Date: 28-11-2023
US Concluded Vietnamese Steel Pipe Does Not Avoid Duties
After a thorough investigation, the US Department of Commerce has concluded that steel pipe products imported from Vietnam did not evade the anti-dumping and countervailing duties that the US applies to similar goods from Taiwan.It's known that on August 4, 2022, the US Department of Commerce issued a notice to initiate an investigation into the circumvention of trade defense duties on certain steel pipe products. Primarily, products falling under HS codes 7306.61 and 7306.30 were imported from Vietnam, with allegations that Vietnam imported the main raw material for producing the steel pipe hot-rolled coil from China, Taiwan, South Korea, and India, then performed simple processing to manufacture the steel pipes, which were subsequently exported to the US. This process was purportedly aimed at evading the corresponding anti-dumping and countervailing duties that the US applies to these countries and territories.This investigation was conducted following suspicions that goods from Vietnam were being sold at lower prices to evade anti-dumping and subsidy tariffs. The investigation focused on determining whether these steel pipe products were manufactured at lower costs due to non-transparent subsidies.After conducting an investigation and gathering information from relevant parties, the United States recently reached a significant conclusion regarding the anti-avoidance duty investigation related to the import of steel pipes from Vietnam. According to the announcement from the US Department of Commerce, following a thorough investigation, it was concluded that steel products imported from Vietnam did not evade the anti-dumping and countervailing duties that the US applies to similar items from Taiwan. This determination was based on Vietnam not using hot-rolled coil steel from Taiwan to manufacture the steel pipes.For other steel pipe products also under investigation for anti-avoidance measures (initiated on July 29, 2022), on July 20, 2023, the US Department of Commerce announced an extension of the deadline for issuing the final determination until November 2, 2023. Recently, on November 9, the US Department of Commerce published the final determination on the case. In this final determination, the US Department of Commerce maintained the same conclusion as the preliminary finding issued in April 2023.However, the Ministry of Industry and Trade noted that the US Department of Commerce continues to allow Vietnamese exporters (except for companies determined by the US Department of Commerce to not fully cooperate during the investigation) to participate in the mechanism of self-certification, confirming that they do not use hot-rolled coil steel originating from China, Taiwan, South Korea or India to be exempt from measures.In fact, the US investigation into anti-avoidance duties isn't just a message about fair trade management, it's also evidence of the tension within international trade relations, particularly amidst escalating trade tensions between nations. This also presents new challenges and opportunities for steel pipe manufacturing enterprises in Vietnam to adjust their business strategies, enhance fair competition advocacy, and comply with international trade regulations.Given these developments, understanding and adhering to international regulations, as well as fostering a fair competitive environment, have become crucial factors for businesses to thrive and adapt in an increasingly volatile international market.
