On February 25, 2020, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that antidumping or countervailing duties will not be imposed on imports of fabricated structural steel (FSS) from China, Canada, and Mexico.  A Federal Register notice is expected in the next few days that will officially stop payment of these duties and provide for a refund of antidumping duties already paid.

The investigation stemmed from a government petition in February 2019 that claimed the imports of fabricated steel from Canada, China, and Mexico were being sold at less than fair market value in the U.S.  The USITC ultimately voted 3 to 2 in the ruling, which concluded that the structural steel imports do not threaten or harm the U.S. industry.

According to the Commission’s news release,  fabricated structural steel covers a broad range of products that are “fabricated from steel mill products for erection or assembly into structures, including, but not limited to, commercial buildings (commercial, office, institutional, and multifamily residential); industrial and utility projects; parking decks; arenas and convention centers; medical facilities; and ports, transportation, and infrastructure facilities. FSS products, whether assembled or partially assembled, may include fasteners and may be painted or coated.”

The Commission’s full report, Fabricated Structural Steel from Canada, China, and Mexico (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-616-617 and 731-TA-1432-1434 (Final), USITC Publication 5031, March 2020), containing the information developed during the investigation will be available by April 6, 2020.  It will be accessible on the USITC website.

If you have specific questions regarding your shipments, please contact Deringer’s Compliance Department.