\ Second, the domestic producers (or 
workers) have met the statutory criteria for industry support under 
section 702(c)(4)(A)(i) of the Act because the domestic producers (or 
workers) who support the Petition account for at least 25 percent of 
the total production of the domestic like product.\17\ Finally, the 
domestic producers (or workers) have met the statutory criteria for 
industry support under section 702(c)(4)(A)(ii) of the Act because the 
domestic producers (or workers) who support the Petition account for 
more than 50 percent of the production of the domestic like product 
produced by that portion of the industry expressing support for, or 
opposition to, the Petition.\18\ Accordingly, the Department determines 
that the Petition was filed on behalf of the domestic industry within 
the meaning of section 702(b)(1) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See Thailand CVD Initiation Checklist, at Attachment II.
    \16\ See section 702(c)(4)(D) of the Act; see also Thailand CVD 
Initiation Checklist, at Attachment II.
    \17\ See Thailand CVD Initiation Checklist, at Attachment II.
    \18\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Department finds that the petitioners filed the Petition on 
behalf of the domestic industry because they are interested parties as 
defined in section 771(9)(C) of the Act, and they have demonstrated 
sufficient industry support with respect to the CVD investigation they 
are requesting the Department to initiate.\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Injury Test

    Because Thailand is a ``Subsidies Agreement Country'' within the 
meaning of section 701(b) of the Act, section 701(a)(2) of the Act 
applies to this investigation. Accordingly, the ITC must determine 
whether imports of the subject merchandise from Thailand materially 
injure, or threaten material injury to, a U.S. industry.

Allegations and Evidence of Material Injury and Causation

    The petitioners allege that imports of the subject merchandise are 
benefitting from countervailable subsidies and that such imports are 
causing, or threaten to cause, material injury to the U.S. industry 
producing the domestic like product. In addition, the petitioners 
allege that subject imports exceed the negligibility threshold provided 
for under section 771(24)(A) of the Act.\20\ In CVD petitions, section 
771(24)(B) of the Act provides that imports of subject merchandise from 
developing and least developed countries must exceed the negligibility 
threshold of four percent. The petitioners also demonstrate that 
subject imports from Thailand, which has been designated as developing 
country under section 771(36)(A) of the Act, exceed the negligibility 
threshold of four percent.\21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ See Volume I of the Petition, at 21-22 and Exhibit I-12.
    \21\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The petitioners contend that the industry's injured condition is 
illustrated by reduced market share; underselling and price suppression 
or depression; lost sales and revenues; adverse impact on the domestic 
industry's production, capacity utilization, and U.S. shipments; and 
declines in financial performance.\22\ We have assessed the allegations 
and supporting evidence regarding material injury, threat of material 
injury, and causation, and we have determined that these allegations 
are properly supported

[[Page 29839]]

by adequate evidence, and meet the statutory requirements for 
initiation.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ See Volume I of the Petition, at 17-32 and Exhibits I-7 and 
I-9--I-15.
    \23\ See Thailand CVD Initiation Checklist, at Attachment III, 
Analysis of Allegations and Evidence of Material Injury and 
Causation for the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Petitions 
Covering Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts from Belgium, 
Colombia, and Thailand (Attachment III).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Initiation of CVD Investigation

    Section 702(b)(1) of the Act requires the Department to initiate a 
CVD investigation whenever an interested party files a CVD petition on 
behalf of an industry that: (1) Alleges the elements necessary for an 
imposition of a duty under section 701(a) of the Act; and (2) is 
accompanied by information reasonably available to the petitioners 
supporting the allegations.
    The petitioners allege that producers/exporters of citric acid in 
Thailand benefit from countervailable subsidies bestowed by their 
government. The Department examined the Petition and finds that it 
complies with the requirements of section 702(b)(1) of the Act. 
Therefore, in accordance with section 702(b)(1) of the Act, we are 
initiating this CVD investigation to determine whether manufacturers, 
producers, and/or exporters of citric acid in Thailand receive 
countervailable subsidies from Thai government authorities.
    Under the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, numerous 
amendments to the AD and CVD law were made.\24\ The amendments to 
sections 776 and 782 of the Act are applicable to all determinations 
made on or after August 6, 2015, and, therefore, apply to this CVD 
investigation.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ See Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, Public Law 
114-27, 129 Stat. 362 (2015). See also, Dates of Application of 
Amendments to the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws Made by 
the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, 80 FR 46793 (August 6, 
2015) (Applicability Notice).
    \25\ See Applicability Notice, 80 FR at 46794-95.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on our review of the Petition, we find that there is 
sufficient information to initiate a CVD investigation on all nine 
alleged programs. For a full discussion of the basis for our decision 
to initiate on each program, see the Thailand CVD Initiation Checklist. 
A public version of the initiation checklist is available on ACCESS.
    In accordance with section 703(b)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 
351.205(b)(1), unless postponed, we will make our preliminary 
determination no later than 65 days after the date of this initiation.

Respondent Selection

    Based on information from independent sources, the petitioners 
identified four companies in Thailand as producers/exporters of citric 
acid.\26\ Following standard practice in CVD investigations, the 
Department intends to review U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
data for U.S. imports under the appropriate HTSUS numbers listed in the 
``Scope of the Investigation,'' in the Appendix, below. If the 
Department determines that, due to the large number of producers or 
exporters, it cannot individually examine each company based on the 
Department's resources, then the Department will select respondents 
based on the CBP data. We intend to release the CBP data under 
Administrative Protective Order (APO) to all parties with access to 
information protected by APO. Comments regarding the CBP data and 
respondent selection should be submitted seven calendar days after the 
placement of the CBP data on the record of the investigation. Parties 
wishing to submit rebuttal comments should submit those comments five 
calendar days after the deadline for the initial comments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ See Petitions, Volume I at 30-31.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comments must be filed electronically using ACCESS. An 
electronically-filed document must be received successfully, in its 
entirety, by ACCESS no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on the date noted above. 
We intend to finalize our decision regarding respondent selection 
within 20 days of publication of this notice.

Distribution of Copies of the Petition

    In accordance with section 702(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act and 19 CFR 
351.202(f), a copy of the public version of the Petition has been 
provided to the RTG via ACCESS. To the extent practicable, we will 
attempt to provide a copy of the public version of the Petition to each 
known exporter (as named in the Petition), consistent with 19 CFR 
351.203(c)(2).

ITC Notification

    We will notify the ITC of our initiation, as required by section 
702(d) of the Act.

Preliminary Determination by the ITC

    The ITC will preliminarily determine, within 45 days after the date 
on which the Petition was filed, whether there is a reasonable 
indication that imports of citric acid from Thailand are materially 
injuring, or threatening material injury to, a U.S. industry.\27\ A 
negative ITC determination will result in the investigation being 
terminated.\28\ Otherwise, this investigation will proceed according to 
statutory and regulatory time limits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ See section 703(a)(2) of the Act.
    \28\ See section 703(a)(1) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Submission of Factual Information

    Factual information is defined in 19 CFR 351.102(b)(21) as: (i) 
Evidence submitted in response to questionnaires; (ii) evidence 
submitted in support of allegations; (iii) publicly available 
information to value factors under 19 CFR 351.408(c) or to measure the 
adequacy of remuneration under 19 CFR 351.511(a)(2); (iv) evidence 
placed on the record by the Department; and (v) evidence other than 
factual information described in (i)-(iv). Any party, when submitting 
factual information, must specify under which subsection of 19 CFR 
351.102(b)(21) the information is being submitted and, if the 
information is submitted to rebut, clarify, or correct factual 
information already on the record, to provide an explanation 
identifying the information already on the record that the factual 
information seeks to rebut, clarify, or correct. Time limits for the 
submission of factual information are addressed in 19 CFR 351.301, 
which provides specific time limits based on the type of factual 
information being submitted. Parties should review the regulations 
prior to submitting factual information in this investigation.

Extension of Time Limits Regulation

    Parties may request an extension of time limits before the 
expiration of a time limit established under 19 CFR 351.301, or as 
otherwise specified by the Secretary. In general, an extension request 
will be considered untimely if it is filed after the expiration of the 
time limit established under 19 CFR 351.301. For submissions that are 
due from multiple parties simultaneously, an extension request will be 
considered untimely if it is filed after 10:00 a.m. on the due date. 
Under certain circumstances, we may elect to specify a different time 
limit by which extension requests will be considered untimely for 
submissions which are due from multiple parties simultaneously. In such 
a case, we will inform parties in the letter or memorandum setting 
forth the deadline (including a specified time) by which extension 
requests must be filed to be considered timely. An extension request 
must be made in a separate, stand-alone submission; under limited 
circumstances we will grant untimely-filed requests for the extension 
of time limits. Review Extension of Time Limits; Final Rule, 78 FR 
57790 (September 20, 2013), available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-09-20/html/2013-22853.htm, prior to

[[Page 29840]]

submitting factual information in this investigation.

Certification Requirements

    Any party submitting factual information in an AD or CVD proceeding 
must certify to the accuracy and completeness of that information.\29\ 
Parties are hereby reminded that revised certification requirements are 
in effect for company/government officials, as well as their 
representatives. Investigations initiated on the basis of petitions 
filed on or after August 16, 2013, and other segments of any AD or CVD 
proceedings initiated on or after August 16, 2013, should use the 
formats for the revised certifications provided at the end of the Final 
Rule.\30\ The Department intends to reject factual submissions if the 
submitting party does not comply with the applicable revised 
certification requirements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ See section 782(b) of the Act.
    \30\ See Certification of Factual Information To Import 
Administration During Antidumping and Countervailing Duty 
Proceedings, 78 FR 42678 (July 17, 2013) (``Final Rule''); see also 
frequently asked questions regarding the Final Rule, available at 
https://enforcement.trade.gov/tlei/notices/factual_info_final_rule_FAQ_07172013.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notification to Interested Parties

    Interested parties must submit applications for disclosure under 
APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305. On January 22, 2008, the 
Department published Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: 
Documents Submission Procedures; APO Procedures, 73 FR 3634 (January 
22, 2008). Parties wishing to participate in this investigation should 
ensure that they meet the requirements of these procedures (e.g., the 
filing of letters of appearance as discussed at 19 CFR 351.103(d)).
    This notice is issued and published pursuant to sections 702 and 
777(i) of the Act.

    Dated: June 22, 2017.
Ronald K. Lorentzen,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.

Appendix

Scope of the Investigation

    The merchandise covered by this investigation includes all 
grades and granulation sizes of citric acid, sodium citrate, and 
potassium citrate in their unblended forms, whether dry or in 
solution, and regardless of packaging type. The scope also includes 
blends of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate; as 
well as blends with other ingredients, such as sugar, where the 
unblended form(s) of citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium 
citrate constitute 40 percent or more, by weight, of the blend.
    The scope also includes all forms of crude calcium citrate, 
including dicalcium citrate monohydrate, and tricalcium citrate 
tetrahydrate, which are intermediate products in the production of 
citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate.
    The scope includes the hydrous and anhydrous forms of citric 
acid, the dihydrate and anhydrous forms of sodium citrate, otherwise 
known as citric acid sodium salt, and the monohydrate and 
monopotassium forms of potassium citrate. Sodium citrate also 
includes both trisodium citrate and monosodium citrate which are 
also known as citric acid trisodium salt and citric acid monosodium 
salt, respectively.
    The scope does not include calcium citrate that satisfies the 
standards set forth in the United States Pharmacopeia and has been 
mixed with a functional excipient, such as dextrose or starch, where 
the excipient constitutes at least 2 percent, by weight, of the 
product.
    Citric acid and sodium citrate are classifiable under 
2918.14.0000 and 2918.15.1000 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of 
the United States (HTSUS), respectively. Potassium citrate and crude 
calcium citrate are classifiable under 2918.15.5000 and, if included 
in a mixture or blend, 3824.99.9295 of the HTSUS. Blends that 
include citric acid, sodium citrate, and potassium citrate are 
classifiable under 3824.99.9295 of the HTSUS. Although the HTSUS 
subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the 
written description of the merchandise is dispositive.

[FR Doc. 2017-13824 Filed 6-29-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
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