Certain Epoxy Resins From Taiwan: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures, 89591-89594 [2024-26258]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 13, 2024 / Notices 41. Solvay Silica Korea 42. Soon Ho Co., Ltd. 43. Sumitomo Corp. Korea Ltd. 44. Sungjin Precision 45. Wintec Korea Inc. 46. Wonbangtech Co., Ltd. [FR Doc. 2024–26253 Filed 11–12–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–570–176] Low Speed Personal Transportation Vehicles From the People’s Republic of China: Postponement of Preliminary Determination in the Less-Than-FairValue Investigation Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. DATES: Applicable November 13, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Xiao at (202) 202–482–2273 and Gorden Struck at (202) 202–482–8151, AD/CVD Operations, Office II, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AGENCY: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Background On July 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) initiated a less-than-fair-value (LTFV) investigation of imports of low speed personal transportation vehicles (LSTPVs) from the People’s Republic of China (China).1 Currently, the preliminary determination is due no later than December 4, 2024. Postponement of Preliminary Determination Section 733(b)(1)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), requires Commerce to issue the preliminary determination in an LTFV investigation within 140 days after the date on which Commerce initiated the investigation. However, section 733(c)(1)(A)(b)(1) of the Act permits Commerce to postpone the preliminary determination until no later than 190 days after the date on which Commerce initiated the investigation if: (A) the petitioner 2 makes a timely request for a postponement; or (B) Commerce concludes that the parties concerned are 1 See Certain Low Speed Personal Transportation Vehicles from the People’s Republic of China: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation, 89 FR 57865 (July 10, 2024) (Initiation Notice). 2 The petitioner is the American Personal Transportation Vehicle Manufacturers Coalition. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Nov 12, 2024 Jkt 265001 cooperating, that the investigation is extraordinarily complicated, and that additional time is necessary to make a preliminary determination. Under 19 CFR 351.205(e), the petitioner must submit a request for postponement 25 days or more before the scheduled date of the preliminary determination and must state the reasons for the request. Commerce will grant the request unless it finds compelling reasons to deny the request. On November 5, 2024, the petitioner submitted a timely request that Commerce postpone the preliminary determination in the LTFV investigation.3 The petitioner requested postponement of the preliminary determination because it believes that additional time is necessary to ensure that Commerce, the petitioner, and any other interested parties are able to sufficiently review all questionnaire responses and request clarification and additional information as necessary.’’ 4 For the reasons stated above and because there are no compelling reasons to deny the request, Commerce, in accordance with section 733(c)(1)(A) of the Act, is postponing the deadline for the preliminary determinations by 50 days (i.e., 190 days after the date on which this investigation was initiated). As a result, Commerce will issue its preliminary determination no later than January 23, 2025. In accordance with section 735(a)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.210(b)(1), the deadline for the final determination of this investigation will continue to be 75 days after the date of the preliminary determination, unless postponed at a later date. This notice is issued and published pursuant to section 733(c)(2) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(f)(1). Dated: November 6, 2024. Abdelali Elouaradia, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. [FR Doc. 2024–26222 Filed 11–12–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P 3 See Petitioner’s Letter, ‘‘Request for Postponement of the Preliminary Determination,’’ dated November 5, 2024. 4 Id. at 2. PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 89591 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–583–876] Certain Epoxy Resins From Taiwan: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily determines that imports of certain epoxy resins (epoxy resins) from Taiwan are being, or is likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The period of investigation (POI) is April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary determination. DATES: Applicable November 13, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Beuley or Benito Ballesteros, AD/CVD Operations, Office IX, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–3269 or (202) 482–7425, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AGENCY: Background This preliminary determination is made in accordance with section 733(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Commerce published the notice of initiation of this investigation on April 29, 2024.1 On July 22, 2024, Commerce tolled certain deadlines in this administrative proceeding by seven days.2 On August 12, 2024, Commerce postponed the preliminary determination of this investigation until November 6, 2024.3 For a complete description of the events that followed the initiation of this investigation, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.4 A list of topics 1 See Certain Epoxy Resins from the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand: Initiation of Less-Than-FairValue Investigations, 89 FR 33324 (April 29, 2024) (Initiation Notice). 2 See Memorandum, ‘‘Tolling of Deadlines for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings,’’ dated July 22, 2024. 3 See Certain Epoxy Resins from the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations of Antidumping Duty Investigations, 89 FR 65583 (August 12, 2024). 4 See Memorandum, ‘‘Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Determination in the Less-Than- E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM Continued 13NON1 89592 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 13, 2024 / Notices included 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://access.trade.gov/public/ FRNoticesListLayout.aspx. Scope of the Investigation The products covered by this investigation are epoxy resins from Taiwan. For a complete description of the scope of this investigation, see Appendix I. Scope Comments In accordance with the Preamble to Commerce’s regulations,5 the Initiation Notice set aside a period of time for parties to raise issues regarding product coverage (i.e., scope).6 Certain interested parties commented on the scope of the investigation as it appeared in the Initiation Notice, as well as additional language proposed by Commerce. For a summary of the product coverage comments and rebuttal responses submitted to the record for this preliminary determination, and accompanying discussion and analysis of all comments timely received, see the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum.7 Commerce is not preliminarily modifying the scope language as it appeared in the Initiation Notice. See the scope in Appendix I to this notice. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2), interested parties may address these comments in scope case briefs, which may be submitted no later than 30 days after the issuance of the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum.8 Methodology lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Commerce is conducting this investigation in accordance with section Fair-Value Investigation of Certain Epoxy Resins from Taiwan’’ dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision Memorandum). 5 See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997). 6 See Initiation Notice, 89 FR at 33324–25. 7 See Memorandum, ‘‘Less-Than-Fair-Value and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Certain Epoxy Resins from the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand: Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum,’’ dated concurrently with this preliminary determination (Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum). 8 Id. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Nov 12, 2024 Jkt 265001 731 of the Act. Commerce has calculated export prices in accordance with section 772(a) of the Act. Constructed export prices have been calculated in accordance with section 772(b) of the Act. Normal value is calculated in accordance with section 773 of the Act. For a full description of the methodology underlying the preliminary determination, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum. All-Others Rate Sections 733(d)(1)(ii) and 735(c)(5)(A) of the Act provide that in the preliminary determination Commerce shall determine an estimated all-others rate for all exporters and producers not individually examined. This rate shall be an amount equal to the weighted average of the estimated weightedaverage dumping margins established for exporters and producers individually investigated, excluding any zero and de minimis margins, and any margins determined entirely under section 776 of the Act. In this investigation, Commerce calculated estimated weighted-average dumping margins for Chang Chun Plastics Co., Ltd. (Chang Chun) and Nan Ya Plastics Corporation (Nan Ya) 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 examined respondents using each company’s publicly-ranged values for the merchandise under consideration.9 Preliminary Determination Commerce preliminarily determines that the following estimated weightedaverage dumping margins exist: 9 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. sales 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, e.g., 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, 53662 (September 1, 2010), and accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum at Comment 1. As complete publicly ranged sales data were available, Commerce based the all-others rate on the publicly ranged sales data of the mandatory respondents. For a complete analysis of the data, see Memorandum, ‘‘Calculation of the All-Others Rate for the Preliminary Determination,’’ dated November 6, 2024. PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Exporter/producer Chang Chun Plastics Co., Ltd .... Nan Ya Plastics Corporation ...... All Others .................................... Weightedaverage dumping margin (percent) 9.43 20.61 14.81 Suspension of Liquidation In accordance with section 733(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 Appendix I, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Further, pursuant to section 733(d)(1)(B) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(d), Commerce will instruct CBP to require a cash deposit equal to the estimated weighted-average dumping margin or the estimated allothers rate, as follows: (1) the cash deposit rate for the respondents listed above will be equal to the companyspecific estimated weighted-average dumping margins determined in this preliminary determination; (2) if the exporter is not a respondent identified above, but the producer is, 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. These suspension of liquidation instructions will remain in effect until further notice. Commerce normally adjusts cash deposits for estimated antidumping duties by the amount of export subsidies countervailed in a companion countervailing duty (CVD) proceeding, when CVD provisional measures are in effect. However, because Commerce preliminarily did not make an affirmative determination for countervailable export subsidies in the companion CVD proceeding,10 Commerce has not offset the estimated weighted-average dumping margins in the table above. Disclosure Commerce intends to disclose its calculations and analysis performed to interested parties in this preliminary 10 See Certain Epoxy Resins from Taiwan: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination, and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination, 89 FR 74896 (September 13, 2024), and accompanying Preliminary Decision Memorandum. E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 13, 2024 / Notices determination within five days of any 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). Consistent with 19 CFR 351.224(e), Commerce will analyze and, if appropriate, correct any timely allegations of significant ministerial errors by amending the preliminary determination. However, consistent with 19 CFR 351.224(d), Commerce will not consider incomplete allegations that do not address the significance standard under 19 CFR 351.224(g) following the preliminary determination. Instead, Commerce will address such allegations in the final determination together with issues raised in the case briefs or other written comments. Verification As provided in section 782(i)(1) of the Act, Commerce intends to verify the information relied upon in making its final determination. lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Public Comment Case briefs or other written comments 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. A timeline for the submission of case briefs and written comments will be released to interested parties at a later date. Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in the case briefs, may be filed not later than five days after the date for filing case briefs.11 Interested parties who submit case briefs or rebuttal briefs in this proceeding must submit: (1) a table of contents listing each issue; and (2) a table of authorities.12 As provided under 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2), in prior proceedings we have encouraged interested parties to provide an executive summary of their brief that should be limited to five pages total, including footnotes. In this investigation, we instead request that interested parties provide at the beginning of their briefs a public, executive summary for each issue raised in their briefs.13 Further, we request that interested parties limit their executive summary of each issue to no more than 11 See 19 CFR 351.309(d); see also Administrative Protective Order, Service, and Other Procedures in Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings, 88 FR 67069, 67077 (September 29, 2023) (APO and Service Final Rule). 12 See 19 351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2). 13 We use the term ‘‘issue’’ here to describe an argument that Commerce would normally address in a comment of the Issues and Decision Memorandum. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Nov 12, 2024 Jkt 265001 450 words, not including citations. We intend to use the executive summaries as the basis of the comment summaries included in the issues and decision memorandum that will accompany the final determination in this investigation. We request that interested parties include footnotes for relevant citations in the executive summary of each issue. Note that Commerce has amended certain of its requirements pertaining to the service of documents in 19 CFR 351.303(f).14 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. Postponement of Final Determination and Extension of Provisional Measures Section 735(a)(2) of the Act provides that a final determination may be postponed until not later than 135 days after the date of the publication of the preliminary determination if, in the event of an affirmative preliminary determination, a request for such postponement is made by exporters who account for a significant proportion of exports of the subject merchandise, or in the event of a negative preliminary determination, a request for such postponement is made by the petitioner. Section 351.210(e)(2) of Commerce’s regulations requires that a request by exporters for postponement of the final determination be accompanied by a request for extension of provisional measures from a four-month period to a period not more than six months in duration. On October 4, 2024, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.210(e), Nan Ya requested that Commerce postpone the final determination and that provisional measures be extended to a period not to exceed six months.15 In accordance with section 735(a)(2)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.210(b)(2)(ii), because: (1) the 14 See APO and Service Final Rule. Nan Ya’s Letter, ‘‘Request for Extension of Final Determination,’’ dated October 4, 2024. 15 See PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 89593 preliminary determination is affirmative; (2) the requesting exporter accounts for a significant proportion of exports of the subject merchandise; and (3) no compelling reasons for denial exist, Commerce is postponing the final determination and extending the provisional measures from a four-month period to a period not greater than six months. Accordingly, Commerce will make its final determination no later than 135 days after the date of publication of this preliminary determination. U.S. International Trade Commission Notification In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, Commerce will notify the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) of its preliminary determination. If the final determination is affirmative, the ITC will determine before the later of 120 days after the date of this preliminary determination or 45 days after the final determination whether these imports are materially injuring, or threaten material injury to, the U.S. industry. Notification to Interested Parties This determination is issued and published in accordance with sections 733(f) and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(c). Dated: November 6, 2024. Abdelali Elouaradia, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance. Appendix I Scope of the Investigation The merchandise subject to this investigation is fully or partially uncured epoxy resins, also known as epoxide resins, polyepoxides, oxirane resins, ethoxyline resins, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol, (chloromethyl)oxirane, or aromatic diglycidyl, which are polymers or prepolymers containing epoxy groups (i.e., three-membered ring structures comprised of two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom). Epoxy resins range in physical form from low viscosity liquids to solids. All epoxy resins are covered by the scope of this investigation irrespective of physical form, viscosity, grade, purity, molecular weight, or molecular structure, and packaging. Epoxy resins may contain modifiers or additives, such as hardeners, curatives, colorants, pigments, diluents, solvents, thickeners, fillers, plasticizers, softeners, flame retardants, toughening agents, catalysts, Bisphenol F, and ultraviolet light inhibitors, so long as the modifier or additive has not chemically reacted so as to cure the epoxy resin or convert it into a different product no longer containing epoxy groups. Such epoxy resins with modifiers or additives are included in the scope where the epoxy resin component comprises no less E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1 89594 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 13, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 than 30 percent of the total weight of the product. The scope also includes blends of epoxy resins with different types of epoxy resins, with or without the inclusion of modifiers and additives, so long as the combined epoxy resin component comprises at least 30 percent of the total weight of the blend. Epoxy resins that enter as part of a system or kit with separately packaged co-reactants, such as hardeners or curing agents, are within the scope. The scope does not include any separately packaged co-reactants that would not fall within the scope if entered on their own. The scope includes merchandise matching the above description that has been processed in a third country, including by commingling, diluting, introducing, or removing modifiers or additives, or performing any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigation if performed in the subject country. The scope also includes epoxy resin that is commingled or blended with epoxy resin from sources not subject to this investigation. Only the subject component of such commingled products is covered by the scope of this investigation. Excluded from the scope are phenoxy resins, which are polymers with a weight greater than 11,000 Daltons, a Melt Flow Index (MFI) at 200 °C (392 °F) no less than 4 grams and no greater than 70 grams per 10 min, Glass-Transition Temperatures (Tg) no less than 80 °C (176 °F) and no greater than 100 °C (212 °F), and which contain no epoxy groups other than at the terminal ends of the molecule. Excluded from the scope are certain paint and coating products, which are blends, mixtures, or other formulations of epoxy resin, curing agent, and pigment, in any form, packaged in one or more containers, wherein (1) the pigment represents a minimum of 10 percent of the total weight of the product, (2) the epoxy resin represents a maximum of 80 percent of the total weight of the product, and (3) the curing agent represents 5 to 40 percent of the total weight of the product. Excluded from the scope are preimpregnated fabrics or fibers, often referred to as ‘‘pre-pregs,’’ which are composite materials consisting of fabrics or fibers (typically carbon or glass) impregnated with epoxy resin. This merchandise is currently classifiable under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 3907.30.0000. Subject merchandise may also be entered under subheadings 3907.29.0000, 3824.99.9397, 3214.10.0020, 2910.90.9100, 2910.90.9000, 2910.90.2000, and 1518.00.4000. The HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes only; the written description of the scope is dispositive. Appendix II List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum I. Summary II. Background III. Period of Investigation IV. Discussion of the Methodology VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Nov 12, 2024 Jkt 265001 V. Currency Conversion VI. Recommendation [FR Doc. 2024–26258 Filed 11–12–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–DS–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–570–166] Certain Epoxy Resins From the People’s Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily determines that certain epoxy resins (epoxy resins) from the People’s Republic of China (China) are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The period of investigation (POI) is October 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary determination. AGENCY: DATES: Applicable November 13, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Flessner, AD/CVD Operations, Office VI, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 202–482–6312. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background This preliminary determination is made in accordance with section 733(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Commerce published the notice of initiation of this LTFV investigation on April 23, 2024.1 On July 22, 2024, Commerce tolled certain deadlines in this administrative proceeding by seven days.2 On August 12, 2024, Commerce postponed the preliminary determination of this investigation until November 6, 2024.3 1 See Certain Epoxy Resins from the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand: Initiation of Less-Than-FairValue Investigations, 89 FR 33324 (April 29, 2024) (Initiation Notice). 2 See Memorandum, ‘‘Tolling of Deadlines for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings,’’ dated July 22, 2024. 3 See Certain Epoxy Resins from the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations of Antidumping Duty Investigations, 89 FR 65583 (August 12, 2024). PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 For a complete description of the events that followed the initiation of this investigation, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.4 A list of topics included 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://access.trade.gov/public/ FRNoticesListLayout.aspx. Scope of the Investigation The products covered by this investigation are epoxy resins from China. For a complete description of the scope of this investigation, see Appendix I. Scope Comments In accordance with the Preamble to Commerce’s regulations,5 the Initiation Notice set aside a period of time for parties to raise issues regarding product coverage (i.e., scope).6 Certain interested parties commented on the scope of the investigation as it appeared in the Initiation Notice, as well as additional language proposed by Commerce. For a summary of the product coverage comments and rebuttal responses submitted to the record for this preliminary determination, and accompanying discussion and analysis of all comments timely received, see the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum.7 Commerce is not preliminarily modifying the scope language as it appeared in the Initiation Notice. See the scope in Appendix I to this notice. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2), interested parties may submit additional comments on the scope of this investigation in scope case briefs, which may be submitted no later than 30 days after the issuance of the 4 See Memorandum, ‘‘Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary Affirmative Determination in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation of Certain Epoxy Resins from the People’s Republic of China,’’ dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision Memorandum). 5 See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997) (Preamble). 6 See Initiation Notice, 89 FR at 33324–25. 7 See Memorandum, ‘‘Less-Than-Fair-Value and Countervailing Duty Investigations of Certain Epoxy Resins from the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand: Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum,’’ dated concurrently with this preliminary determination (Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum). E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 13, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 89591-89594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-26258]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[A-583-876]


Certain Epoxy Resins From Taiwan: Preliminary Affirmative 
Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final 
Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily 
determines that imports of certain epoxy resins (epoxy resins) from 
Taiwan are being, or is likely to be, sold in the United States at less 
than fair value (LTFV). The period of investigation (POI) is April 1, 
2023, through March 31, 2024. Interested parties are invited to comment 
on this preliminary determination.

DATES: Applicable November 13, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Beuley or Benito 
Ballesteros, AD/CVD Operations, Office IX, Enforcement and Compliance, 
International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-3269 
or (202) 482-7425, respectively.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This preliminary determination is made in accordance with section 
733(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Commerce 
published the notice of initiation of this investigation on April 29, 
2024.\1\ On July 22, 2024, Commerce tolled certain deadlines in this 
administrative proceeding by seven days.\2\ On August 12, 2024, 
Commerce postponed the preliminary determination of this investigation 
until November 6, 2024.\3\
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    \1\ See Certain Epoxy Resins from the People's Republic of 
China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand: 
Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 89 FR 33324 
(April 29, 2024) (Initiation Notice).
    \2\ See Memorandum, ``Tolling of Deadlines for Antidumping and 
Countervailing Duty Proceedings,'' dated July 22, 2024.
    \3\ See Certain Epoxy Resins from the People's Republic of 
China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand: 
Postponement of Preliminary Determinations of Antidumping Duty 
Investigations, 89 FR 65583 (August 12, 2024).
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    For a complete description of the events that followed the 
initiation of this investigation, see the Preliminary Decision 
Memorandum.\4\ A list of topics

[[Page 89592]]

included 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://access.trade.gov/public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ See Memorandum, ``Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary 
Determination in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation of Certain 
Epoxy Resins from Taiwan'' dated concurrently with, and hereby 
adopted by, this notice (Preliminary Decision Memorandum).
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Scope of the Investigation

    The products covered by this investigation are epoxy resins from 
Taiwan. For a complete description of the scope of this investigation, 
see Appendix I.

Scope Comments

    In accordance with the Preamble to Commerce's regulations,\5\ the 
Initiation Notice set aside a period of time for parties to raise 
issues regarding product coverage (i.e., scope).\6\ Certain interested 
parties commented on the scope of the investigation as it appeared in 
the Initiation Notice, as well as additional language proposed by 
Commerce. For a summary of the product coverage comments and rebuttal 
responses submitted to the record for this preliminary determination, 
and accompanying discussion and analysis of all comments timely 
received, see the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum.\7\ Commerce is 
not preliminarily modifying the scope language as it appeared in the 
Initiation Notice. See the scope in Appendix I to this notice. Pursuant 
to 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2), interested parties may address these comments 
in scope case briefs, which may be submitted no later than 30 days 
after the issuance of the Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum.\8\
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    \5\ See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule, 
62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997).
    \6\ See Initiation Notice, 89 FR at 33324-25.
    \7\ See Memorandum, ``Less-Than-Fair-Value and Countervailing 
Duty Investigations of Certain Epoxy Resins from the People's 
Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and 
Thailand: Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum,'' dated 
concurrently with this preliminary determination (Preliminary Scope 
Decision Memorandum).
    \8\ Id.
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Methodology

    Commerce is conducting this investigation in accordance with 
section 731 of the Act. Commerce has calculated export prices in 
accordance with section 772(a) of the Act. Constructed export prices 
have been calculated in accordance with section 772(b) of the Act. 
Normal value is calculated in accordance with section 773 of the Act. 
For a full description of the methodology underlying the preliminary 
determination, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.

All-Others Rate

    Sections 733(d)(1)(ii) and 735(c)(5)(A) of the Act provide that in 
the preliminary determination Commerce shall determine an estimated 
all-others rate for all exporters and producers not individually 
examined. This rate shall be an amount equal to the weighted average of 
the estimated weighted-average dumping margins established for 
exporters and producers individually investigated, excluding any zero 
and de minimis margins, and any margins determined entirely under 
section 776 of the Act.
    In this investigation, Commerce calculated estimated weighted-
average dumping margins for Chang Chun Plastics Co., Ltd. (Chang Chun) 
and Nan Ya Plastics Corporation (Nan Ya) 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 examined respondents using 
each company's publicly-ranged values for the merchandise under 
consideration.\9\
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    \9\ 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. sales 
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, e.g., 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, 53662 
(September 1, 2010), and accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum 
at Comment 1. As complete publicly ranged sales data were available, 
Commerce based the all-others rate on the publicly ranged sales data 
of the mandatory respondents. For a complete analysis of the data, 
see Memorandum, ``Calculation of the All-Others Rate for the 
Preliminary Determination,'' dated November 6, 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Preliminary Determination

    Commerce preliminarily determines that the following estimated 
weighted-average dumping margins exist:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Weighted-
                                                                average
                      Exporter/producer                         dumping
                                                                margin
                                                               (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chang Chun Plastics Co., Ltd................................        9.43
Nan Ya Plastics Corporation.................................       20.61
All Others..................................................       14.81
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Suspension of Liquidation

    In accordance with section 733(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 Appendix I, entered, 
or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of 
publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Further, pursuant 
to section 733(d)(1)(B) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(d), Commerce will 
instruct CBP to require a cash deposit equal to the estimated weighted-
average dumping margin or the estimated all-others rate, as follows: 
(1) the cash deposit rate for the respondents listed above will be 
equal to the company-specific estimated weighted-average dumping 
margins determined in this preliminary determination; (2) if the 
exporter is not a respondent identified above, but the producer is, 
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. These suspension of liquidation 
instructions will remain in effect until further notice.
    Commerce normally adjusts cash deposits for estimated antidumping 
duties by the amount of export subsidies countervailed in a companion 
countervailing duty (CVD) proceeding, when CVD provisional measures are 
in effect. However, because Commerce preliminarily did not make an 
affirmative determination for countervailable export subsidies in the 
companion CVD proceeding,\10\ Commerce has not offset the estimated 
weighted-average dumping margins in the table above.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ See Certain Epoxy Resins from Taiwan: Preliminary 
Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination, and Alignment of 
Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination, 89 FR 
74896 (September 13, 2024), and accompanying Preliminary Decision 
Memorandum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disclosure

    Commerce intends to disclose its calculations and analysis 
performed to interested parties in this preliminary

[[Page 89593]]

determination within five days of any 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).
    Consistent with 19 CFR 351.224(e), Commerce will analyze and, if 
appropriate, correct any timely allegations of significant ministerial 
errors by amending the preliminary determination. However, consistent 
with 19 CFR 351.224(d), Commerce will not consider incomplete 
allegations that do not address the significance standard under 19 CFR 
351.224(g) following the preliminary determination. Instead, Commerce 
will address such allegations in the final determination together with 
issues raised in the case briefs or other written comments.

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

    Case briefs or other written comments 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. A timeline for the submission of case briefs and 
written comments will be released to interested parties at a later 
date. Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in the case briefs, may 
be filed not later than five days after the date for filing case 
briefs.\11\ Interested parties who submit case briefs or rebuttal 
briefs in this proceeding must submit: (1) a table of contents listing 
each issue; and (2) a table of authorities.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See 19 CFR 351.309(d); see also Administrative Protective 
Order, Service, and Other Procedures in Antidumping and 
Countervailing Duty Proceedings, 88 FR 67069, 67077 (September 29, 
2023) (APO and Service Final Rule).
    \12\ See 19 351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As provided under 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2), in prior 
proceedings we have encouraged interested parties to provide an 
executive summary of their brief that should be limited to five pages 
total, including footnotes. In this investigation, we instead request 
that interested parties provide at the beginning of their briefs a 
public, executive summary for each issue raised in their briefs.\13\ 
Further, we request that interested parties limit their executive 
summary of each issue to no more than 450 words, not including 
citations. We intend to use the executive summaries as the basis of the 
comment summaries included in the issues and decision memorandum that 
will accompany the final determination in this investigation. We 
request that interested parties include footnotes for relevant 
citations in the executive summary of each issue. Note that Commerce 
has amended certain of its requirements pertaining to the service of 
documents in 19 CFR 351.303(f).\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ We use the term ``issue'' here to describe an argument that 
Commerce would normally address in a comment of the Issues and 
Decision Memorandum.
    \14\ See APO and Service Final Rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

Postponement of Final Determination and Extension of Provisional 
Measures

    Section 735(a)(2) of the Act provides that a final determination 
may be postponed until not later than 135 days after the date of the 
publication of the preliminary determination if, in the event of an 
affirmative preliminary determination, a request for such postponement 
is made by exporters who account for a significant proportion of 
exports of the subject merchandise, or in the event of a negative 
preliminary determination, a request for such postponement is made by 
the petitioner. Section 351.210(e)(2) of Commerce's regulations 
requires that a request by exporters for postponement of the final 
determination be accompanied by a request for extension of provisional 
measures from a four-month period to a period not more than six months 
in duration.
    On October 4, 2024, pursuant to 19 CFR 351.210(e), Nan Ya requested 
that Commerce postpone the final determination and that provisional 
measures be extended to a period not to exceed six months.\15\ In 
accordance with section 735(a)(2)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 
351.210(b)(2)(ii), because: (1) the preliminary determination is 
affirmative; (2) the requesting exporter accounts for a significant 
proportion of exports of the subject merchandise; and (3) no compelling 
reasons for denial exist, Commerce is postponing the final 
determination and extending the provisional measures from a four-month 
period to a period not greater than six months. Accordingly, Commerce 
will make its final determination no later than 135 days after the date 
of publication of this preliminary determination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ See Nan Ya's Letter, ``Request for Extension of Final 
Determination,'' dated October 4, 2024.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. International Trade Commission Notification

    In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, Commerce will notify 
the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) of its preliminary 
determination. If the final determination is affirmative, the ITC will 
determine before the later of 120 days after the date of this 
preliminary determination or 45 days after the final determination 
whether these imports are materially injuring, or threaten material 
injury to, the U.S. industry.

Notification to Interested Parties

    This determination is issued and published in accordance with 
sections 733(f) and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(c).

    Dated: November 6, 2024.
Abdelali Elouaradia,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.

Appendix I

Scope of the Investigation

    The merchandise subject to this investigation is fully or 
partially uncured epoxy resins, also known as epoxide resins, 
polyepoxides, oxirane resins, ethoxyline resins, diglycidyl ether of 
bisphenol, (chloromethyl)oxirane, or aromatic diglycidyl, which are 
polymers or prepolymers containing epoxy groups (i.e., three-
membered ring structures comprised of two carbon atoms and one 
oxygen atom). Epoxy resins range in physical form from low viscosity 
liquids to solids. All epoxy resins are covered by the scope of this 
investigation irrespective of physical form, viscosity, grade, 
purity, molecular weight, or molecular structure, and packaging.
    Epoxy resins may contain modifiers or additives, such as 
hardeners, curatives, colorants, pigments, diluents, solvents, 
thickeners, fillers, plasticizers, softeners, flame retardants, 
toughening agents, catalysts, Bisphenol F, and ultraviolet light 
inhibitors, so long as the modifier or additive has not chemically 
reacted so as to cure the epoxy resin or convert it into a different 
product no longer containing epoxy groups. Such epoxy resins with 
modifiers or additives are included in the scope where the epoxy 
resin component comprises no less

[[Page 89594]]

than 30 percent of the total weight of the product. The scope also 
includes blends of epoxy resins with different types of epoxy 
resins, with or without the inclusion of modifiers and additives, so 
long as the combined epoxy resin component comprises at least 30 
percent of the total weight of the blend.
    Epoxy resins that enter as part of a system or kit with 
separately packaged co-reactants, such as hardeners or curing 
agents, are within the scope. The scope does not include any 
separately packaged co-reactants that would not fall within the 
scope if entered on their own.
    The scope includes merchandise matching the above description 
that has been processed in a third country, including by 
commingling, diluting, introducing, or removing modifiers or 
additives, or performing any other processing that would not 
otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigation 
if performed in the subject country.
    The scope also includes epoxy resin that is commingled or 
blended with epoxy resin from sources not subject to this 
investigation. Only the subject component of such commingled 
products is covered by the scope of this investigation.
    Excluded from the scope are phenoxy resins, which are polymers 
with a weight greater than 11,000 Daltons, a Melt Flow Index (MFI) 
at 200 [deg]C (392 [deg]F) no less than 4 grams and no greater than 
70 grams per 10 min, Glass-Transition Temperatures (Tg) no less than 
80 [deg]C (176 [deg]F) and no greater than 100 [deg]C (212 [deg]F), 
and which contain no epoxy groups other than at the terminal ends of 
the molecule.
    Excluded from the scope are certain paint and coating products, 
which are blends, mixtures, or other formulations of epoxy resin, 
curing agent, and pigment, in any form, packaged in one or more 
containers, wherein (1) the pigment represents a minimum of 10 
percent of the total weight of the product, (2) the epoxy resin 
represents a maximum of 80 percent of the total weight of the 
product, and (3) the curing agent represents 5 to 40 percent of the 
total weight of the product.
    Excluded from the scope are preimpregnated fabrics or fibers, 
often referred to as ``pre-pregs,'' which are composite materials 
consisting of fabrics or fibers (typically carbon or glass) 
impregnated with epoxy resin.
    This merchandise is currently classifiable under Harmonized 
Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 
3907.30.0000. Subject merchandise may also be entered under 
subheadings 3907.29.0000, 3824.99.9397, 3214.10.0020, 2910.90.9100, 
2910.90.9000, 2910.90.2000, and 1518.00.4000. The HTSUS subheadings 
are provided for convenience and customs purposes only; the written 
description of the scope is dispositive.

Appendix II

List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum

I. Summary
II. Background
III. Period of Investigation
IV. Discussion of the Methodology
V. Currency Conversion
VI. Recommendation

[FR Doc. 2024-26258 Filed 11-12-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
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