[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46694-46699]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19157]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

[A-489-805]


Certain Pasta From Turkey: Notice of Preliminary Results of the 
2010-2011 Antidumping Duty Administrative Review

AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, 
Department of Commerce.

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce (the Department) is conducting an 
administrative review of the antidumping duty order on certain pasta 
(pasta) from Turkey for the period of review (POR) July 1, 2010, 
through June 30, 2011. The Department initiated the review covering TAT 
Makarnacilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (TAT) and Marsan Gida Sanayi ve 
Ticaret A.S (Marsan) and its claimed affiliates Birlik Pazarlama Sanayi 
ve Ticaret A.S. (Birlik), Bellini Gida Sanayi A.S. (Bellini), and Marsa 
Yag Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (Marsa Yag). We preliminarily determine that 
during the POR, TAT did not sell subject merchandise at less than 
normal value (NV). In addition, we preliminarily determine that Birlik, 
Bellini, and Marsan did not sell subject merchandise at less than NV.
    If these preliminary results are adopted in the final results of 
this administrative review, we will instruct U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP) to assess antidumping duties on all appropriate 
entries of subject merchandise during the POR. Interested parties are 
invited to comment on these preliminary results. See ``Preliminary 
Results of Review'' section of this notice.

DATES: Effective Date: August 6, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Moore or Victoria Cho, AD/
CVD Operations, Office 3, Import Administration, International Trade 
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and 
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-
3692 or (202) 482-5075, respectively.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On July 1, 2011, the Department issued a notice of opportunity to 
request an administrative review of this order for the POR of July 1, 
2010, through June 30, 2011.\1\ On July 29, 2011, we received a request 
to conduct a review with respect to Marsan and its claimed affiliates: 
Birlik, Bellini, and Marsa Yag. We also received a request from TAT for 
the Department to conduct an administrative review of TAT.
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    \1\ See Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or 
Suspended Investigation; Opportunity to Request Administrative 
Review, 76 FR 38609 (July 1, 2011).
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    On August 3, 2011, the Department provided Marsan with an 
opportunity to comply with the recently revised certification 
requirements with respect to its request for review.\2\ On August 10, 
2011, Marsan resubmitted its request for administrative review with the 
requisite certification language.
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    \2\ See 19 CFR 351.303(g)(1) and (g)(2).
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    On August 26, 2011, the Department published the notice of 
initiation of this antidumping duty administrative review covering the 
period July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011.\3\
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    \3\ See Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty 
Administrative Reviews and Requests for Revocation in Part, 76 FR 
53404 (August 26, 2011).
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    On September 14, 2011, the Department issued initial questionnaires 
covering sections A, B, C, and D to Marsan and sections A, B, and C to 
TAT with a due date of October 21, 2011. Because the Department 
disregarded below-cost sales in the most recently completed segment of 
the proceeding in which sales were reviewed for Marsan,\4\

[[Page 46695]]

we had reasonable grounds to believe or suspect that home market sales 
of the foreign like product by Marsan were made at prices below the 
cost of production (COP) during the POR, in accordance with section 
773(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), and 
therefore, included section D in the questionnaire to Marsan. After 
granting extensions to Marsan, the sections A, B, and C questionnaire 
responses were submitted on November 4, 2011, and the section D 
questionnaire response was submitted on November 18, 2011. On November 
22, 2011, petitioners submitted deficiency comments on sections A 
through D of Marsan's initial questionnaire response.\5\ The Department 
issued supplemental questionnaires to Marsan between January 13, 2012, 
and May 3, 2012. Responses to the Department's supplemental 
questionnaires were received from Marsan between January 23, 2012, and 
July 2, 2012.
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    \4\ See Notice of Final Results of Antidumping Duty 
Administrative Review: Certain Pasta from Turkey, 64 FR 69493 
(December 13, 1999) (97/98 Review Final). In June 2009, the 
Department found that Marsan was the successor-in-interest to Gidasa 
Sabanci Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret AS (Gidasa). See Certain Pasta from 
Turkey: Notice of Final Results of Antidumping Duty Changed 
Circumstances Review, 74 FR 26373 (June 2, 2009). In July 2003, the 
Department found that Gidasa was the successor-in-interest to Maktas 
Makarnacilik ve Ticaret AS (Maktas). See Notice of Final Results of 
Changed Circumstances Antidumping and Countervailing Duty 
Administrative Reviews: Certain Pasta From Turkey, 68 FR 41554 (July 
14, 2003). Maktas was the reviewed company in the 97/98 Review 
Final.
    \5\ Petitioners are New World Pasta Company, Dakota Growers 
Pasta Company, and American Italian Pasta Company.
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    After granting extensions to TAT, TAT's sections A, B, and C 
questionnaire responses were submitted on November 9, 2011. On Novmeber 
28, 2011, February 27, 2012, and May 1, 2012, petitioners submitted 
deficiency comments for TAT. On February 23, 2012, petitioners 
submitted its comments requesting that the Department rescind this 
administrative review for TAT because TAT lacked a reviewable entry. 
Petitioners urged that the Department request CBP to investigate any 
entries of subject merchandise, negligence in importations, and/or 
customs fraud made by TAT. The Department issued several supplemental 
questionnaires to TAT and we received responses to the Department's 
supplemental questionnaires on December 15, 2011, January 10, 2012, 
March 29, 2012, and June 15, 2012.
    On February 24, 2012, the Department published a notice extending 
the time period for issuing the preliminary results of the 
administrative review from April 1, 2012, to July 30, 2012.\6\
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    \6\ See Certain Pasta From Turkey: Extension of Time Limit for 
the Preliminary Results of the Countervailing Duty Administrative 
Review, 77 FR 11065 (February 24, 2012).
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Period of Review

    The POR covered by this review is July 1, 2010, through June 30, 
2011.

Targeted Dumping Allegations

    Petitioners contend that it conducted its own targeted dumping 
analysis of Marsan's U.S. sales using the Department's targeted dumping 
methodology as applied in Steel Nails and modified in Wood Flooring.\7\ 
Based on their analysis, petitioners argue the Department should 
conduct a targeted dumping analysis and employ average-to-transaction 
comparisons without offsets should the Department find that the record 
supports its allegation of targeted dumping. Marsan did not comment on 
the targeted dumping allegations submitted by the petitioners.
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    \7\ See Petitioners' Allegation of Targeted Dumping with respect 
to Marsan, dated June 15, 2012 (citing Certain Steel Nails from the 
People's Republic of China: Final Determination of Sales at Less 
Than Fair Value and Partial Affirmative Determination of Critical 
Circumstances, 73 FR 33977 (June 16, 2008) (Steel Nails), and 
accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum at Comment 8 (Steel 
Nails); Multilayered Wood Flooring from the People's Republic of 
China: Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, 76 FR 
64318 (Oct. 18, 2011) (Wood Flooring), and accompanying Issues and 
Decision Memorandum at Comment 4.
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    For purposes of these preliminary results, the Department did not 
conduct a targeted dumping analysis. In calculating the preliminary 
weighted-average dumping margin, the Department applied the calculation 
methodology adopted in the Final Modification for Reviews.\8\ In 
particular, the Department compared monthly, weighted-average export 
prices with monthly, weighted-average normal values, and granted 
offsets for negative comparison results in the calculation of the 
weighted-average dumping margins.\9\ Application of this methodology in 
these preliminary results affords parties an opportunity to 
meaningfully comment on the Department's implementation of this 
recently adopted methodology in the context of this administrative 
review.
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    \8\ See Antidumping Proceedings: Calculation of the Weighted-
Average Dumping Margin and Assessment Rate in Certain Antidumping 
Proceedings; Final Modification, 77 FR 8101 (February 14, 2012) 
(Final Modification for Reviews).
    \9\ See id. at 8102.
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Scope of the Order

    Imports covered by this review are shipments of certain non-egg dry 
pasta in packages of five pounds (2.27 kilograms) or less, whether or 
not enriched or fortified or containing milk or other optional 
ingredients such as chopped vegetables, vegetable purees, milk, gluten, 
diastases, vitamins, coloring and flavorings, and up to two percent egg 
white. The pasta covered by this scope is typically sold in the retail 
market, in fiberboard or cardboard cartons, or polyethylene or 
polypropylene bags of varying dimensions. Excluded from the scope of 
this review are refrigerated, frozen, or canned pastas, as well as all 
forms of egg pasta, with the exception of non-egg dry pasta containing 
up to two percent egg white.
    The merchandise subject to review is currently classifiable under 
item 1902.19.20 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States 
(HTSUS). Although the HTSUS subheading is provided for convenience and 
customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise subject to 
the order is dispositive.

Affiliation and Collapsing

    As discussed above, in its request for review, Marsan requested a 
review of itself and three companies (Birlik, Bellini, and Marsa Yag) 
which it claimed as affiliates. In the instant review, the Department 
preliminarily finds that Birlik, Bellini and Marsa Yag are affiliated 
in accordance with sections 771(33)(E) and (F) of the Act based on 
ownership structure and major shareholder controlling interest in these 
three subsidiaries.\10\ At the outset of the POR, Birlik operated the 
pasta production facility, but Bellini took over operation of the pasta 
production facility in October 2010.\11\ Because Birlik and Bellini 
operated the pasta production facility during different periods and 
both companies were not producing subject merchandise at the same time, 
the Department preliminarily determines that it is not appropriate to 
treat these companies as a single entity pursuant to 19 CFR 
351.401(f).\12\
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    \10\ See Memorandum to Melissa Skinner, Office Director, Office 
3 from the Team, titled ``Whether to Treat Marsan and its Claimed 
Affiliates as a Single Entity for Margin Calculation Purposes,'' 
dated July 30, 2012 (Affiliation/Collapsing Memo).
    \11\ See Marsan's November 4, 2011, questionnaire response at 7.
    \12\ See Affiliation/Collapsing Memo.
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    Consistent with our findings in the prior review,\13\ the 
Department finds that Marsan was not affiliated with Birlik or Bellini, 
prior to June 2, 2011.\14\ However, as discussed in more detail in the 
Affiliation/Collapsing Memo, the Department preliminarily determines

[[Page 46696]]

that effective June 2, 2011, Marsan and Bellini became affiliated 
persons within the meaning of section 771(33)(F) of the Act.\15\
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    \13\ See Certain Pasta From Turkey: Notice of Final Results of 
the 14th Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 76 FR 68339 
(November 4, 2011) (14th Review Final Results), and accompanying 
Issues and Decision Memorandum (I&D Memo) at Comments 1 and 2.
    \14\ See Affiliation/Collapsing Memo.
    \15\ See Marsan's November 4, 2011, questionnaire response at 9 
and Exhibit 4, and Affiliation/Collapsing Memo.
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    Upon finding Bellini to be affiliated with Marsan for the last 
month of the POR, the Department has also considered whether to treat 
Bellini and Marsan as a single entity for that month pursuant to 19 CFR 
351.401(f). Based upon the level of common ownership and the 
intertwining of the production and distribution operations of these 
companies after the acquisition of Marsan, the Department preliminarily 
finds there to be significant potential for manipulation of price or 
production of subject merchandise and has thus treated Bellini and 
Marsan as a single entity for the last month of the POR, referred to 
hereafter as Marsan/Bellini.\16\
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    \16\ See Affiliation/Collapsing Memo.
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Nature of TAT's Sales

    Petitioners have raised various concerns about the nature of TAT's 
sales of subject merchandise to the United States, including whether 
TAT has reviewable entries and whether its sales prices are consistent 
with normal commercial practices.\17\ Record information indicates that 
TAT has at least one reviewable entry, allowing the Department to 
continue with its review of TAT.\18\ With respect to petitioners' 
concerns about the nature of TAT's sales, the Department does not find 
support for those allegations in record evidence at this time because 
they are mainly premised upon petitioners' contentions that TAT does 
not have any reviewable entries subject to antidumping duty 
liability,\19\ which the Department preliminarily finds not to be case 
as addressed above. Petitioners also question whether TAT's sales to 
its U.S. customers were conducted at arm's length.\20\ Record evidence, 
however, establishes that TAT is not affiliated with its U.S. customers 
\21\ and petitioners have not identified information on the record 
demonstrating otherwise. However, we will continue to consider this 
matter. Should we determine that petitioners' concerns have merit we 
will further investigate in the context of this administrative review 
and, if necessary, conduct an analysis of whether TAT's sales are bona 
fide.
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    \17\ See, e.g., Petitioners' February 23, 2012, submission.
    \18\ See, e.g., TAT's March 29, 2012, submission at Attachment 
1.
    \19\ See Petitioners' February 23, 2012, submission at 3-5.
    \20\ See id.
    \21\ See TAT's November 9, 2011, section A questionnaire 
response at 9-13.
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Product Comparisons

    For purposes of calculating NV, section 771(16) of the Act defines 
``foreign like product'' as merchandise which is either (1) identical 
or (2) similar to the merchandise sold in the United States. When no 
identical products are sold in the home market, the products which are 
most similar to the product sold in the United States are identified. 
For the non-identical or most similar products which are identified 
based on the Department's product matching criteria, an adjustment is 
made to the NV for differences in cost attributable to differences in 
the actual physical differences between the products sold in the United 
States and the home market.\22\
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    \22\ See 19 CFR 351.411 and section 773(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Act.
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    In accordance with section 771(16) of the Act, we first attempted 
to match contemporaneous sales of products sold in the United States 
and comparison markets that were identical with respect to the 
following characteristics: (1) Pasta shape; (2) wheat species; (3) 
milling form; (4) protein content; (5) additives; and (6) enrichment. 
Where there were no sales of identical merchandise in the comparison 
market to compare with U.S. sales, we compared U.S. sales with the most 
similar product based on the characteristics listed above, in 
descending order of priority.

Fair Value Comparisons

    To determine whether sales of certain pasta from Turkey were made 
in the United States at less than NV, we compared the export price (EP) 
to the NV, as described in the ``Export Price'' and ``Normal Value'' 
sections of this notice. In particular, the Department compared 
monthly, weighted-average export prices with monthly, weighted-average 
normal values, and granted offsets for negative comparison results in 
the calculation of the weighted-average dumping margins.\23\
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    \23\ See Final Modification for Reviews.
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    Based on our affiliation and collapsing preliminary determinations, 
as discussed above, we separately calculated weighted-average dumping 
margins for: (1) Birlik for the period July 2010 through September 
2010; (2) Bellini for the period October 2010 through May 2011; and (3) 
Marsan/Bellini (the collapsed entity of Bellini and Marsan) for the 
month of June 2011. For each of the respondents, we compared the 
respective monthly weighted-average NVs to monthly, weighted-average 
export prices.\24\
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    \24\ See Affiliation/Collapsing Memo; see also Preliminary 
Results in the 10/11 Administrative Review on Certain Pasta from 
Turkey: Calculation Memorandum for Birlik/Bellini (Preliminary 
Calculation Memo Birlik/Bellini). As noted above, for these these 
preliminary results, the Department has applied the weighted-average 
dumping margin calculation method adopted in Final Modification for 
Reviews. Note that the Department did not calculate a rate for 
Marsan Yag because they are collapsed into the gourp Bellini and 
Marsan and are not a producer.
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Export Price

    For the price to the United States, we used EP, as defined in 
section 772(a) of the Act. Section 772(a) defines EP as the price at 
which the subject merchandise is first sold before the date of 
importation by the producer or exporter of subject merchandise outside 
of the United States to an unaffiliated purchaser in the United States 
or to an unaffiliated purchaser for exportation to the United States. 
We calculated EP for each of the respondents' U.S. sales because they 
were made to an unaffiliated purchaser in the United States or to an 
unaffiliated purchaser for exportation to the United States and 
constructed export price (CEP) was not otherwise warranted based on the 
facts on the record.
    In accordance with section 772(c)(2)(A) of the Act, we made 
deductions, where appropriate, for movement expenses including foreign 
inland freight from plant/warehouse to customer. In addition, when 
appropriate, we increased EP by an amount equal to the countervailing 
duty (CVD) rate attributed to export subsidies in the most recently 
completed CVD administrative review, in accordance with section 
772(c)(1)(C) of the Act.\25\
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    \25\ Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination: 
Certain Pasta (``Pasta'') from Turkey, 61 FR 30366 (June 14, 1996).
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Normal Value

A. Selection of Comparison Market

    Section 773(a)(1) of the Act directs that NV be based on the price 
of the foreign like product sold in the home market, provided that the 
merchandise is sold in sufficient quantities (or value, if quantity is 
inappropriate) and that there is no particular market situation that 
prevents a proper comparison with the EP or CEP. The statute 
contemplates that quantities (or value) normally be considered 
insufficient if they are less than five percent of the aggregate 
quantity (or value) of sales of the subject merchandise to the United 
States. To determine whether there was a sufficient volume of sales in 
the home market to serve as a viable basis for

[[Page 46697]]

calculating NV, we used the combined home market sales volume for 
Marsan, Birlik and Bellini, and TAT's volume of home market sales of 
the foreign like product to the volume of their U.S. sales of the 
subject merchandise.
    Pursuant to section 773(a)(1)(B) of the Act, because the 
respondents had an aggregate volume of home market sales of the foreign 
like product that was greater than five percent of its aggregate volume 
of U.S. sales of the subject merchandise, we determined that the home 
market was viable.\26\
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    \26\ See TAT's November 9, 2011, section A response at 3 and 
also see Marsan's November 4, 2011, section A response at 4 and 
Exhibit A-1.
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B. Arm's-Length Sales

    We included in our analysis the respondents' home market sales to 
affiliated customers only where we determined that such sales were made 
at arm's-length prices, i.e., at prices comparable to prices at which 
identical merchandise was sold to their unaffiliated customers. To test 
whether the sales to affiliates were made at arm's-length prices, we 
compared the starting prices of sales to affiliated and unaffiliated 
customers net of all movement charges, direct selling expenses, 
discounts, and packing. Where the prices to that affiliated party were, 
on average, within a range of 98 to 102 percent of the prices of 
comparable merchandise sold to unaffiliated parties, we determined that 
the sales made to the affiliated party were at arm's-length.\27\ 
Conversely, where we found that the sales to an affiliated party did 
not pass the arm's-length test, then all sales to that affiliated party 
have been excluded from the dumping analysis.\28\
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    \27\ See 19 CFR 351.403(c).
    \28\ See Antidumping Proceedings: Affiliated Party Sales in the 
Ordinary Course of Trade, 67 FR 69186, 69187 (November 15, 2002); 
TAT's November 9, 2011, section B response at B-3; and also see 
Marsan's November 4, 2011, section B response at 7 and 8.
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C. Cost of Production Analysis

    As discussed above, because the Department disregarded below-cost 
sales in the most recently completed segment of the proceeding in which 
sales were reviewed for Marsan,\29\ we had reasonable grounds to 
believe or suspect that home market sales of the foreign like product 
by Marsan were made at prices below the COP during the POR, in 
accordance with section 773(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act. Pursuant to 
section 773(b)(1) of the Act, the Department conducted a COP 
investigation of sales in the home market by Marsan. Therefore, we 
required Marsan to submit a response to section D of the Department's 
questionnaire. As discussed above and in the Affiliation/Collapsing 
Memo, the Department has preliminarily determined to collapse Marsan 
and Bellini and, therefore, we have relied on the cost data from both 
of these entities.
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    \29\ See 97/98 Review Final. Marsan is the successor-in-interest 
to Gidasa, who was the successor-in-interest to Maktas, the company 
subject to the 97/98 review cited in this notice.
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1. Calculation of COP
    We calculated the COP based on the sum of the cost of materials and 
fabrication for the foreign like product, plus amounts for selling, 
general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and packing, in accordance 
with section 773(b)(3) of the Act. Except as noted below, the 
Department relied on the COP data submitted by Marsan and Bellini--the 
affiliated party we preliminarily determined to collapse with Marsan.
    We have applied our standard methodology of using annual costs 
based on the reported data. We relied on the COP data submitted by 
Marsan on May 9, 2012, for Bellini, except for the following 
adjustments: For Bellini, we adjusted the per-unit material costs for 
one CONNUM sold but not produced during the POR to account for the cost 
of bran consumed. We adjusted Bellini's reported total cost of 
manufacturing (TCOM) to account for an unreconciled difference between 
the total cost of sales in the audited financial statements and the 
extended total cost of manufacturing captured in the reported cost 
file.\30\
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    \30\ See Memorandum to Neal M. Halper, Director, Office of 
Accounting through Taija A. Slaughter, Lead Accountant from Robert 
B. Greger, Senior Accountant, titled ``Cost of Production and 
Constructed Value Calculation Adjustments for the Preliminary 
Results--Bellini,'' dated July 30, 2012.
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2. Test of Comparison Market Prices
    We compared the weighted-average COPs for the collapsed Marsan/
Bellini entity to their home market sales prices of the foreign like 
product, as required under section 773(b) of the Act, to determine 
whether these sales had been made at prices below the COP within an 
extended period of time (i.e., normally a period of one year) in 
substantial quantities and whether such prices were sufficient to 
permit the recovery of all costs within a reasonable period of time. On 
a model-specific basis, we compared the COP to the home market prices, 
less any applicable movement charges, discounts, rebates, and direct 
and indirect selling expenses.\31\
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    \31\ See Marsan's Preliminary Calculation Memo Birlik/Bellini.
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3. Results of COP Test
    Pursuant to section 773(b)(2)(C)(i) of the Act, where less than 20 
percent of sales of a given product were at prices less than the COP, 
we did not disregard any below-cost sales of that product because we 
determined that the below-cost sales were not made in ``substantial 
quantities.'' Where 20 percent or more of the respondent's home market 
sales of a given model were at prices less than the COP, we disregarded 
the below-cost sales because: (1) They were made within an extended 
period of time in ``substantial quantities,'' in accordance with 
sections 773(b)(2)(B) and (C) of the Act; and (2) based on our 
comparison of prices to the weighted-average COPs, they were at prices 
which would not permit the recovery of all costs within a reasonable 
period of time, in accordance with section 773(b)(2)(D) of the Act.
    We found that Marsan/Bellini made sales below cost and we 
disregarded such sales where appropriate.\32\
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    \32\ See Preliminary Calculation Memo Marsan/Bellini.
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D. Calculation of Normal Value Based on Comparison Market Prices

    We calculated NV based on ex-works, free on board (FOB) or 
delivered prices to comparison market customers. Pursuant to 19 CFR 
351.401(c), we made deductions from the starting price, when 
appropriate, for discounts and rebates. In accordance with sections 
773(a)(6)(A) and (B) of the Act, we added U.S. packing costs and 
deducted comparison market packing, respectively. We also deducted home 
market movement expenses pursuant to section 773(a)(6)(B) of the Act. 
In addition, for comparisons made to EP sales, we made adjustments for 
differences in circumstances of sale (COS) pursuant to section 
773(a)(6)(C)(iii) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.410(b). Specifically, we 
made adjustments to NV for comparison to respondents' EP transactions 
by deducting direct selling expenses incurred for home market sales 
(i.e., credit expenses) and adding U.S. direct selling expenses (i.e., 
credit expenses). See section 773(a)(6)(C)(iii) of the Act, and 19 CFR 
351.410(c).\33\
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    \33\ See Id.
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    When comparing U.S. sales with comparison market sales of similar, 
but not identical, merchandise, we also made adjustments for physical 
differences in the merchandise in accordance with section 
773(a)(6)(C)(ii) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.411. We based this 
adjustment on the difference in the variable cost of manufacturing

[[Page 46698]]

(VCOM) for the foreign like product and subject merchandise, using 
weighted-average costs.\34\
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    \34\ See Marsan's November 4, 2011, section B response at 44.
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E. Level of Trade

    In accordance with section 773(a)(1)(B) of the Act, we determine NV 
based on sales in the comparison market at the same level of trade 
(LOT) as the EP and/or CEP sales, to the extent practicable. When there 
are no sales at the same LOT, we compare U.S. sales to comparison 
market sales at a different LOT. When NV is based on CV, the NV LOT is 
that of the sales from which we derive SG&A expenses and profit.
    Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.412(c)(2), to determine whether comparison 
market sales were at a different LOT, we examine stages in the 
marketing process and selling functions along the chain of distribution 
between the producer and the unaffiliated (or arm's-length affiliated) 
customers. The Department identifies the LOT based on: the starting 
price or constructed value (for normal value); the starting price (for 
EP sales); and the starting price, as adjusted under section 772(d) of 
the Act (for CEP sales). If the comparison-market sales were at a 
different LOT and the differences affect price comparability, as 
manifested in a pattern of consistent price differences between the 
sales on which NV is based and comparison-market sales at the LOT of 
the export transaction, we will make an LOT adjustment under section 
773(a)(7)(A) of the Act.
    During the POR, TAT reported that all of its sales were EP sales. 
TAT produced and sold pasta to affiliated and unaffiliated wholesalers/
distributors and retailers in the home market. TAT sold pasta through 
two channels of distribution in the home market. TAT sold pasta to 
unaffiliated wholesalers/distributors in the U.S. market and sold pasta 
through one channel of distribution. TAT claimed that there were no 
differences in levels of trade between sales in the home market and 
sales to the United States, and thus TAT did not provide a selling 
functions chart in its Section A Response.\35\ Therefore, we 
preliminarily determine that no level of trade adjustment is warranted.
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    \35\ See TAT's November 9, 2011, section B questionnaire 
response at 26.
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    Birlik and Bellini produced and sold the subject merchandise to 
both affiliated and unaffiliated companies in the home and U.S. markets 
during the POR. Marsan, an unaffiliated company purchased pasta from 
Birlik and Bellini and sold the purchased pasta to unaffiliated 
customers in the home market and U.S. market. Birlik, Bellini, and 
Marsan claimed that there were no differences in levels of trade 
between sales in the home market and sales to the United States.\36\ 
Therefore, we preliminarily determine that no level of trade adjustment 
is warranted,
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    \36\ See Marsan's November 4, 20111, section B questionnaire 
response at 29.
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Currency Conversion

    We made currency conversions into U.S. dollars in accordance with 
section 773A(a) of the Act, based on the official exchange rates 
published by the Federal Reserve Bank.

Preliminary Results of Review

    As a result of our review, we preliminarily determine that the 
following weighted-average percentage margins exist for the period July 
1, 2010, through June 30, 2011:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Margin
                    Manufacturer/exporter                      (percent)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Birlik......................................................        0.00
Bellini.....................................................        0.00
Bellini/Marsan..............................................        0.00
TAT.........................................................        0.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disclosure

    In accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b), we intend to disclose the 
calculations used in our analysis to parties to this proceeding within 
five days of the publication date of this notice.

Comments and Hearing

    Interested parties are invited to comment on the preliminary 
results. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.309(c)(1)(ii), interested parties may 
submit case briefs within 30 days of the date of publication of this 
notice. Rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in the case briefs, 
may be filed no later than 5 days after the time limit for filing the 
case briefs in accordance with 19 CFR 351.309(d). As specified by 19 
CFR 351.309(c)(2), parties who submit arguments are requested to submit 
with each argument: (1) A statement of the issue, (2) a brief summary 
of the argument, and (3) a table of authorities. Written arguments 
should be submitted via the Import Administration's Antidumping and 
Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (IA 
ACCESS).\37\
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    \37\ See generally 19 CFR 351.303.
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    Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.310(c), interested parties who wish to 
request a hearing, or to participate if one is requested, must submit a 
written request to the Assistant Secretary for Import Administration, 
filed electronically using IA ACCESS. An electronically filed document 
must be received successfully in its entirety by the Department by 5 
p.m. Eastern Standard Time within 30 days after the date of publication 
of this notice. Requests should contain: (1) The party's name, address 
and telephone number; (2) the number of participants; and (3) a list of 
issues to be discussed. Issues raised in the hearing will be limited to 
those raised in the respective case briefs and rebuttal briefs.
    The Department intends to publish a notice of the final results of 
this administrative review, which will include the results of its 
analysis of issues raised in any written comments or hearing, within 
120 days from publication of this notice, in accordance with section 
751(a)(3)(A) of the Act, unless the time limit is extended.

Assessment

    The Department will determine, and CBP shall assess, antidumping 
duties on all appropriate entries, pursuant to section 751(a)(1)(B) of 
the Act and 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1). The Department calculated importer-
specific duty assessment rates on the basis of the ratio of the total 
antidumping duties calculated for the examined sales to the total 
entered value of the examined sales for that importer.\38\ Where the 
assessment rate is above de minimis, we will instruct CBP to assess 
duties on all entries of subject merchandise by that importer.\39\ 
Where the importer-specific rate is zero or de minimis, we will 
instruct CBP to liquidate appropriate entries without regard to 
antidumping duties.\40\ The Department intends to issue assessment 
instructions to CBP 15 days after the date of publication of the final 
results of review.
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    \38\ See 19 CFR 351.212(b)(1).
    \39\ See id.
    \40\ See 19 CFR 351.106(c)(2).
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    The Department clarified its ``automatic assessment'' regulation on 
May 6, 2003. See Assessment of Antidumping Duties. This clarification 
will apply to entries of subject merchandise during the period of 
review produced by companies included in these preliminary results of 
review for which the reviewed companies did not know their merchandise 
was destined for the United States.\41\ In such instances, we

[[Page 46699]]

will instruct CBP to liquidate unreviewed entries at the all-others 
rate if there is no rate for the intermediate company(ies) involved in 
the transaction. For a full discussion of this clarification, see 
Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: Assessment of 
Antidumping Duties, 68 FR 23954 (May 6, 2003).
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    \41\ As in the 14th Review Final Results, we preliminarily 
determine that, for the first eleven months of the POR when Marsan 
was not affiliated with Birlik or Bellini, Marsan was not the first 
party in the transaction chain to have knowledge that the 
merchandise was destined for the United States. See Marsan's 
November 4, 2011 questionnaire response at 17. Thus, Marsan is not 
considered the exporter of subject merchandise during the first 
eleven months of the POR for purposes of this review.
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Cash Deposit Requirements

    The following cash deposit rates will be effective upon publication 
of the final results of this administrative review for all shipments of 
certain pasta from Turkey entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption on or after the publication date, as provided by section 
751(a)(2)(C) of the Act: (1) The cash deposit rate for Marsan/Bellini 
and TAT will be the rates established in the final results of this 
review (except, if the rates are zero or de minimis, then zero cash 
deposit will be required); (2) for previously reviewed or investigated 
companies not listed above, the cash deposit rate will continue to be 
the company-specific rate published for the most recent period; (3) if 
the exporter is not a firm covered in this review, a prior review, or 
the less-than-fair-value (LTFV) investigation, but the manufacturer is, 
the cash deposit rate will be the rate established for the most recent 
period for the manufacturer of the merchandise; and (4) if neither the 
exporter nor the manufacturer is a firm covered in this or any previous 
review or the LTFV investigation conducted by the Department, the cash 
deposit rate will be 51.49 percent, the All-Others rate established in 
the LTFV.\42\ Because we preliminarily determine that as of June 2, 
2011, neither Birlik nor Bellini continue to exist as independent pasta 
producers, we are not establishing a cash deposit rate for these 
entities. These cash deposit requirements shall remain in effect until 
further notice.
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    \42\ See Notice of Antidumping Duty Order and Amended Final 
Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain Pasta From 
Turkey, 61 FR 38545 (July 24, 1996).
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Notification to Importers

    This notice serves as a preliminary reminder to importers of their 
responsibility under 19 CFR 351.402(f)(2) to file a certificate 
regarding the reimbursement of antidumping and/or countervailing duties 
prior to liquidation of the relevant entries during this review period. 
Failure to comply with this requirement could result in the Secretary's 
presumption that reimbursement of antidumping and/or countervailing 
duties occurred and the subsequent assessment of double antidumping 
and/or increase the antidumping duty by the amount of the 
countervailing duties.
    This determination is issued and published in accordance with 
sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act.

    Dated: July 30, 2012.
Paul Piquado,
Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.
[FR Doc. 2012-19157 Filed 8-3-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P