Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber From the Russian Federation: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Classification of the Russian Federation as a Non-Market Economy, 69002-69004 [2022-25050]
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69002
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 221 / Thursday, November 17, 2022 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
[A–821–835]
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber
From the Russian Federation: Final
Affirmative Determination of Sales at
Less Than Fair Value and
Classification of the Russian
Federation as a Non-Market Economy
Enforcement and Compliance,
International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of
Commerce (Commerce) determines that
imports of emulsion styrene-butadiene
rubber (ESBR) from the Russian
Federation (Russia) are being, or are
likely to be, sold in the United States at
less than fair value (LTFV) for the
period of investigation (POI) October 1,
2020, through September 30, 2021.
Commerce has also reconsidered
Russia’s market economy status and has
determined to treat Russia as a nonmarket economy in forthcoming
proceedings.
DATES: Applicable November 17, 2022.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Caitlin Monks or Zachary Le Vene, AD/
CVD Operations, Office VII,
Enforcement and Compliance,
International Trade Administration,
U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–2670 or
(202) 482–0056, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
AGENCY:
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Background
On June 27, 2022, Commerce
published in the Federal Register the
preliminary affirmative determination
in the LTFV investigation of ESBR from
Russia, in which it also postponed the
final determination until November 9,
2022.1 We invited interested parties to
comment on the Preliminary
Determination. A summary of the events
that occurred since Commerce
published the Preliminary
Determination may be found in the
Issues and Decision Memorandum.2
1 See Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from
the Russian Federation: Preliminary Affirmative
Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value,
Postponement of Final Determination and
Extension of Provisional Measures, 87 FR 38057
(June 27, 2022) (Preliminary Determination), and
accompanying Preliminary Decision Memorandum.
2 See Memorandum, ‘‘Decision Memorandum for
the Final Determination in the Less-Than-FairValue Investigation of Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene
Rubber from the Russian Federation, and
Classification of the Russian Federation as a NonMarket Economy’’ dated concurrently with, and
hereby adopted by, this notice (Issues and Decision
Memorandum).
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17:26 Nov 16, 2022
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Scope of the Investigation
The product covered by this
investigation is ESBR from Russia. For
a complete description of the scope of
this investigation, see Appendix I.
Analysis of Comments Received
All the issues raised in the case and
rebuttal briefs that were submitted by
parties in this investigation are
addressed in the Issues and Decision
Memorandum. A list of the issues
addressed in the Issues and Decision
Memorandum is attached to this notice
as Appendix II. The Issues and 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 Issues and
Decision Memorandum can be accessed
directly at https://access.trade.gov/
public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx.
Verification
Commerce conducted verification of
the information relied upon in making
its final determination in this
investigation with respect to Public
Joint Stock Company SIBUR Holding,
Joint Stock Company
Voronezhsintezkauchuk, SIBUR LLC,
and SIBUR International GmbH
(collectively, SIBUR) in Vienna,
Austria,3 as well as Public Joint Stock
Company TATNEFT, LLC TATNEFT–
AZS Center, LLC Togliattikauchuk
(alternatively, LLC Tolyattikauchuk),
and Tolyattisintez (collectively,
TATNEFT) in Zug, Switzerland, in
accordance with section 782(i) of the
Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the
Act).4 Specifically, Commerce
3 See Memoranda, ‘‘Less-Than-Fair-Value
Investigation of Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene
Rubber from the Russian Federation: Verification of
Sales Responses of SIBUR,’’ dated October 5, 2022;
and ‘‘Verification of the Cost Responses of PJSC
SIBUR Holding and JSC Voronezhsintezkauchuk in
the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Emulsion
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Russian
Federation,’’ dated September 23, 2022.
4 See Memoranda, ‘‘Less-Than-Fair-Value
Investigation of Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene
Rubber from the Russian Federation: Verification of
Sales Responses of SIBUR,’’ dated October 5, 2022;
‘‘Verification of the Cost Responses of PJSC SIBUR
Holding and JSC Voronezhsintezkauchuk in the
Antidumping Duty Investigation of Emulsion
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Russian
Federation,’’ dated September 23, 2022; and
‘‘Verification of the Sales Response of TATNEFT in
the Antidumping Investigation of Emulsion
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Russian
Federation,’’ dated September 30, 2022; and
‘‘Verification of the Cost Response of PJSC
TATNEFT and LLC Tolyattikauchuk in the
Antidumping Duty Investigation of Emulsion
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from Russia,’’ dated
October 6, 2022.
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Sfmt 4703
conducted on-site verifications of the
home market, U.S. sales, and cost of
production responses submitted by
SIBUR and TATNEFT.
Changes Since the Preliminary
Determination
Based on our analysis of the
comments received, we have made
certain changes to the margin
calculations for SIBUR and TATNEFT.
For a discussion of these changes, see
the Issues and Decision Memorandum.
All-Others Rate
Section 735(c)(5)(A) of the Act
provides that the estimated weightedaverage dumping margin for all other
producers and exporters not
individually investigated shall be equal
to the weighted average of the estimated
weighted-average dumping margins
established for exporters and producers
individually investigated excluding
rates that are zero, de minimis, or
determined entirely under section 776
of the Act (i.e., facts otherwise
available).
Commerce calculated individual
estimated weighted-average dumping
margins for both SIBUR and TATNEFT,
the two respondents selected for
individual examination in this
investigation, that are not zero, de
minimis, or based entirely on facts
otherwise available. Commerce
calculated the all-others rate using a
weighted average of the estimated
weighted-average dumping margins
calculated for the individually
examined respondents using the
publicly ranged total values of each
respondent’s sales of the merchandise
under consideration to the United States
during the POI.5
5 With two respondents under examination,
Commerce normally calculates: (A) a weightedaverage of the estimated weighted-average dumping
margins calculated for the examined respondents;
(B) a simple average of the estimated weightedaverage dumping margins calculated for the
examined respondents; and (C) a weighted-average
of the estimated weighted-average dumping margins
calculated for the examined respondents using each
company’s publicly-ranged U.S. sale values for the
merchandise under consideration. Commerce then
compares (B) and (C) to (A) and selects the rate
closest to (A) as the most appropriate rate for all
other producers and exporters. See Ball Bearings
and Parts Thereof from France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, and the United Kingdom: Final Results of
Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, Final
Results of Changed-Circumstances Review, and
Revocation of an Order in Part, 75 FR 53661, 53663
(September 1, 2010). For a complete analysis of the
data, see Memorandum, ‘‘Final Determination
Calculation for All-Others,’’ dated concurrently
with this notice.
E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 221 / Thursday, November 17, 2022 / Notices
Final Determination
The final estimated weighted-average
dumping margins are as follows:
Estimated
weighted-average
dumping margin
(percent)
Exporter/producer
Public Joint Stock Company SIBUR Holding/Joint Stock Company Voronezhsintezkauchuk/SIBUR International GmbH/
SIBUR LLC 6 ............................................................................................................................................................................
Public Joint Stock Company TATNEFT/LLC TATNEFT–AZS Center/LLC Togliattikauchuk/Tolyattisintez 7 .............................
All Others .....................................................................................................................................................................................
Russia’s Market Economy Status
For this final determination,
Commerce has reconsidered Russia’s
market economy status and has
determined to treat Russia as a nonmarket economy in forthcoming
proceedings. Because this determination
applies to future proceedings,
Commerce has relied on its market
economy methodology in determining
the antidumping duty margins for this
final determination. A detailed
explanation for this determination along
with discussion of all comments and
factual information submitted
concerning this determination can be
found in the decision memorandum,
‘‘Reconsideration of Russia’s Status as a
Market Economy,’’ issued concurrently
with this memorandum.
For new segments of antidumping
duty proceedings with a POI or period
of review (POR) starting after November
1, 2022, Commerce will use its nonmarket economy methodology to
calculate the antidumping duty rates. If
the POI or POR falls entirely before
November 1, 2022, Commerce will use
its market economy methodology to
calculate the rates. Finally, if the POI or
POR straddles the time periods where
Commerce considered Russia to be a
market and non-market economy
country, Commerce will determine the
appropriate approach to follow on a
case-by-case basis.
We intend to disclose the calculations
and analysis performed to interested
parties in this final determination
within five days of public
announcement or, if there is no public
announcement, within five days of the
date of publication of this notice in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b).
U.S. International Trade Commission
Notification
In accordance with section 735(d) of
the Act, we will notify the U.S.
International Trade Commission (ITC) of
the final affirmative determination of
sales at LTFV. Because Commerce’s
final determination is affirmative, in
accordance with section 735(b)(2) of the
Act, the ITC will make its final
6 Commerce determines that Public Joint Stock
Company SIBUR Holding (SIBUR Holding)/SIBUR
International GmbH (SIBUR International)/SIBUR
LLC/Joint Stock Company Voronezhsintezkauchuk
(VSK) are a single entity. See Issues and Decision
Memorandum; see also Memorandum, ‘‘SIBUR
Affiliation and Single Entity Memorandum,’’ dated
June 14, 2022; and Memorandum, ‘‘SIBUR Final
Analysis Memorandum,’’ dated concurrently with
this notice.
7 Commerce determines that Public Joint Stock
Company TATNEF,T LLC TATNEFT–AZS Center/
Disclosure
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Continuation of Suspension of
Liquidation
In accordance with section
735(c)(1)(B) of the Act, Commerce will
instruct U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) to continue to suspend
the liquidation of all appropriate entries
of subject merchandise, as described in
Appendix I of this notice, entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse, for
consumption on or after June 27, 2022,
the date of publication in the Federal
Register of the affirmative Preliminary
Determination. These suspension of
liquidation instructions will remain in
effect until further notice.
Pursuant to section 735(c)(1)(B)(ii) of
the Act and 19 CFR 351.210(d), we will
instruct CBP to require a cash deposit
for estimated antidumping duties for
such entries as follows: (1) the cash
deposit rate for the companies listed
above will be equal to the companyspecific estimated weighted-average
dumping margins determined in this
final determination; (2) if the exporter is
not a company identified above, but the
producer is identified above, then the
cash deposit rate will be equal to the
company-specific estimated weightedaverage dumping margin established for
that producer of the subject
merchandise; and (3) the cash deposit
rate for all other producers and
exporters will be equal to the all-others
estimated weighted-average dumping
margin.
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17.47
8.15
11.90
determination as to whether the
domestic industry in the United States
is materially injured, or threatened with
material injury, by reason of imports or
sales (or the likelihood of sales) for
importation of ESBR no later than 45
days after this final determination. If the
ITC determines that such injury does
not exist, this proceeding will be
terminated, and all cash deposits posted
will be refunded and suspension of
liquidation will be lifted. If the ITC
determines that such injury does exist,
Commerce will issue an antidumping
duty order directing CBP to assess, upon
further instruction by Commerce,
antidumping duties on all imports of the
subject merchandise entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse, for
consumption on or after the effective
date of the suspension of liquidation, as
discussed above in the ‘‘Continuation of
Suspension of Liquidation’’ section.
Administrative Protective Order
This notice will serve as a final
reminder to the parties subject to an
administrative protective order (APO) of
their responsibility concerning the
disposition of proprietary information
disclosed under APO in accordance
with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3). Timely
written notification of return or
destruction of APO materials or
conversion to judicial protective order is
hereby requested. Failure to comply
with the regulations and the terms of an
APO is a sanctionable violation.
Notification to Interested Parties
This determination and this notice are
issued and published pursuant to
sections 735(d) and 777(i)(1) of the Act,
and 19 CFR 351.210(c).
LLC Togliattikauchuk/and Tolyattisintez are a
single entity. See Issues and Decision
Memorandum; see also Memorandum, ‘‘TATNEFT
Affiliation and Single Entity Memorandum,’’ dated
June 14, 2022.
E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM
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69004
Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 221 / Thursday, November 17, 2022 / Notices
Dated: November 9, 2022.
Lisa W. Wang,
Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and
Compliance.
Appendix I—Scope of the Investigation
The products covered by this investigation
are cold-polymerized emulsion styrenebutadiene rubber (ESB rubber). The scope of
the investigation includes, but is not limited
to, ESB rubber in primary forms, bales,
granules, crumbs, pellets, powders, plates,
sheets, strip, etc. ESB rubber consists of nonpigmented rubbers and oil-extended nonpigmented rubbers, both of which contain at
least one percent of organic acids from the
emulsion polymerization process.
ESB rubber is produced and sold in
accordance with a generally accepted set of
product specifications issued by the
International Institute of Synthetic Rubber
Producers (IISRP). The scope of the
investigation covers grades of ESB rubber
included in the IISRP 1500 and 1700 series
of synthetic rubbers. The 1500 grades are
light in color and are often described as
‘‘Clear’’ or ‘‘White Rubber.’’ The 1700 grades
are oil-extended and thus darker in color,
and are often called ‘‘Brown Rubber.’’
Specifically excluded from the scope of
this investigation are products which are
manufactured by blending ESB rubber with
other polymers, high styrene resin master
batch, carbon black master batch (i.e., IISRP
1600 series and 1800 series) and latex (an
intermediate product).
The products subject to this investigation
are currently classifiable under subheadings
4002.19.0015 and 4002.19.0019 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United
States (HTSUS). ESB rubber is described by
Chemical Abstracts Services (CAS) Registry
No. 9003–55–8. This CAS number also refers
to other types of styrene butadiene rubber.
Although the HTSUS subheadings and CAS
registry number are provided for convenience
and customs purposes, the written
description of the scope of this investigation
is dispositive.
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
Appendix II—List of Topics Discussed
in the Issues and Decision
Memorandum
I. Summary
II. Background
III. Period of Investigation
IV. Scope of the Investigation
V. Russia’s Market Economy Status
VI. Changes Since the Preliminary
Determination
VII. Use of Facts Available, and Adverse
Inferences
VIII. Final Determinations of Affiliation and
Single Entity Treatment
IX. Discussion of the Issues
Comment 1: How to Treat SIBUR’s Sales of
Expired ESBR and Sales Without
Production Date Data Found at
Verification
Comment 2: SIBUR’s Inventory Carrying
Costs and Total Sales Quantity and
Value (Q&V) Reconciliation
Comment 3: Whether to Apply Total
Adverse Facts Available (AFA) to SIBUR
Comment 4: How to Treat SIBUR’s
Affiliated Party Transactions
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17:26 Nov 16, 2022
Jkt 259001
Comment 5: SIBUR’s Cost Verification
Adjustments
Comment 6: SIBUR’s and TATNEFT’s
Payment Dates and Credit Expenses
Comment 7: TATNEFT’s U.S. Sales
Destinations
Comment 8: TATNEFT’s General and
Administrative (G&A) and Financial
Expense—Packing Cost
Comment 9: TATNEFT and TTK’s G&A
Expense Rate—Other Income and
Expenses
X. Recommendation
[FR Doc. 2022–25050 Filed 11–16–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
[A–122–857]
Certain Softwood Lumber Products
From Canada: Initiation of
Antidumping Duty Changed
Circumstances Review
Enforcement and Compliance,
International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: In response to a request from
GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (GFFP)
and GreenFirst Forest Products (QC) Inc.
(GFFP (QC)) (collectively, GreenFirst),
the Department of Commerce
(Commerce) is initiating a changed
circumstances review (CCR) of the
antidumping duty (AD) order on certain
softwood lumber products from Canada.
This review will determine whether
GFFP (QC) is the successor-in-interest to
Rayonier A.M. Canada G.P. (RYAM).
DATES: Applicable November 17, 2022.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Zachary Shaykin, AD/CVD Operations,
Office IV, Enforcement and Compliance,
International Trade Administration,
U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington,
DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–2638.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
AGENCY:
Background
On August 9, 2022, Commerce
published in the Federal Register the
final results of the third administrative
review of the AD Order 1 on certain
softwood lumber products from
Canada.2 As a result of this
administrative review, Commerce
assigned a cash deposit rate of 4.76
1 See Certain Softwood Lumber Products from
Canada: Antidumping Duty Order and Partial
Amended Final Determination, 83 FR 350 (January
3, 2018) (Order).
2 See Certain Softwood Lumber Products from
Canada: Final Results of Antidumping Duty
Administrative Review and Final Determination of
No Shipments; 2020, 87 FR 48465 (August 9, 2022)
(Lumber V AR3).
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
percent to RYAM based on the nonselected respondent rate (i.e., the
weighted-average of the mandatory
respondents’ weighted-average dumping
margins).3
The CCR Request explains that on
August 28, 2021, GFFP (QC) acquired
six lumber mills and one newsprint mill
from RYAM. The CCR Request further
explains that RYAM previously held an
ownership stake in GreenFirst but that,
in May 2022, RYAM sold all of its
shares in GreenFirst, and as a result
RYAM no longer has ties to the lumber
industry. Thus, GreenFirst requests that
Commerce initiate an expedited CCR to
determine that GFFP (QC) is the
successor-in-interest to RYAM and,
thus, that the AD margin in effect for
RYAM under the Order should be
applied to entries from GFFP (QC).4
In its October 18, 2022, submission
the Committee Overseeing Action for
Lumber International Trade
Investigations or Negotiations
(COALITION, the petitioner) argues that
Commerce should reject GreenFirst’s
request to conduct an expedited CCR of
GFFP (QC) pursuant to 19 CFR
351.216(e).5 The petitioner contends
that GFFP (QC) is not the successor-ininterest to RYAM because the lumber
assets RYAM sold to GFFP (QC)
experienced significant changes to their
ownership and management prior to
their sale to GFFP (QC).6 Further, the
petitioner argues that the CCR Request
improperly treated the names of certain
GFFP (QC) officials as business
proprietary information and for this
reason the CCR Request should be
rejected by Commerce.
On October 20, 2022, Commerce held
an ex-parte meeting with certain
government officials from the
Government of Canada (GOC) in which
Canadian government officials
expressed their support for GreenFirst’s
CCR Request 7 and, on October 24, 2022,
the GOC submitted a letter to Commerce
expressing its support for GreenFirst’s
CCR Request.8
3 See
Order, 83 FR at 351.
GreenFirst’s letter, ‘‘Softwood Lumber from
Canada: GreenFirst Forest Products Request for
Changed Circumstances Review,’’ dated September
29, 2022 (CCR Request), at 3 and 4.
5 See Petitioner’s letter, ‘‘Certain Softwood
Lumber Products from Canada: Comments on
GreenFirst’s Request for Changed Circumstances
Review,’’ dated October 18, 2022 (Petitioner
Comments), at 3.
6 See Petitioner Comments at 9 and 10.
7 See Memorandum, ‘‘Ex Parte Meeting with the
Government of Canada,’’ dated October 21, 2022.
8 See GOC’s Letter submitted on October 24, 2022
(ACCESS Barcode: 4303828–01).
4 See
E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 221 (Thursday, November 17, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69002-69004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-25050]
[[Page 69002]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
[A-821-835]
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber From the Russian Federation:
Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and
Classification of the Russian Federation as a Non-Market Economy
AGENCY: Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) determines that
imports of emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (ESBR) from the Russian
Federation (Russia) are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United
States at less than fair value (LTFV) for the period of investigation
(POI) October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021. Commerce has also
reconsidered Russia's market economy status and has determined to treat
Russia as a non-market economy in forthcoming proceedings.
DATES: Applicable November 17, 2022.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caitlin Monks or Zachary Le Vene, AD/
CVD Operations, Office VII, Enforcement and Compliance, International
Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-2670 or (202)
482-0056, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On June 27, 2022, Commerce published in the Federal Register the
preliminary affirmative determination in the LTFV investigation of ESBR
from Russia, in which it also postponed the final determination until
November 9, 2022.\1\ We invited interested parties to comment on the
Preliminary Determination. A summary of the events that occurred since
Commerce published the Preliminary Determination may be found in the
Issues and Decision Memorandum.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Russian
Federation: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less
Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination and Extension
of Provisional Measures, 87 FR 38057 (June 27, 2022) (Preliminary
Determination), and accompanying Preliminary Decision Memorandum.
\2\ See Memorandum, ``Decision Memorandum for the Final
Determination in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation of Emulsion
Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Russian Federation, and
Classification of the Russian Federation as a Non-Market Economy''
dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, this notice (Issues
and Decision Memorandum).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scope of the Investigation
The product covered by this investigation is ESBR from Russia. For
a complete description of the scope of this investigation, see Appendix
I.
Analysis of Comments Received
All the issues raised in the case and rebuttal briefs that were
submitted by parties in this investigation are addressed in the Issues
and Decision Memorandum. A list of the issues addressed in the Issues
and Decision Memorandum is attached to this notice as Appendix II. The
Issues and 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 Issues and Decision Memorandum can
be accessed directly at https://access.trade.gov/public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx.
Verification
Commerce conducted verification of the information relied upon in
making its final determination in this investigation with respect to
Public Joint Stock Company SIBUR Holding, Joint Stock Company
Voronezhsintezkauchuk, SIBUR LLC, and SIBUR International GmbH
(collectively, SIBUR) in Vienna, Austria,\3\ as well as Public Joint
Stock Company TATNEFT, LLC TATNEFT-AZS Center, LLC Togliattikauchuk
(alternatively, LLC Tolyattikauchuk), and Tolyattisintez (collectively,
TATNEFT) in Zug, Switzerland, in accordance with section 782(i) of the
Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act).\4\ Specifically, Commerce
conducted on-site verifications of the home market, U.S. sales, and
cost of production responses submitted by SIBUR and TATNEFT.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ See Memoranda, ``Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation of
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Russian Federation:
Verification of Sales Responses of SIBUR,'' dated October 5, 2022;
and ``Verification of the Cost Responses of PJSC SIBUR Holding and
JSC Voronezhsintezkauchuk in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Russian Federation,''
dated September 23, 2022.
\4\ See Memoranda, ``Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation of
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Russian Federation:
Verification of Sales Responses of SIBUR,'' dated October 5, 2022;
``Verification of the Cost Responses of PJSC SIBUR Holding and JSC
Voronezhsintezkauchuk in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from the Russian Federation,''
dated September 23, 2022; and ``Verification of the Sales Response
of TATNEFT in the Antidumping Investigation of Emulsion Styrene-
Butadiene Rubber from the Russian Federation,'' dated September 30,
2022; and ``Verification of the Cost Response of PJSC TATNEFT and
LLC Tolyattikauchuk in the Antidumping Duty Investigation of
Emulsion Styrene-Butadiene Rubber from Russia,'' dated October 6,
2022.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changes Since the Preliminary Determination
Based on our analysis of the comments received, we have made
certain changes to the margin calculations for SIBUR and TATNEFT. For a
discussion of these changes, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum.
All-Others Rate
Section 735(c)(5)(A) of the Act provides that the estimated
weighted-average dumping margin for all other producers and exporters
not individually investigated shall be equal to the weighted average of
the estimated weighted-average dumping margins established for
exporters and producers individually investigated excluding rates that
are zero, de minimis, or determined entirely under section 776 of the
Act (i.e., facts otherwise available).
Commerce calculated individual estimated weighted-average dumping
margins for both SIBUR and TATNEFT, the two respondents selected for
individual examination in this investigation, that are not zero, de
minimis, or based entirely on facts otherwise available. Commerce
calculated the all-others rate using a weighted average of the
estimated weighted-average dumping margins calculated for the
individually examined respondents using the publicly ranged total
values of each respondent's sales of the merchandise under
consideration to the United States during the POI.\5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\5\ With two respondents under examination, Commerce normally
calculates: (A) a weighted-average of the estimated weighted-average
dumping margins calculated for the examined respondents; (B) a
simple average of the estimated weighted-average dumping margins
calculated for the examined respondents; and (C) a weighted-average
of the estimated weighted-average dumping margins calculated for the
examined respondents using each company's publicly-ranged U.S. sale
values for the merchandise under consideration. Commerce then
compares (B) and (C) to (A) and selects the rate closest to (A) as
the most appropriate rate for all other producers and exporters. See
Ball Bearings and Parts Thereof from France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
and the United Kingdom: Final Results of Antidumping Duty
Administrative Reviews, Final Results of Changed-Circumstances
Review, and Revocation of an Order in Part, 75 FR 53661, 53663
(September 1, 2010). For a complete analysis of the data, see
Memorandum, ``Final Determination Calculation for All-Others,''
dated concurrently with this notice.
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[[Page 69003]]
Final Determination
The final estimated weighted-average dumping margins are as
follows:
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\6\ Commerce determines that Public Joint Stock Company SIBUR
Holding (SIBUR Holding)/SIBUR International GmbH (SIBUR
International)/SIBUR LLC/Joint Stock Company Voronezhsintezkauchuk
(VSK) are a single entity. See Issues and Decision Memorandum; see
also Memorandum, ``SIBUR Affiliation and Single Entity Memorandum,''
dated June 14, 2022; and Memorandum, ``SIBUR Final Analysis
Memorandum,'' dated concurrently with this notice.
\7\ Commerce determines that Public Joint Stock Company TATNEF,T
LLC TATNEFT-AZS Center/LLC Togliattikauchuk/and Tolyattisintez are a
single entity. See Issues and Decision Memorandum; see also
Memorandum, ``TATNEFT Affiliation and Single Entity Memorandum,''
dated June 14, 2022.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated weighted-
Exporter/producer average dumping
margin (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Joint Stock Company SIBUR Holding/Joint Stock 17.47
Company Voronezhsintezkauchuk/SIBUR International
GmbH/SIBUR LLC \6\.................................
Public Joint Stock Company TATNEFT/LLC TATNEFT-AZS 8.15
Center/LLC Togliattikauchuk/Tolyattisintez \7\.....
All Others.......................................... 11.90
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russia's Market Economy Status
For this final determination, Commerce has reconsidered Russia's
market economy status and has determined to treat Russia as a non-
market economy in forthcoming proceedings. Because this determination
applies to future proceedings, Commerce has relied on its market
economy methodology in determining the antidumping duty margins for
this final determination. A detailed explanation for this determination
along with discussion of all comments and factual information submitted
concerning this determination can be found in the decision memorandum,
``Reconsideration of Russia's Status as a Market Economy,'' issued
concurrently with this memorandum.
For new segments of antidumping duty proceedings with a POI or
period of review (POR) starting after November 1, 2022, Commerce will
use its non-market economy methodology to calculate the antidumping
duty rates. If the POI or POR falls entirely before November 1, 2022,
Commerce will use its market economy methodology to calculate the
rates. Finally, if the POI or POR straddles the time periods where
Commerce considered Russia to be a market and non-market economy
country, Commerce will determine the appropriate approach to follow on
a case-by-case basis.
Disclosure
We intend to disclose the calculations and analysis performed to
interested parties in this final determination within five days of
public announcement or, if there is no public announcement, within five
days of the date of publication of this notice in accordance with 19
CFR 351.224(b).
Continuation of Suspension of Liquidation
In accordance with section 735(c)(1)(B) of the Act, Commerce will
instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to continue to
suspend the liquidation of all appropriate entries of subject
merchandise, as described in Appendix I of this notice, entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after June 27, 2022,
the date of publication in the Federal Register of the affirmative
Preliminary Determination. These suspension of liquidation instructions
will remain in effect until further notice.
Pursuant to section 735(c)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act and 19 CFR
351.210(d), we will instruct CBP to require a cash deposit for
estimated antidumping duties for such entries as follows: (1) the cash
deposit rate for the companies listed above will be equal to the
company-specific estimated weighted-average dumping margins determined
in this final determination; (2) if the exporter is not a company
identified above, but the producer is identified above, then the cash
deposit rate will be equal to the company-specific estimated weighted-
average dumping margin established for that producer of the subject
merchandise; and (3) the cash deposit rate for all other producers and
exporters will be equal to the all-others estimated weighted-average
dumping margin.
U.S. International Trade Commission Notification
In accordance with section 735(d) of the Act, we will notify the
U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) of the final affirmative
determination of sales at LTFV. Because Commerce's final determination
is affirmative, in accordance with section 735(b)(2) of the Act, the
ITC will make its final determination as to whether the domestic
industry in the United States is materially injured, or threatened with
material injury, by reason of imports or sales (or the likelihood of
sales) for importation of ESBR no later than 45 days after this final
determination. If the ITC determines that such injury does not exist,
this proceeding will be terminated, and all cash deposits posted will
be refunded and suspension of liquidation will be lifted. If the ITC
determines that such injury does exist, Commerce will issue an
antidumping duty order directing CBP to assess, upon further
instruction by Commerce, antidumping duties on all imports of the
subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for
consumption on or after the effective date of the suspension of
liquidation, as discussed above in the ``Continuation of Suspension of
Liquidation'' section.
Administrative Protective Order
This notice will serve as a final reminder to the parties subject
to an administrative protective order (APO) of their responsibility
concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under
APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3). Timely written
notification of return or destruction of APO materials or conversion to
judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with
the regulations and the terms of an APO is a sanctionable violation.
Notification to Interested Parties
This determination and this notice are issued and published
pursuant to sections 735(d) and 777(i)(1) of the Act, and 19 CFR
351.210(c).
[[Page 69004]]
Dated: November 9, 2022.
Lisa W. Wang,
Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.
Appendix I--Scope of the Investigation
The products covered by this investigation are cold-polymerized
emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (ESB rubber). The scope of the
investigation includes, but is not limited to, ESB rubber in primary
forms, bales, granules, crumbs, pellets, powders, plates, sheets,
strip, etc. ESB rubber consists of non-pigmented rubbers and oil-
extended non-pigmented rubbers, both of which contain at least one
percent of organic acids from the emulsion polymerization process.
ESB rubber is produced and sold in accordance with a generally
accepted set of product specifications issued by the International
Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP). The scope of the
investigation covers grades of ESB rubber included in the IISRP 1500
and 1700 series of synthetic rubbers. The 1500 grades are light in
color and are often described as ``Clear'' or ``White Rubber.'' The
1700 grades are oil-extended and thus darker in color, and are often
called ``Brown Rubber.''
Specifically excluded from the scope of this investigation are
products which are manufactured by blending ESB rubber with other
polymers, high styrene resin master batch, carbon black master batch
(i.e., IISRP 1600 series and 1800 series) and latex (an intermediate
product).
The products subject to this investigation are currently
classifiable under subheadings 4002.19.0015 and 4002.19.0019 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). ESB rubber
is described by Chemical Abstracts Services (CAS) Registry No. 9003-
55-8. This CAS number also refers to other types of styrene
butadiene rubber. Although the HTSUS subheadings and CAS registry
number 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. Period of Investigation
IV. Scope of the Investigation
V. Russia's Market Economy Status
VI. Changes Since the Preliminary Determination
VII. Use of Facts Available, and Adverse Inferences
VIII. Final Determinations of Affiliation and Single Entity
Treatment
IX. Discussion of the Issues
Comment 1: How to Treat SIBUR's Sales of Expired ESBR and Sales
Without Production Date Data Found at Verification
Comment 2: SIBUR's Inventory Carrying Costs and Total Sales
Quantity and Value (Q&V) Reconciliation
Comment 3: Whether to Apply Total Adverse Facts Available (AFA)
to SIBUR
Comment 4: How to Treat SIBUR's Affiliated Party Transactions
Comment 5: SIBUR's Cost Verification Adjustments
Comment 6: SIBUR's and TATNEFT's Payment Dates and Credit
Expenses
Comment 7: TATNEFT's U.S. Sales Destinations
Comment 8: TATNEFT's General and Administrative (G&A) and
Financial Expense--Packing Cost
Comment 9: TATNEFT and TTK's G&A Expense Rate--Other Income and
Expenses
X. Recommendation
[FR Doc. 2022-25050 Filed 11-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P