Trade commission findings on pipe dumping expected

Trade commission findings on pipe dumping expected

The U.S. International Trade Commission is expected to release its finding on whether nine countries are undermining the domestic oil and gas pipe-making industry by dumping imports at artificially low prices.

In a bulletin issued earlier today, the trade commission said it has determined whether oil and gas pipe imports from countries, including India and South Korea, are injuring or threatening the U.S. industry. Its finding will be released later today.

Last month, nine U.S. companies, including Vallourec Star, the JMC Steel Group, U.S. Steel and TMK IPSCO filed a petition with the U.S. Dept. of Commerce asking regulators to raise duties, or import taxes, on the countries in question.

Under federal law, the companies can petition the government for relief from unfair imports. The commerce department accepts the petitions and determines if illegal dumping is occurring, while the USITC determines whether it threatens U.S. industry.

After today’s vote is released, the commission’s determination will be passed on to the commerce department for its ongoing investigation, and later dates will be set by the commission to impose duties if the government’s investigation warrants it.