Certain Aluminum Foil From the Sultanate of Oman: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination, 12913-12915 [2021-04566]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 42 / Friday, March 5, 2021 / Notices currently classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings 7607.11.3000, 7607.11.6090, 7607.11.9030, 7607.11.9060, 7607.11.9090, and 7607.19.6000. Further, merchandise that falls within the scope of this proceeding may also be entered into the United States under HTSUS subheadings 7606.11.3060, 7606.11.6000, 7606.12.3045, 7606.12.3055, 7606.12.3091, 7606.12.3096, 7606.12.6000, 7606.91.3095, 7606.91.6095, 7606.92.3035, and 7606.92.6095. 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 Application of Adverse Inferences VIII. Analysis of Programs IX. Recommendation [FR Doc. 2021–04565 Filed 3–4–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [C–523–816] Certain Aluminum Foil From the Sultanate of Oman: 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 certain aluminum foil (aluminum foil) from the Sultanate of Oman (Oman) during the period of investigation, January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019. Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary determination. AGENCY: DATES: Applicable March 5, 2021. John Conniff, AD/CVD Operations, Office III, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–1009. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:30 Mar 04, 2021 Jkt 253001 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 October 28, 2020.1 On December 3, 2020, Commerce postponed the preliminary determination of this investigation and the revised deadline is now February 26, 2021.2 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. Scope of the Investigation The product covered by this investigation is aluminum foil from Oman. 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 the Initiation Notice set aside a period of time 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 foil as it appeared in the Initiation Notice. We are currently evaluating the scope 1 See Certain Aluminum Foil from the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Turkey: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigations, 85 FR 68287 (October 28, 2020) (Initiation Notice). 2 See Certain Aluminum Foil from the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Turkey: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Countervailing Duty Investigations, 85 FR 78121 (December 3, 2020). 3 See Memorandum, ‘‘Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Determination of the Countervailing Duty Investigation of Certain Aluminum Foil from the Sultanate of Oman,’’ dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision Memorandum). 4 See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997) (Preamble). 5 See Initiation Notice. PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 12913 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 April 27, 2021.6 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 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 foil from Oman based on a request made by the petitioners.9 Consequently, the final CVD determination will be issued on the same date as the final AD determination, which is currently scheduled no later than July 12, 2021, unless postponed. 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 6 See Certain Aluminum Foil from the Republic of Armenia, Brazil, the Sultanate of Oman, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Turkey: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 86 FR 9909 (February 17, 2021). 7 The deadline for interested parties to submit scope case and rebuttal briefs will be established in the preliminary scope decision memorandum. 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 Certain Aluminum Foil from the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Turkey— Petitioners’ Request to Align Final Countervailing Duty Determinations with the Companion Antidumping Duty Final Determinations,’’ dated February 11, 2021. The petitioners are Aluminum Association Trade Enforcement Working Group and its individual members, Granges Americas Inc., JW Aluminum Company, and Novelis Corporation. E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1 12914 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 42 / Friday, March 5, 2021 / Notices 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. Commerce calculated an individual estimated countervailable subsidy rate for Oman Aluminum Rolling Company LLC (OARC), 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 weighted-average rate calculated for OARC 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 rate (percent) Company Oman Aluminum Rolling Company LLC/Sohar Paper Cores LLC .......... All Others ............................................ 2.15 2.15 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. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 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. Normally, Commerce verifies information using standard procedures, including an onsite examination of original accounting, financial, and sales documentation. However, due to current travel restrictions in response to the global COVID–19 pandemic, Commerce is VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:30 Mar 04, 2021 Jkt 253001 unable to conduct on-site verification in this investigation. Accordingly, we intend to verify the information relied upon in making the final determination through alternative means in lieu of an on-site verification. 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 foil 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 foil 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. Interested parties will be notified of the deadline for the submission of such case briefs and written comments at a later date. 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. 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 10 See 19 CFR 351.309; see also 19 CFR 351.303 (for general filing requirements); see also Temporary Rule Modifying AD/CVD Service Requirements Due to COVID–19, 85 FR 17006, 17007 (March 26, 2020). 11 See Temporary Rule Modifying AD/CVD Service Requirements Due to COVID–19; Extension of Effective Period, 85 FR 41363 (July 10, 2020). PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 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 703(f) of the Act, Commerce will notify the International Trade Commission (ITC) of its determination. If Commerce’s final determination is affirmative the ITC will make its final determination before the later of 120 days after the date of this preliminary determination or 45 days after the final determination whether imports of aluminum foil from Oman are materially injuring, or threaten material injury to, the U.S. industry. 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). Due to technical issues, James Maeder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations is signing this preliminary determination on behalf of Ryan Majerus, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations. Dated: February 26, 2021. James Maeder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Operations. Appendix I Scope of the Investigation The merchandise covered by this investigation is aluminum foil having a thickness of 0.2 mm or less, in reels exceeding 25 pounds, regardless of width. Aluminum foil is made from an aluminum alloy that contains more than 92 percent aluminum. Aluminum foil may be made to ASTM specification ASTM B479, but can also be made to other specifications. Regardless of specification, however, all aluminum foil meeting the scope description is included in the scope, including aluminum foil to which lubricant has been applied to one or both sides of the foil. Excluded from the scope of this investigation is aluminum foil that is backed with paper, paperboard, plastics, or similar backing materials on one side or both sides of the aluminum foil, as well as etched capacitor foil and aluminum foil that is cut to shape. Where the nominal and actual measurements vary, a product is within the E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 42 / Friday, March 5, 2021 / Notices scope if application of either the nominal or actual measurement would place it within the scope based on the definitions set forth above. The products under investigation are currently classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheadings 7607.11.3000, 7607.11.6090, 7607.11.9030, 7607.11.9060, 7607.11.9090, and 7607.19.6000. Further, merchandise that falls within the scope of this proceeding may also be entered into the United States under HTSUS subheadings 7606.11.3060, 7606.11.6000, 7606.12.3045, 7606.12.3055, 7606.12.3091, 7606.12.3096, 7606.12.6000, 7606.91.3095, 7606.91.6095, 7606.92.3035, and 7606.92.6095. 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 Issues and Decision Memorandum I. Summary II. Background III. Scope Comments IV. Scope of Investigation V. New Subsidy Allegation VI. Subsidies Valuation VII. Benchmarks VIII. Partial Use of Facts Available IX. Analysis of Programs X. Recommendation [FR Doc. 2021–04566 Filed 3–4–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XA839] Notice of Availability of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group Draft Phase II Restoration Plan: #3.2: Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and a Consent Decree with BP Exploration & Production Inc. (BP),1 the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Federal and jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: 1 Consent Decree among Defendant BP Exploration & Production Inc. (‘‘BPXP’’), the United States of America, and the States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas entered in In re: Oil Spill by the Oil Rig ‘‘Deepwater Horizon’’ in the Gulf of Mexico, on April 20, 2010, MDL No. 2179 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:30 Mar 04, 2021 Jkt 253001 state natural resource trustee agencies for the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (Louisiana TIG) have prepared a Draft Phase II Restoration Plan 3.2 (Draft Phase II RP #3.2). The Draft Phase II RP #3.2 describes and proposes restoration project alternatives considered by the Louisiana TIG to restore natural resources and ecological services injured or lost as a result of the DWH oil spill. The Louisiana TIG evaluated these alternatives under criteria set forth in the OPA natural resource damage assessment regulations. In accordance with NEPA the environmental consequences of the restoration alternatives are evaluated in the associated U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District (USACE CEMVN) Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Mid Barataria Sediment Diversion Project, Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes 2 (MBSD DEIS) to which the Louisiana TIG Federal Trustees are cooperating agencies. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of the availability of the Draft Phase II RP #3.2 and to seek public comments on the document. DATES: Submitting Comments: The Louisiana TIG will consider public comments received on or before May 4, 2021. Virtual Public Meetings: Due to continuing COVID–19 limitations on gatherings of groups, the Louisiana TIG will co-host three virtual public meetings with the USACE CEMVN on the following dates: 1.April 6, 2021, 9 a.m. CDT 2. April 7, 2021, 1 p.m. CDT 3. April 8, 2021, 6 p.m. CDT ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: You may download the Draft Phase II RP #3.2 at: https:// www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/ restoration-areas/louisiana. The associated MBSD DEIS may be downloaded at: https:// www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/ Regulatory/Permits/Mid-BaratariaSediment-Diversion-EIS/. Submitting Comments: You may submit comments on the Draft Phase II RP #3.2 and the associated MBSD DEIS by the following methods: • Via the Web: https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/MBSD; • Via U.S. Mail: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, Attn: CEMVN–OD–SE, MVN–2012–2806– 2 The USACE CEMVN EIS Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project web page is accessible here: https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/ Regulatory/Permits/Mid-Barataria-SedimentDiversionEIS/. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 12915 EOO, 7400 Leake Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118. Please note that mailed comments must be postmarked on or before the comment deadline of 60 days following publication of this notice to be considered; or • During the virtual public meetings: Comments may be provided during the webinar. Webinar information is provided below in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. You only need to submit your comment via one of these methods. All comments submitted will be reviewed by both the Louisiana TIG and CEMVN. All comments made during the comment period time-frame as described above will become part of the record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—Mel Landry, NOAA Restoration Center, (310) 427–8711, gulfspill.restoration@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction On April 20, 2010, the mobile offshore drilling unit DWH, which was being used to drill a well for BP, in the Macondo prospect (Mississippi Canyon 252–MC252), experienced a significant explosion, fire, and subsequent sinking in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in an unprecedented volume of oil and other discharges from the rig and from the wellhead on the seabed. The DWH oil spill is the largest off shore oil spill in U.S. history, discharging millions of barrels of oil over a period of 87 days. In addition, well over one million gallons of dispersants were applied to the waters of the spill area in an attempt to disperse the spilled oil. An undetermined amount of natural gas was also released into the environment as a result of the spill. The DWH Federal and State natural resource trustees (DWH Trustees) conducted the natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) for the DWH oil spill under OPA (33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.). Pursuant to OPA, Federal and State agencies act as trustees on behalf of the public to assess natural resource injuries and losses and to determine the actions E:\FR\FM\05MRN1.SGM 05MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 42 (Friday, March 5, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12913-12915]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04566]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[C-523-816]


Certain Aluminum Foil From the Sultanate of Oman: 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 certain aluminum foil (aluminum foil) from the Sultanate 
of Oman (Oman) during the period of investigation, January 1, 2019, 
through December 31, 2019. Interested parties are invited to comment on 
this preliminary determination.

DATES: Applicable March 5, 2021.

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

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 October 28, 
2020.\1\ On December 3, 2020, Commerce postponed the preliminary 
determination of this investigation and the revised deadline is now 
February 26, 2021.\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 Certain Aluminum Foil from the Sultanate of Oman and the 
Republic of Turkey: Initiation of Countervailing Duty 
Investigations, 85 FR 68287 (October 28, 2020) (Initiation Notice).
    \2\ See Certain Aluminum Foil from the Sultanate of Oman and the 
Republic of Turkey: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in 
the Countervailing Duty Investigations, 85 FR 78121 (December 3, 
2020).
    \3\ See Memorandum, ``Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary 
Determination of the Countervailing Duty Investigation of Certain 
Aluminum Foil from the Sultanate of Oman,'' dated concurrently with, 
and hereby adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision 
Memorandum).
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Scope of the Investigation

    The product covered by this investigation is aluminum foil from 
Oman. 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\ the 
Initiation Notice set aside a period of time 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 foil 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 April 27, 2021.\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\
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    \4\ See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 
62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997) (Preamble).
    \5\ See Initiation Notice.
    \6\ See Certain Aluminum Foil from the Republic of Armenia, 
Brazil, the Sultanate of Oman, the Russian Federation, and the 
Republic of Turkey: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in 
the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 86 FR 9909 (February 17, 
2021).
    \7\ The deadline for interested parties to submit scope case and 
rebuttal briefs will be established in the preliminary scope 
decision memorandum.
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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 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 foil 
from Oman based on a request made by the petitioners.\9\ Consequently, 
the final CVD determination will be issued on the same date as the 
final AD determination, which is currently scheduled no later than July 
12, 2021, unless postponed.
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    \9\ See Petitioners' Letter, ``Countervailing Duty 
Investigations of Certain Aluminum Foil from the Sultanate of Oman 
and the Republic of Turkey--Petitioners' Request to Align Final 
Countervailing Duty Determinations with the Companion Antidumping 
Duty Final Determinations,'' dated February 11, 2021. The 
petitioners are Aluminum Association Trade Enforcement Working Group 
and its individual members, Granges Americas Inc., JW Aluminum 
Company, and Novelis Corporation.
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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

[[Page 12914]]

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.
    Commerce calculated an individual estimated countervailable subsidy 
rate for Oman Aluminum Rolling Company LLC (OARC), 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 weighted-average 
rate calculated for OARC 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)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oman Aluminum Rolling Company LLC/Sohar Paper Cores LLC....         2.15
All Others.................................................         2.15
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. 
Normally, Commerce verifies information using standard procedures, 
including an on-site examination of original accounting, financial, and 
sales documentation. However, due to current travel restrictions in 
response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Commerce is unable to conduct 
on-site verification in this investigation. Accordingly, we intend to 
verify the information relied upon in making the final determination 
through alternative means in lieu of an on-site verification.

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 foil 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 
foil 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. 
Interested parties will be notified of the deadline for the submission 
of such case briefs and written comments at a later date. 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.
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    \10\ See 19 CFR 351.309; see also 19 CFR 351.303 (for general 
filing requirements); see also Temporary Rule Modifying AD/CVD 
Service Requirements Due to COVID-19, 85 FR 17006, 17007 (March 26, 
2020).
    \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 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 703(f) of the Act, Commerce will notify 
the International Trade Commission (ITC) of its determination. If 
Commerce's final determination is affirmative the ITC will make its 
final determination before the later of 120 days after the date of this 
preliminary determination or 45 days after the final determination 
whether imports of aluminum foil from Oman are materially injuring, or 
threaten material injury to, the U.S. industry.

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). Due to technical 
issues, James Maeder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and 
Countervailing Duty Operations is signing this preliminary 
determination on behalf of Ryan Majerus, Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
Policy and Negotiations.

    Dated: February 26, 2021.
James Maeder,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty 
Operations.

Appendix I

Scope of the Investigation

    The merchandise covered by this investigation is aluminum foil 
having a thickness of 0.2 mm or less, in reels exceeding 25 pounds, 
regardless of width. Aluminum foil is made from an aluminum alloy 
that contains more than 92 percent aluminum. Aluminum foil may be 
made to ASTM specification ASTM B479, but can also be made to other 
specifications. Regardless of specification, however, all aluminum 
foil meeting the scope description is included in the scope, 
including aluminum foil to which lubricant has been applied to one 
or both sides of the foil.
    Excluded from the scope of this investigation is aluminum foil 
that is backed with paper, paperboard, plastics, or similar backing 
materials on one side or both sides of the aluminum foil, as well as 
etched capacitor foil and aluminum foil that is cut to shape. Where 
the nominal and actual measurements vary, a product is within the

[[Page 12915]]

scope if application of either the nominal or actual measurement 
would place it within the scope based on the definitions set forth 
above. The products under investigation are currently classifiable 
under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) 
subheadings 7607.11.3000, 7607.11.6090, 7607.11.9030, 7607.11.9060, 
7607.11.9090, and 7607.19.6000.
    Further, merchandise that falls within the scope of this 
proceeding may also be entered into the United States under HTSUS 
subheadings 7606.11.3060, 7606.11.6000, 7606.12.3045, 7606.12.3055, 
7606.12.3091, 7606.12.3096, 7606.12.6000, 7606.91.3095, 
7606.91.6095, 7606.92.3035, and 7606.92.6095. 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 Issues and Decision Memorandum

I. Summary
II. Background
III. Scope Comments
IV. Scope of Investigation
V. New Subsidy Allegation
VI. Subsidies Valuation
VII. Benchmarks
VIII. Partial Use of Facts Available
IX. Analysis of Programs
X. Recommendation

[FR Doc. 2021-04566 Filed 3-4-21; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P

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