Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From Bahrain: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination, and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination, 49636-49638 [2020-17835]

Download as PDF 49636 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 158 / Friday, August 14, 2020 / Notices not limited to annealing, tempering, painting, varnishing, trimming, cutting, punching, and/or slitting, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of this investigation if performed in the country of manufacture of the aluminum sheet. Excluded from the scope of this investigation is aluminum can stock, which is suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum beverage cans, lids of such cans, or tabs used to open such cans. Aluminum can stock is produced to gauges that range from 0.200 mm to 0.292 mm, and has an H– 19, H–41, H–48, or H–391 temper. In addition, aluminum can stock has a lubricant applied to the flat surfaces of the can stock to facilitate its Start Printed Page 2159 movement through machines used in the manufacture of beverage cans. Aluminum can stock is properly classified under HTSUS subheadings 7606.12.3045 and 7606.12.3055. Where the nominal and actual measurements vary, a product is within the scope if application of either the nominal or actual measurement would place it within the scope based on the definitions set for the above. Aluminum sheet is currently classifiable under HTSUS subheadings 7606.11.3060, 7606.1l 6000, 7606.12.3096, 7606.12.6000, 7606.91.3095, 7606.9.6095, 7606.92.3035, and 7606.92.6095. Further, merchandise that falls within the scope of this investigation may also be entered into the United States under HTSUS subheadings 7606.11.3030, 7606.12.3015, 7606.12.3025, 7606.12.3035, 7606.12.3091, 7606.91.3055, 7606.91.6055, 7606.92.3025, 7606.92.6055, 7607.11.9090. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of this investigation is dispositive. Appendix II List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum I. Summary II. Background III. Scope Comments IV. Scope of the Investigation V. Subsidies Valuation VI. Benchmarks and Interest Rates VII. Use of Facts Otherwise Available and Adverse Inferences VIII. Analysis of Programs IX. Calculation of All-Others Rate X. Conclusion [FR Doc. 2020–17845 Filed 8–13–20; 8:45 am] khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:29 Aug 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [C–525–002] Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From Bahrain: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination, and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily determines that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of common alloy aluminum sheet (aluminum sheet) from Bahrain. The period of investigation is January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary determination. DATES: Applicable August 14, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Schauer, AD/CVD Operations, Office I, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–0410. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AGENCY: Background This preliminary determination is made in accordance with section 703(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Commerce published the notice of initiation of this investigation on April 7, 2020.1 On May 19, 2020, Commerce postponed the preliminary determination of this investigation and the revised deadline is now August 7, 2020.2 For a complete description of the events that followed the initiation of this investigation, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.3 A list of topics discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum is included as Appendix II to this notice. The Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance’s 1 See Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, India, and the Republic of Turkey: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigations, 85 FR 19449 (April 7, 2020) (Initiation Notice). 2 See Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, India, and the Republic of Turkey: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Countervailing Duty Investigations, 85 FR 29930 (May 19, 2020). 3 See Memorandum, ‘‘Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Affirmative Determination: Countervailing Duty Investigation of Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain,’’ dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision Memorandum). PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https:// access.trade.gov. In addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://enforcement.trade.gov/frn/. The signed and electronic versions of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum are identical in content. Scope of the Investigation The product covered by this investigation is aluminum sheet from Bahrain. For a complete description of the scope of this investigation, see Appendix I. Scope Comments In accordance with the Preamble to Commerce’s regulations,4 we set aside a period of time, as stated in the Initiation Notice, for parties to raise issues regarding product coverage (i.e., scope).5 We received several comments concerning the scope of the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of aluminum sheet as it appeared in the Initiation Notice. We are currently evaluating the scope comments filed by the interested parties. We intend to issue our preliminary decision regarding the scope of the AD and CVD investigations in the preliminary determinations of the companion AD investigations, the deadline for which is October 6, 2020.6 We will incorporate the scope decisions from the AD investigations into the scope of the final CVD determination for this investigation after considering any relevant comments submitted in scope case and rebuttal briefs.7 Methodology Commerce is conducting this investigation in accordance with section 701 of the Act. For each of the subsidy programs found countervailable, Commerce preliminarily determines that there is a subsidy, i.e., a financial contribution by an ‘‘authority’’ that 4 See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997) (Preamble). 5 See Initiation Notice, 85 FR at 19450. 6 See Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Republic of Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and the Republic of Turkey: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Less-ThanFair-Value Investigations, 85 FR 45576, 45577 (July 29, 2020). 7 The deadline for interested parties to submit scope case and rebuttal briefs will be established in the preliminary scope decision memorandum. E:\FR\FM\14AUN1.SGM 14AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 158 / Friday, August 14, 2020 / Notices Preliminary Determination Commerce preliminarily determines that the following estimated countervailable subsidy rates exist: gives rise to a benefit to the recipient, and that the subsidy is specific.8 Alignment As noted in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum, in accordance with section 705(a)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.210(b)(4), Commerce is aligning the final CVD determination in this investigation with the final determination in the companion AD investigation of aluminum sheet from Bahrain based on a request made by the Aluminum Association Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet Trade Enforcement Working Group and its Individual Members, Aleris Rolled Products, Inc., Arconic, Inc., Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC, JW Aluminum Company, Novelis Corporation, and Texarkana Aluminum, Inc. (collectively, the petitioners).9 Consequently, the final CVD determination will be issued on the same date as the final AD determination, which is currently scheduled to be issued no later than December 21, 2020, unless postponed. All-Others Rate khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Sections 703(d) and 705(c)(5)(A) of the Act provide that in the preliminary determination, Commerce shall determine an estimated all-others rate for companies not individually examined. This rate shall be an amount equal to the weighted average of the estimated subsidy rates established for those companies individually examined, excluding any zero and de minimis rates and any rates based entirely under section 776 of the Act. In this investigation, Commerce calculated an individual estimated countervailable subsidy rate for Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill B.S.C. (GARMCO), the only individually examined exporter/producer in this investigation. Because the only individually calculated rate is not zero, de minimis, or based entirely on facts otherwise available, the estimated subsidy rate calculated for GARMCO is the rate assigned to all other producers and exporters, pursuant to section 705(c)(5)(A)(i) of the Act. 8 See sections 771(5)(B) and (D) of the Act regarding financial contribution; section 771(5)(E) of the Act regarding benefit; and section 771(5A) of the Act regarding specificity. 9 See Petitioners’ Letter, ‘‘Countervailing Duty Investigations of Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, India, and the Republic of Turkey—Petitioners’ Request to Align Final Countervailing Duty Determinations with the Companion Antidumping Duty Final Determinations,’’ dated July 17, 2020. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:29 Aug 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 49637 Case briefs or other written comments on non-scope matters may be submitted to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance no later than seven days after the date on which Subsidy rate the last verification report is issued in Company (percent) this investigation. Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in case briefs, Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill B.S.C ..................................... 9.49 may be submitted no later than seven All Others .................................. 9.49 days after the deadline date for case briefs.10 Commerce has modified certain of its requirements for serving Suspension of Liquidation documents containing business In accordance with section proprietary information until further 703(d)(1)(B) and (d)(2) of the Act, 11 Commerce will direct U.S. Customs and notice. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2), parties who Border Protection (CBP) to suspend submit case briefs or rebuttal briefs in liquidation of entries of subject this investigation are encouraged to merchandise as described in the scope submit with each argument: (1) A of the investigation section entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for statement of the issue; (2) a brief consumption on or after the date of summary of the argument; and (3) a publication of this notice in the Federal table of authorities. Register. Further, pursuant to 19 CFR Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.310(c), 351.205(d), Commerce will instruct CBP interested parties who wish to request a to require a cash deposit equal to the hearing, limited to issues raised in the rates indicated above. case and rebuttal briefs, must submit a Disclosure written request to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Commerce intends to disclose its Compliance, U.S. Department of calculations and analysis performed to Commerce within 30 days after the date interested parties in this preliminary of publication of this notice. Requests determination within five days of its should contain the party’s name, public announcement, or if there is no public announcement, within five days address, and telephone number, the of the date of this notice in accordance number of participants, whether any with 19 CFR 351.224(b). participant is a foreign national, and a list of the issues to be discussed. If a Verification request for a hearing is made, Commerce As provided in section 782(i)(1) of the intends to hold the hearing at a date and Act, Commerce intends to verify the time to be determined. Parties should information relied upon in making its confirm by telephone the date, time, and final determination. location of the hearing two days before Public Comment the scheduled date. All interested parties will have the International Trade Commission opportunity to submit case and rebuttal Notification briefs on the preliminary scope determination. The deadline to submit In accordance with section 703(f) of these comments will be established in the Act, Commerce will notify the the preliminary scope decision International Trade Commission (ITC) of memorandum. Scope rebuttal briefs its determination. If the final (which are limited to issues raised in determination is affirmative, the ITC the scope briefs) may be submitted no will determine before the later of 120 later than seven days after the deadline days after the date of this preliminary for the scope briefs. These deadlines determination or 45 days after the final apply to the AD and CVD aluminum determination. sheet investigations, regardless of the Notification to Interested Parties deadlines of the preliminary determinations in the AD investigations. This determination is issued and For all scope briefs and rebuttals published pursuant to sections 703(f) thereto, parties must file identical and 777(i) of the Act and 19 CFR documents simultaneously on the 351.205(c). records of all the ongoing AD and CVD aluminum sheet investigations. No new 10 See 19 CFR 351.309; see also 19 CFR 351.303 factual information or business (for general filing requirements). proprietary information may be 11 See Temporary Rule Modifying AD/CVD included in either scope briefs or Service Requirements Due to COVID–19; Extension rebuttal scope briefs. of Effective Period, 85 FR 41363 (July 10, 2020). PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\14AUN1.SGM 14AUN1 49638 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 158 / Friday, August 14, 2020 / Notices description of the scope of this investigation is dispositive. Dated: August 7, 2020. Jeffrey I. Kessler, Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. Appendix II khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Appendix I Scope of the Investigation The merchandise covered by this investigation is common alloy aluminum sheet (common alloy sheet), which is a flatrolled aluminum product having a thickness of 6.3 mm or less, but greater than 0.2 mm, in coils or cut-to length, regardless of width. Common alloy sheet within the scope of this investigation includes both not clad aluminum sheet, as well as multi-alloy, clad aluminum sheet. With respect to not clad aluminum sheet, common alloy sheet is manufactured from a 1XXX-, 3XXX-, or 5XXX-series alloy as designated by the Aluminum Association. With respect to multi-alloy, clad aluminum sheet, common alloy sheet is produced from a 3XXX-series core, to which cladding layers are applied to either one or both sides of the core. Common alloy sheet may be made to ASTM specification B209–14 but can also be made to other specifications. Regardless of specification, however, all common alloy sheet meeting the scope description is included in the scope. Subject merchandise includes common alloy sheet that has been further processed in a third country, including but not limited to annealing, tempering, painting, varnishing, trimming, cutting, punching, and/or slitting, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of this investigation if performed in the country of manufacture of the common alloy sheet. Excluded from the scope of this investigation is aluminum can stock, which is suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum beverage cans, lids of such cans, or tabs used to open such cans. Aluminum can stock is produced to gauges that range from 0.200 mm to 0.292 mm, and has an H– 19, H–41, H–48, or H–391 temper. In addition, aluminum can stock has a lubricant applied to the flat surfaces of the can stock to facilitate its movement through machines used in the manufacture of beverage cans. Aluminum can stock is properly classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings 7606.12.3045 and 7606.12.3055. Where the nominal and actual measurements vary, a product is within the scope if application of either the nominal or actual measurement would place it within the scope based on the definitions set for the above. Common alloy sheet is currently classifiable under HTSUS subheadings 7606.11.3060, 7606.11.6000, 7606.12.3096, 7606.12.6000, 7606.91.3095, 7606.91.6095, 7606.92.3035, and 7606.92.6095. Further, merchandise that falls within the scope of this investigation may also be entered into the United States under HTSUS subheadings 7606.11.3030, 7606.12.3015, 7606.12.3025, 7606.12.3035, 7606.12.3091, 7606.91.3055, 7606.91.6055, 7606.92.3025, 7606.92.6055, 7607.11.9090. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:29 Aug 13, 2020 Jkt 250001 List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum I. Summary II. Background III. Scope Comments IV. Scope of the Investigation V. Subsidies Valuation VI. Benchmarks and Interest Rates VII. Analysis of Programs VIII. Conclusion [FR Doc. 2020–17835 Filed 8–13–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA358] Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public online meeting. AGENCY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Pacific Council) Budget Committee will hold a meeting to consider budget issues as outlined in the Budget Committee agenda for the September 2020 Council Meeting. DATES: The online meeting will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held online. To attend the meeting, you may join the meeting by going to the RingCentral website: https:// meetings.ringcentral.com/join. The Meeting ID, directions on how to join the meeting, and system requirements will be provided in the meeting announcement on the Pacific Council’s website (see www.pcouncil.org). You may send an email to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt (kris.kleinschmidt@ noaa.gov) or contact him at (503) 820– 2412 for technical assistance. Council address: Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220–1384. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Crouse, Administrative Officer, Pacific Council; telephone: (503) 820– 2408. Pacific Council meeting, particularly the Fiscal Matters agenda item. Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may be discussed, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any issues arising after publication of this document that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt (kris.kleinschmidt@ noaa.gov; (503) 820–2412) at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C 1801 et seq. Dated: August 11, 2020. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2020–17868 Filed 8–13–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P SUMMARY: The purpose of this meeting is to consider and develop recommendations to the Pacific Council for the September 2020 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA374] Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. AGENCY: The Groundfish Subcommittee of the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Pacific Council’s) Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold an online meeting to plan a later methodology review of elasmobranch harvest control rules and management reference points. The meeting is open to the public. DATES: The SSC Groundfish Subcommittee online meeting will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2020 and will begin at 1:30 p.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time or until business for the day has been completed. ADDRESSES: The SSC’s Groundfish Subcommittee meeting will be held online. Specific meeting information, including directions on how to join the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14AUN1.SGM 14AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 158 (Friday, August 14, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49636-49638]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17835]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[C-525-002]


Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From Bahrain: Preliminary Affirmative 
Countervailing Duty Determination, and Alignment of Final Determination 
With Final Antidumping Duty Determination

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily determines 
that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and 
exporters of common alloy aluminum sheet (aluminum sheet) from Bahrain. 
The period of investigation is January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. 
Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary 
determination.

DATES: Applicable August 14, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Schauer, AD/CVD Operations, 
Office I, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue 
NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-0410.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    This preliminary determination is made in accordance with section 
703(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Commerce 
published the notice of initiation of this investigation on April 7, 
2020.\1\ On May 19, 2020, Commerce postponed the preliminary 
determination of this investigation and the revised deadline is now 
August 7, 2020.\2\ For a complete description of the events that 
followed the initiation of this investigation, see the Preliminary 
Decision Memorandum.\3\ A list of topics discussed in the Preliminary 
Decision Memorandum is included as Appendix II to this notice. The 
Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file 
electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and 
Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). 
ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. In 
addition, a complete version of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum can 
be accessed directly at https://enforcement.trade.gov/frn/. The signed 
and electronic versions of the Preliminary Decision Memorandum are 
identical in content.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, India, 
and the Republic of Turkey: Initiation of Countervailing Duty 
Investigations, 85 FR 19449 (April 7, 2020) (Initiation Notice).
    \2\ See Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, India, 
and the Republic of Turkey: Postponement of Preliminary 
Determinations in the Countervailing Duty Investigations, 85 FR 
29930 (May 19, 2020).
    \3\ See Memorandum, ``Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary 
Affirmative Determination: Countervailing Duty Investigation of 
Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain,'' dated concurrently with, 
and hereby adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision 
Memorandum).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scope of the Investigation

    The product covered by this investigation is aluminum sheet from 
Bahrain. For a complete description of the scope of this investigation, 
see Appendix I.

Scope Comments

    In accordance with the Preamble to Commerce's regulations,\4\ we 
set aside a period of time, as stated in the Initiation Notice, for 
parties to raise issues regarding product coverage (i.e., scope).\5\ We 
received several comments concerning the scope of the antidumping duty 
(AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of aluminum sheet as 
it appeared in the Initiation Notice. We are currently evaluating the 
scope comments filed by the interested parties. We intend to issue our 
preliminary decision regarding the scope of the AD and CVD 
investigations in the preliminary determinations of the companion AD 
investigations, the deadline for which is October 6, 2020.\6\ We will 
incorporate the scope decisions from the AD investigations into the 
scope of the final CVD determination for this investigation after 
considering any relevant comments submitted in scope case and rebuttal 
briefs.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 
62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997) (Preamble).
    \5\ See Initiation Notice, 85 FR at 19450.
    \6\ See Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, 
Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Republic 
of Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, 
Taiwan, and the Republic of Turkey: Postponement of Preliminary 
Determinations in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 85 FR 
45576, 45577 (July 29, 2020).
    \7\ The deadline for interested parties to submit scope case and 
rebuttal briefs will be established in the preliminary scope 
decision memorandum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Methodology

    Commerce is conducting this investigation in accordance with 
section 701 of the Act. For each of the subsidy programs found 
countervailable, Commerce preliminarily determines that there is a 
subsidy, i.e., a financial contribution by an ``authority'' that

[[Page 49637]]

gives rise to a benefit to the recipient, and that the subsidy is 
specific.\8\
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    \8\ See sections 771(5)(B) and (D) of the Act regarding 
financial contribution; section 771(5)(E) of the Act regarding 
benefit; and section 771(5A) of the Act regarding specificity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alignment

    As noted in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum, in accordance with 
section 705(a)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.210(b)(4), Commerce is 
aligning the final CVD determination in this investigation with the 
final determination in the companion AD investigation of aluminum sheet 
from Bahrain based on a request made by the Aluminum Association Common 
Alloy Aluminum Sheet Trade Enforcement Working Group and its Individual 
Members, Aleris Rolled Products, Inc., Arconic, Inc., Constellium 
Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC, JW Aluminum Company, Novelis 
Corporation, and Texarkana Aluminum, Inc. (collectively, the 
petitioners).\9\ Consequently, the final CVD determination will be 
issued on the same date as the final AD determination, which is 
currently scheduled to be issued no later than December 21, 2020, 
unless postponed.
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    \9\ See Petitioners' Letter, ``Countervailing Duty 
Investigations of Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, 
India, and the Republic of Turkey--Petitioners' Request to Align 
Final Countervailing Duty Determinations with the Companion 
Antidumping Duty Final Determinations,'' dated July 17, 2020.
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All-Others Rate

    Sections 703(d) and 705(c)(5)(A) of the Act provide that in the 
preliminary determination, Commerce shall determine an estimated all-
others rate for companies not individually examined. This rate shall be 
an amount equal to the weighted average of the estimated subsidy rates 
established for those companies individually examined, excluding any 
zero and de minimis rates and any rates based entirely under section 
776 of the Act.
    In this investigation, Commerce calculated an individual estimated 
countervailable subsidy rate for Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill B.S.C. 
(GARMCO), the only individually examined exporter/producer in this 
investigation. Because the only individually calculated rate is not 
zero, de minimis, or based entirely on facts otherwise available, the 
estimated subsidy rate calculated for GARMCO is the rate assigned to 
all other producers and exporters, pursuant to section 705(c)(5)(A)(i) 
of the Act.

Preliminary Determination

    Commerce preliminarily determines that the following estimated 
countervailable subsidy rates exist:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Subsidy
                          Company                                rate
                                                              (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mill B.S.C..........................         9.49
All Others.................................................         9.49
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Suspension of Liquidation

    In accordance with section 703(d)(1)(B) and (d)(2) of the Act, 
Commerce will direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to 
suspend liquidation of entries of subject merchandise as described in 
the scope of the investigation section entered, or withdrawn from 
warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of publication of this 
notice in the Federal Register. Further, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.205(d), 
Commerce will instruct CBP to require a cash deposit equal to the rates 
indicated above.

Disclosure

    Commerce intends to disclose its calculations and analysis 
performed to interested parties in this preliminary determination 
within five days of its public announcement, or if there is no public 
announcement, within five days of the date of this notice in accordance 
with 19 CFR 351.224(b).

Verification

    As provided in section 782(i)(1) of the Act, Commerce intends to 
verify the information relied upon in making its final determination.

Public Comment

    All interested parties will have the opportunity to submit case and 
rebuttal briefs on the preliminary scope determination. The deadline to 
submit these comments will be established in the preliminary scope 
decision memorandum. Scope rebuttal briefs (which are limited to issues 
raised in the scope briefs) may be submitted no later than seven days 
after the deadline for the scope briefs. These deadlines apply to the 
AD and CVD aluminum sheet investigations, regardless of the deadlines 
of the preliminary determinations in the AD investigations. For all 
scope briefs and rebuttals thereto, parties must file identical 
documents simultaneously on the records of all the ongoing AD and CVD 
aluminum sheet investigations. No new factual information or business 
proprietary information may be included in either scope briefs or 
rebuttal scope briefs.
    Case briefs or other written comments on non-scope matters may be 
submitted to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance no 
later than seven days after the date on which the last verification 
report is issued in this investigation. Rebuttal briefs, limited to 
issues raised in case briefs, may be submitted no later than seven days 
after the deadline date for case briefs.\10\ Commerce has modified 
certain of its requirements for serving documents containing business 
proprietary information until further notice.\11\ Pursuant to 19 CFR 
351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2), parties who submit case briefs or rebuttal 
briefs in this investigation are encouraged to submit with each 
argument: (1) A statement of the issue; (2) a brief summary of the 
argument; and (3) a table of authorities.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See 19 CFR 351.309; see also 19 CFR 351.303 (for general 
filing requirements).
    \11\ See Temporary Rule Modifying AD/CVD Service Requirements 
Due to COVID-19; Extension of Effective Period, 85 FR 41363 (July 
10, 2020).
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    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, 
Commerce intends to hold the hearing at a date and time 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 703(f) of the Act, Commerce will notify 
the International Trade Commission (ITC) of its 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.

Notification to Interested Parties

    This determination is issued and published pursuant to sections 
703(f) and 777(i) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(c).


[[Page 49638]]


    Dated: August 7, 2020.
Jeffrey I. Kessler,
Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.

Appendix I

Scope of the Investigation

    The merchandise covered by this investigation is common alloy 
aluminum sheet (common alloy sheet), which is a flat-rolled aluminum 
product having a thickness of 6.3 mm or less, but greater than 0.2 
mm, in coils or cut-to length, regardless of width. Common alloy 
sheet within the scope of this investigation includes both not clad 
aluminum sheet, as well as multi-alloy, clad aluminum sheet. With 
respect to not clad aluminum sheet, common alloy sheet is 
manufactured from a 1XXX-, 3XXX-, or 5XXX-series alloy as designated 
by the Aluminum Association. With respect to multi-alloy, clad 
aluminum sheet, common alloy sheet is produced from a 3XXX-series 
core, to which cladding layers are applied to either one or both 
sides of the core.
    Common alloy sheet may be made to ASTM specification B209-14 but 
can also be made to other specifications. Regardless of 
specification, however, all common alloy sheet meeting the scope 
description is included in the scope. Subject merchandise includes 
common alloy sheet that has been further processed in a third 
country, including but not limited to annealing, tempering, 
painting, varnishing, trimming, cutting, punching, and/or slitting, 
or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the 
merchandise from the scope of this investigation if performed in the 
country of manufacture of the common alloy sheet.
    Excluded from the scope of this investigation is aluminum can 
stock, which is suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum 
beverage cans, lids of such cans, or tabs used to open such cans. 
Aluminum can stock is produced to gauges that range from 0.200 mm to 
0.292 mm, and has an H-19, H-41, H-48, or H-391 temper. In addition, 
aluminum can stock has a lubricant applied to the flat surfaces of 
the can stock to facilitate its movement through machines used in 
the manufacture of beverage cans. Aluminum can stock is properly 
classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States 
(HTSUS) subheadings 7606.12.3045 and 7606.12.3055.
    Where the nominal and actual measurements vary, a product is 
within the scope if application of either the nominal or actual 
measurement would place it within the scope based on the definitions 
set for the above. Common alloy sheet is currently classifiable 
under HTSUS subheadings 7606.11.3060, 7606.11.6000, 7606.12.3096, 
7606.12.6000, 7606.91.3095, 7606.91.6095, 7606.92.3035, and 
7606.92.6095. Further, merchandise that falls within the scope of 
this investigation may also be entered into the United States under 
HTSUS subheadings 7606.11.3030, 7606.12.3015, 7606.12.3025, 
7606.12.3035, 7606.12.3091, 7606.91.3055, 7606.91.6055, 
7606.92.3025, 7606.92.6055, 7607.11.9090. Although the HTSUS 
subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the 
written description of the scope of this investigation is 
dispositive.

Appendix II

List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum

I. Summary
II. Background
III. Scope Comments
IV. Scope of the Investigation
V. Subsidies Valuation
VI. Benchmarks and Interest Rates
VII. Analysis of Programs
VIII. Conclusion

[FR Doc. 2020-17835 Filed 8-13-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
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