[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 18 (Friday, January 27, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5358-5361]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-2108]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
[A-475-814]
Notice of Preliminary Determination of Sales at Not Less Than
Fair Value: Small Diameter Circular Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel,
Standard, Line and Pressure Pipe from Italy
Agency: Import Administration, International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 27, 1995.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Jenkins or Kate Johnson, Office
of Antidumping Investigations, Import Administration, U.S. Department
of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20230; telephone (202) 482-1756 or 482-4929, respectively.
PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION: The Department of Commerce (the Department)
preliminarily determines that small diameter circular seamless carbon
and alloy steel, standard, line and pressure pipe from Italy (seamless
pipe) is not being, nor is likely to be, sold in the United States at
less than fair value, as provided in section 733 of the Tariff Act of
1930, as amended (the Act). The estimated de minimis margins are shown
in the ``Preliminary Margin'' section of this notice.
Case History
Since the notice of initiation published on July 20, 1994, (59 FR
37025), the following events have occurred.
On August 8, 1994, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC)
issued an affirmative preliminary injury determination (USITC
Publication 2734, August 1994).
On August 19, 1994, we sent the antidumping questionnaire to
Dalmine S.p.A., TAD USA, Inc., and Dalmine USA, Inc., (collectively
``Dalmine''), because petitioner claimed that Dalmine was the sole
producer of the subject merchandise exported to the United States from
Italy during the period of investigation (POI). In order to determine
if Dalmine accounted for over 60 percent of the exports to the United
States and, accordingly, could be named as the sole respondent, we also
sent an abbreviated version of Section A of the questionnaires to the
following Italian producers named in the petition: Acciaierie e
Tubificio Meridionali SpA, Pietra SpA-Acciaierie Ferriere e Tubifici
(Pietra SpA), Tubicar SpA, Sandvik Italia SpA, and Seta Tubi Srl. On
September 2 and 23, 1994, Dalmine provided volume and value data of
sales of subject merchandise during the POI. Acciaierie e Tubificio
Meridionali, Sandvik Italia and Tubicar SpA informed the Department
that they did not sell subject merchandise to the United States during
the POI. Seta Tubi Srl's antidumping questionnaire was returned to the
Department by the postal service as undeliverable because the address
could not be found. We did not receive a response from Pietra SpA.
However, Pietra SpA sent a facsimile to the U.S. Consulate in Milan in
which it reported a small volume of shipments of the subject
merchandise to the United States from January 1 to March 31, 1994. On
September 27, 1994, we determined that Dalmine S.p.A. (Dalmine) should
be the sole respondent in this investigation because it accounted for
at least 60 percent of the exports of the subject merchandise to the
United States during the POI.
On September 19, 1994, we received a request from Dalmine to
exclude certain ``outlier'' sales from its United States and home
market sales listings. On September 23, 1994, petitioner submitted its
opposition to Dalmine's request. On September 26, 1994, Dalmine
responded to petitioner's September 23, 1994, objections. We requested
additional information from Dalmine concerning the ``outlier'' sales on
September 30, 1994. Based on Dalmine's request, and after considering
all comments received, on November 28, 1994, we informed Dalmine that
it would be exempted from reporting certain ``outlier'' home market and
U.S. sales.
On December 6 and 19, 1994, Dalmine requested that it be exempt
from reporting an insignificant quantity of sales made by related
resellers and sought clarification concerning which of its customers
are ``related parties.'' On December 12 and 22, 1994, we received
comments from petitioner addressing Dalmine's request to exclude
reporting certain related party sales. On January 19, 1995, after
considering the additional request and considering comments, we also
granted Dalmine an exemption from reporting an insignificant quantity
of home market sales made by related resellers. The Department accepted
Dalmine's definition of related party, as described its B and C
responses. Therefore, it was not necessary to provide additional
guidance.
On September 23, 1994, we received Dalmine's response to Section A
of the Department's questionnaire. Responses to Sections B and C of the
questionnaire were submitted on October 7, 1994. On October 11, 1994,
petitioner commented on Dalmine's Section A questionnaire response. On
October 11 and 31, 1994, we received additional comments from
petitioner regarding Dalmine's Sections [[Page 5359]] A, B and C
responses. On November 18, we issued a supplemental questionnaire to
Dalmine. We received a response on December 19, 1994.
On October 21 and 31, and November 17, 1994, we received comments
and rebuttal comments on the issues of scope and class or kind of
merchandise from interested parties, pursuant to the Department's
invitation for such comments in its notice of initiation.
On October 27, 1994, the Department received a request from
petitioner to postpone the preliminary determination until January 19,
1995. On November 18, 1994, we published in the Federal Register (59 FR
59748), a notice announcing the postponement of the preliminary
determination until not later than January 19, 1995, in accordance with
19 C.F.R. 353.15(c) and (d).
Scope of Investigation
For purposes of this investigation, seamless pipes are seamless
carbon and alloy (other than stainless) steel pipes, of circular cross-
section, not more than 114.3mm (4.5 inches) in outside diameter,
regardless of wall thickness, manufacturing process (hot-finished or
cold-drawn), end finish (plain end, bevelled end, upset end, threaded,
or threaded and coupled), or surface finish. These pipes are commonly
known as standard pipe, line pipe or pressure pipe, depending upon the
application. They may also be used in structural applications.
The seamless pipes subject to these investigations are currently
classifiable under subheadings 7304.10.10.20, 7304.10.50.20,
7304.31.60.50, 7304.39.00.16, 7304.39.00.20, 7304.39.00.24,
7304.39.00.28, 7304.39.00.32, 7304.51.50.05, 7304.51.50.60,
7304.59.60.00, 7304.59.80.10, 7304.59.80.15, 7304.59.80.20, and
7304.59.80.25 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
(HTSUS).
The following information further defines the scope of this
investigation, which covers pipes meeting the physical parameters
described above:
Specifications, Characteristics and Uses: Seamless pressure pipes
are intended for the conveyance of water, steam, petrochemicals,
chemicals, oil products, natural gas and other liquids and gasses in
industrial piping systems. They may carry these substances at elevated
pressures and temperatures and may be subject to the application of
external heat. Seamless carbon steel pressure pipe meeting the American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard A-106 may be used in
temperatures of up to 1000 degrees fahrenheit, at various American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code stress levels. Alloy pipes
made to ASTM standard A-335 must be used if temperatures and stress
levels exceed those allowed for A-106 and the ASME codes. Seamless
pressure pipes sold in the United States are commonly produced to the
ASTM A-106 standard.
Seamless standard pipes are most commonly produced to the ASTM A-53
specification and generally are not intended for high temperature
service. They are intended for the low temperature and pressure
conveyance of water, steam, natural gas, air and other liquids and
gasses in plumbing and heating systems, air conditioning units,
automatic sprinkler systems, and other related uses. Standard pipes
(depending on type and code) may carry liquids at elevated temperatures
but must not exceed relevant ASME code requirements.
Seamless line pipes are intended for the conveyance of oil and
natural gas or other fluids in pipe lines. Seamless line pipes are
produced to the API 5L specification.
Seamless pipes are commonly produced and certified to meet ASTM A-
106, ASTM A-53 and API 5L specifications. Such triple certification of
pipes is common because all pipes meeting the stringent A-106
specification necessarily meet the API 5L and ASTM A-53 specifications.
Pipes meeting the API 5L specification necessarily meet the ASTM A-53
specification. However, pipes meeting the A-53 or API 5L specifications
do not necessarily meet the A-106 specification. To avoid maintaining
separate production runs and separate inventories, manufacturers triple
certify the pipes. Since distributors sell the vast majority of this
product, they can thereby maintain a single inventory to service all
customers.
The primary application of ASTM A-106 pressure pipes and triple
certified pipes is in pressure piping systems by refineries,
petrochemical plants and chemical plants. Other applications are in
power generation plants (electrical-fossil fuel or nuclear), and in
some oil field uses (on shore and off shore) such as for separator
lines, gathering lines and metering runs. A minor application of this
product is for use as oil and gas distribution lines for commercial
applications. These applications constitute the majority of the market
for the subject seamless pipes. However, A-106 pipes may be used in
some boiler applications.
The scope of this investigation includes all multiple-stenciled
seamless pipe meeting the physical parameters described above and
produced to one of the specifications listed above, whether or not also
certified to a non-covered specification. Standard, line and pressure
applications are defining characteristics of the scope of this
investigation. Therefore, seamless pipes meeting the physical
description above, but not produced to the A-106, A-53, or API 5L
standards shall be covered if used in an A-106, A-335, A-53, or API 5L
application.
For example, there are certain other ASTM specifications of pipe
which, because of overlapping characteristics, could potentially be
used in A-106 applications. These specifications include A-162, A-192,
A-210, A-333, and A-524. When such pipes are used in a standard, line
or pressure pipe application, such products are covered by the scope of
this investigation.
Specifically excluded from this investigation are boiler tubing,
mechanical tubing and oil country tubular goods except when used in a
standard, line or pressure pipe application. Also excluded from this
investigation are redraw hollows for cold-drawing when used in the
production of cold-drawn pipe or tube.
Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and
customs purposes, our written description of the scope of this
investigation is dispositive.
Scope Issues
In our notice of initiation we identified two issues which we
intended to consider further. The first issue was whether to consider
end-use a factor in defining the scope of these investigations.1
The second issue was whether the seamless pipe subject to this
investigation constitutes more than one class or kind of merchandise.
In addition to these two issues, interested parties have raised a
number of other issues regarding whether certain products should be
excluded from the scope of this investigation. These issues are
discussed below.
\1\Various parties in this investigation, as well as in the
concurrent investigations involving the same product from Argentina,
Italy, and Germany have raised issues and made arguments. For
purposes of simplicity and consistency across investigations, we
will discuss all of these issues in this notice.
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Regarding the end-use issue, interested parties have submitted
arguments about whether end-use should be maintained as a scope
criterion in this investigation. After carefully considering these
arguments, we have determined that, for purposes of this preliminary
determination, we will continue to include end-use as a scope
criterion. We agree with petitioner that pipe products identified
[[Page 5360]] as potential substitutes used in the same applications as
products meeting the requisite ASTM specifications may fall within the
same class or kind, and within the scope of any order issued in this
investigation. However, we are well aware of the difficulties involved
with requiring end-use certifications, particularly the burdens placed
on the Department, the U.S. Customs Service, and the parties. We will
strive to simplify any procedures used in this regard. We will,
therefore, carefully consider any comment on this issue for purposes of
our final determination.
Regarding the class or kind issue, although respondents propose
dividing the scope of this investigation into two classes or kinds of
merchandise, they do not agree on the merchandise characteristics that
will define the two classes. The respondents in the Brazilian and
German investigations argue that the scope should be divided into two
classes or kinds based on the material composition of the pipe--carbon
versus alloy. The respondent in the Argentine investigation argues that
the scope should be divided into two classes or kinds of merchandise
based on size. Petitioner maintains that the subject merchandise
constitutes a single class or kind.
We have considered the class or kind comments of the interested
parties and have analyzed this issue based on the criteria set forth by
the Court of International Trade in Diversified Products v. United
States, 6 CIT 155, 572 F. Supp. 883 (1983). These criteria are as
follows: (1) The general physical characteristics of the merchandise;
(2) the ultimate use of the merchandise; (3) the expectations of the
ultimate purchasers; (4) the channels of trade; and (5) cost.
We note that certain differences exist between the physical
characteristics of the various products (e.g., size, composition). In
addition, there appear to be cost differences between the various
products. However, the information on record is not sufficient to
justify dividing the class or kind of merchandise. The record on
ultimate use of the merchandise and the expectations of the ultimate
purchasers indicates that there is a strong possibility that there may
be overlapping uses because any one of the various products in question
may be used in different applications (e.g., line and pressure pipe).
Also, based upon the evidence currently on the record, we determine
that the similarities in the distribution channels used for each of the
proposed classes of merchandise outweigh any differences in the
distribution channels.
In conclusion, while we recognize that certain differences exist
between the products in the proposed class or kind of merchandise, we
find that the similarities are more significant. Therefore, for
purposes of this preliminary determination, we will continue to
consider the scope as covering one class or kind of merchandise. This
preliminary decision is consistent with past cases concerning steel
pipe products. (See e.g., Final Determination of Sales at Less Than
Fair Value: Circular Welded Non-Alloy Steel Pipe From Brazil et. al.,
57 FR 42940, September 17, 1992). However, a number of issues with
respect to class or kind remain to be clarified. We will provide the
parties with another opportunity to submit additional information and
argument for the final determination. For a complete discussion of the
parties' comments, as well as the Department's analysis, see memorandum
from Gary Taverman, Acting Director, Office of Antidumping
Investigations to Barbara Stafford, Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Investigations, dated January 19, 1995.
Regarding the additional issues concerning exclusion of certain
products, one party requests that the Department specify that multiple-
stencilled seamless pipe stencilled to non-subject standards is not
covered. Furthermore, this party argues that the scope language should
be clarified so that it specifically states that only standard, line,
and pressure pipe stencilled to the ASTM A-106, ASTM A-53 or API-5L
standards are included, and that we clarify the meaning of ``mechanical
tubing.'' In addition, this party requests that the Department exclude
unfinished oil country tubular goods, ASTM A-519 pipe (a type of
mechanical tubing) and mechanical tube made to customer specifications
from the scope of this investigation.
Another party requests that the Department specifically exclude
hollow seamless steel products produced in non-pipe sizes (known in the
steel industry as tubes), from the scope of this investigation.
Because we currently have insufficient evidence to make a
determination regarding these requests, we are not yet in a position to
address these concerns. Therefore, for purposes of this preliminary
determination, we will not exclude these products from the scope of
this investigation. Once again, we will collect additional information
and consider additional argument before the final determination.
Period of Investigation
The POI is January 1, 1994, through June 30, 1994.
Such or Similar Comparisons
We have determined that all the products covered by this
investigation constitute a single category of such or similar
merchandise. We made fair value comparisons on this basis. In
accordance with the Department's standard methodology, we first
compared identical merchandise. Referencing Appendix V of our
questionnaire, Dalmine states that the specifications for the
merchandise exported to the United States are identical to the
specifications for the merchandise sold in the home market. Dalmine
further claims that triple-stencilled merchandise sold in the U.S.
market is identical to single-stencilled merchandise sold in the home
market. We have accepted Dalmine's assertions for purposes of this
preliminary determination. Where there were no sales of identical
merchandise in the home market to compare to U.S. sales, or where,
according to respondent, comparisons of similar merchandise would
result in differences-in-merchandise adjustments exceeding 20 percent,
we made comparisons on the basis of constructed value (CV) because
there was no comparable merchandise sold in the home market based on
the criteria in Appendix V to the antidumping questionnaire, on file in
Room B-099 of the main building of the Department.
Fair Value Comparisons
To determine whether sales of seamless pipe from Dalmine to the
United States were made at less than fair value, we compared the United
States price (USP) to the foreign market value (FMV), as specified in
the ``United States Price'' and ``Foreign Market Value'' sections of
this notice. In accordance with 19 C.F.R. 353.58, we made comparisons
at the same level of trade, where possible.
United States Price
We based USP on purchase price (PP), in accordance with section
772(b) of the Act, because the subject merchandise was sold to
unrelated purchasers in the United States before importation and
because exporter's sales price methodology was not otherwise indicated.
We calculated PP based on packed FOB U.S. port prices to unrelated
customers. In accordance with section 772(d)(2)(A) of the Act, we made
deductions, where appropriate, for foreign inland freight, ocean
freight, [[Page 5361]] U.S. brokerage, marine insurance, and U.S.
import duty.
We also made an adjustment to USP for the value-added tax (VAT)
paid on the comparison sales in Italy in accordance with our practice,
pursuant to the Court of International Trade's (CIT) decision in
Federal-Mogul Corp. and the Torrington Co. v. United States, Slip Op.
93-194 (CIT) October 7, 1993). (See Final Determination of Sales at
less Than Fair Value: Calcium Aluminate Cement, Cement Clinker and Flux
from France, 59 FR 14136, March 25, 1994).
Foreign Market Value
In order to determine whether there were sufficient sales of
subject merchandise in the home market to serve as a viable basis for
calculating FMV, we compared the volume of home market sales of
seamless pipe to the volume of third country sales of seamless pipe in
accordance with section 773(a)(1)(B) of the Act. Based on this
comparison, we found that the volume of home market sales was greater
than five percent of the aggregate volume of third country sales.
Therefore, we determined that Dalmine had a viable home market with
respect to sales of seamless pipe during the POI.
In accordance with 19 C.F.R. 353.46, we calculated FMV based on ex-
factory or delivered prices charged to unrelated and, where
appropriate, to related customers in Italy. We compared related party
prices using the test set forth in Appendix II to the Final
Determination of Sales at Less than Fair Value; Certain Cold-rolled
Carbon Steel Flat Products from Argentina, 58 FR 37062 (July 9, 1994),
and used in our FMV calculation those sales made to related parties
that were at arm's-length. We made deductions, where appropriate, for
discounts.
In light of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit's (CAFC)
decision in Ad Hoc Committee of AZ-NM-TX-FL Producers of Gray Portland
Cement v. United States, 13 F.3d 398 (Fed. Cir. 1994), the Department
no longer can deduct home market movement charges from FMV pursuant to
its inherent power to fill in gaps in the antidumping statute. Instead,
we will adjust for those expenses under the circumstance-of-sale
provision of 19 C.F.R. 353.56(a) and the exporter's sales price offset
provision of 19 C.F.R. 353.56(b)(2), as appropriate. Accordingly, in
the present case, we deducted post-sale home market movement charges
from FMV under the circumstance-of-sale provision of 19 C.F.R.
353.56(a). This adjustment included home market foreign inland freight.
Pursuant to 19 C.F.R. 353.56(a)(2), we made further circumstance-
of-sale adjustments, where appropriate, for differences in credit
expenses, warranties and product liability expenses between the U.S.
and home market. For home market sales with missing shipment and
payment dates, we recalculated credit expenses using an average number
of credit days. For those sales missing only payment dates, we
recalculated credit expenses using the date of our preliminary
determination. We deducted home market commissions and added U.S.
indirect selling expenses capped by the amount of home market
commissions. We added interest revenue, where appropriate.
We also deducted home market packing and added U.S. packing costs,
in accordance with section 773(a)(1) of the Act.
We adjusted for VAT in accordance with our practice. (See, the
``United States Price'' section of this notice, above.)
For sales for which Dalmine had with no comparable merchandise sold
in the home market for comparison to its U.S. product, we based FMV on
CV. We calculated CV based on the sum of the cost of materials,
fabrication, general expenses, U.S. packing costs and profit. In
accordance with section 773(e)(1)(B)(i) of the Act, we included the
greater of respondent's reported general expenses or the statutory
minimum of ten percent of the cost of manufacturing (COM), as
appropriate. For profit, we used the statutory minimum of eight percent
of the sum of COM and general expenses. We made circumstance-of-sale
adjustments, where appropriate, for differences in credit expenses and
product liability and warranty, pursuant to 19 C.F.R. 353.56(a)(2).
Currency Conversion
We made currency conversions based on the official exchange rates
in effect on the dates of the U.S. sales as certified by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York. See 19 C.F.R. 353.60(a).
Verification
As provided in section 776(b) of the Act, we will verify the
information used in making our final determination.
Preliminary Margins
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Manufacturer/producer exporter Margin percent
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Dalmine S.p.A.................................... 0.28 de minimis.
All others....................................... 0.28 de minimis.
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ITC Notification
In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, we have notified the
ITC of our determination. If our final determination is affirmative,
the ITC will determine whether imports of the subject merchandise are
materially injuring, or threaten material injury to, the U.S. industry
before the later of 120 days after the date of the preliminary
determination or 45 days after our final determination.
Public Comment
In accordance with 19 C.F.R. 353.38, case briefs or other written
comments in at least ten copies must be submitted to the Assistant
Secretary for Import Administration no later than March 10, 1995, and
rebuttal briefs no later than March 15, 1995. In accordance with 19
C.F.R. 353.38(b), we will hold a public hearing, if requested, to give
interested parties an opportunity to comment on arguments raised in
case or rebuttal briefs. Tentatively, the hearing will be held on March
20, 1995, at 2:00 p.m., at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 1414,
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20230.
Parties should confirm by telephone the time, date, and place of the
hearing 48 hours before the scheduled time.
Interested parties who wish to request a hearing must submit a
written request to the Assistant Secretary for Import Administration,
U.S. Department of Commerce, Room B-099, within ten days of the
publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Request should
contain: (1) The party's name, address, and telephone number; (2) the
number of participants; and (3) a list of the issues to be discussed.
In accordance with 19 C.F.R. 353.38(b), oral presentation will be
limited to issues raised in the briefs.
This determination is published pursuant to section 733(f) of the
Act (19 U.S.C. 1673b(f)) and 19 C.F.R. 353.15(a)(4).
Dated: January 19, 1995.
Susan G. Esserman,
Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.
[FR Doc. 95-2108 Filed 1-26-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P