[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 90 (Monday, May 12, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20147-20153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-08304]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
[A-570-182]
Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products From the People's Republic of
China: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair
Value, Postponement of Final Determination and Extension of Provisional
Measures
AGENCY: Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration,
Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily
determines that thermoformed molded fiber products from the People's
Republic of China (China) are being, or are likely to be, sold in the
United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The period of
investigation is April 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. Interested
parties are invited to comment on this preliminary determination.
DATES: Applicable May 12, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis McClure or Matthew Lipka, AD/
CVD Operations, Office VIII, Enforcement and Compliance, International
Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482-5973 or (202)
482-7976, respectively.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
This preliminary determination is made in accordance with section
733(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). Commerce
published the notice of initiation of this investigation on November 4,
2024.\1\ On March 4, 2025, Commerce postponed the preliminary
determination of this investigation, and the revised deadline is now
May 6, 2025.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products From the People's
Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation
of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations, 89 FR 87551 (November 4,
2024) (Initiation Notice).
\2\ See Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products from the People's
Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam:
Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Less-Than-Fair
Value Investigations, 90 FR 11153 (March 4, 2025).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a complete description of the events that followed the
initiation of
[[Page 20148]]
this investigation, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.\3\ A list
of topics included in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum is included
as Appendix II to this notice. The Preliminary Decision Memorandum is a
public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and
Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic
Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at
https://access.trade.gov. In addition, a complete version of the
Preliminary Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://access.trade.gov/public/FRNoticesListLayout.aspx.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\3\ See Memorandum, ``Decision Memorandum for the Preliminary
Affirmative Determination in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation
of Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products from the People's Republic of
China,'' dated concurrently with, and hereby adopted by, this notice
(Preliminary Decision Memorandum).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scope of the Investigation
The product covered by this investigation is thermoformed molded
fiber products from China. For a complete description of the scope of
this investigation, see Appendix I.
Scope Comments
In accordance with the Preamble to Commerce's regulations,\4\ the
Initiation Notice set aside a period of time for parties to raise
issues regarding product coverage (i.e., scope).\5\ On November 25,
2024, interested parties submitted comments on the scope of this
investigation and, on December 5, 2024, the American Molded Fiber
Coalition (the petitioners) responded to these scope comments.\6\ For a
summary of the product coverage comments and rebuttal responses
submitted to the record for this investigation and accompanying
discussion and analysis of all comments timely received, see the
Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum.\7\ Commerce is preliminarily
modifying the scope language as it appeared in the Initiation Notice.
See the revised scope in Appendix I to this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final Rule,
62 FR 27296, 27323 (May 19, 1997) (Preamble).
\5\ See Initiation Notice, 89 FR at 87552.
\6\ See Eco-Products, PBC's Letter, ``Scope Comments,'' dated
November 25, 2024; see also World Centric's Letter, ``World Centric
Scope Comments,'' dated November 25, 2024; Target General
Merchandise, Inc.'s Letter, ``Scope Comments on Behalf of Target
General Merchandise, Inc.,'' dated November 25, 2024; and
Petitioners' Letter, ``Petitioners' Response to Scope Comments,''
dated December 5, 2024.
\7\ See Memorandum, ``Less-Than-Fair-Value and Countervailing
Duty Investigations of Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products from the
People's Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam:
Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum,'' dated concurrently with
this notice (Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Methodology
Commerce is conducting this investigation in accordance with
section 731 of the Act. Commerce has calculated export prices in
accordance with section 772(a) of the Act and constructed export prices
in accordance with section 772(b) of the Act. Because China is a non-
market economy (NME), within the meaning of section 771(18) of the Act,
Commerce has calculated normal value in accordance with section 773(c)
of the Act. Furthermore, pursuant to sections 776(a) and (b) of the
Act, Commerce preliminarily has relied upon facts otherwise available,
with adverse inferences, for the China-wide entity, which includes (1)
Be Green Packaging Co., Ltd., (2) Greenland Industrial Limited, (3)
Sabert (Zhongshan) Limited, (4) Shanghai Veridian International Co.
LTD, (5) Shanghai Yingzhenghui Green Industrial Co., Ltd., (6) Zhejiang
Beehive Trading Company, (7) Zhejiang Enjoy & Wonderful Inc., and (8)
Zhejiang Jiadebao Technology Co., Ltd. In addition, Commerce has
applied partial facts otherwise available, with adverse inferences, to
mandatory respondents Guangxi Firstpak Environmental Technology Co.,
Ltd. (Guangxi Firstpak) and the collapsed single entity that includes
mandatory respondent Zhejiang Zhongxin Environmental Protection
Technology Group Co., Ltd. (Zhejiang Zhongxin).\8\ For a full
description of the methodology underlying Commerce's preliminary
determination, see the Preliminary Decision Memorandum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ Commerce has preliminarily determined that the mandatory
respondent Zhejiang Zhongxin is affiliated with the following
companies and has treated these companies as a single entity: (1)
Chongzuo Zhongxin Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd.; (2)
Guangxi Huabao Fiber Products Co,. Ltd.; (3) Jinhua Zhongsheng Fiber
Products Co., Ltd.; and (4) Hangzhou Ganzhejun Environmental
Protection Technology Co., Ltd (collectively, the Zhongxin Group).
See the Preliminary Decision Memorandum for further details.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combination Rates
In the Initiation Notice,\9\ Commerce stated that it would
calculate producer/exporter combination rates for the respondents that
are eligible for a separate rate in this investigation. Policy Bulletin
05.1 describes this practice.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ See Initiation Notice, 89 FR at 87554-87555.
\10\ See Enforcement and Compliance's Policy Bulletin No. 05.1,
regarding, ``Separate-Rates Practice and Application of Combination
Rates in Antidumping Investigations involving Non-Market Economy
Countries,'' (April 5, 2005) (Policy Bulletin 05.1), available on
Commerce's website at https://enforcement.trade.gov/policy/bull05-1.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Separate Rates
We preliminarily granted a separate rate to certain respondents
that we did not select for individual examination.\11\ In calculating
the rate for non-individually examined separate rate respondents in an
NME LTFV investigation, Commerce normally looks to section 735(c)(5)(A)
of the Act, which pertains to the calculation of the all-others rate in
a market economy LTFV investigation, for guidance. Pursuant to section
735(c)(5)(A) of the Act, normally this rate shall be an amount equal to
the weighted-average of the estimated weighted-average dumping margins
established for those companies individually examined, excluding zero
and de minimis dumping margins, and any dumping margins based entirely
under section 776 of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ See the Preliminary Decision Memorandum for additional
details.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this investigation, Commerce calculated individual estimated
weighted-average dumping margins for Guangxi Firstpak and the Zhongxin
Group that are not zero, de minimis, or based entirely on facts
otherwise available. Thus, the weighted-average dumping margins
calculated for Guangxi Firstpak and the Zhongxin Group are the basis to
determine the weighted-average dumping margin for the non-examined,
separate rate companies in this investigation.\12\ See the table below
in the ``Preliminary Determination'' section of this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\12\ See Memorandum, ``Calculation of the Dumping Margin for
Respondents Not Selected for Individual Examination,'' dated
concurrently with this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preliminary Determination
Commerce preliminarily determines that the following estimated
weighted-average dumping margins exist:
[[Page 20149]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Cash deposit
weighted- rate (adjusted
Exporter Producer average for subsidy
dumping margin offsets)
(percent) (percent)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guangxi Firstpak Environmental Technology Co., Guangxi Firstpak Environmental 47.44 47.44
Ltd. Technology Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Zhongxin Environmental Protection Zhejiang Zhongxin Environmental 470.63 470.36
Technology Group Co., Ltd./Chongzuo Zhongxin Protection Technology Group
Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd./ Co., Ltd./Chongzuo Zhongxin
Guangxi Huabao Fiber Products Co., Ltd./ Environmental Protection
Hangzhou Ganzhejun Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd./Guangxi
Technology Co., Ltd./Jinhua Zhongsheng Fiber Huabao Fiber Products Co., Ltd./
Products Co., Ltd. Hangzhou Ganzhejun
Environmental Protection
Technology Co., Ltd./Jinhua
Zhongsheng Fiber Products Co.,
Ltd.
Xiamen Win Win Bag Co., Ltd................... Shandong Yijia Packaging 345.98 345.84
Technology Co., Ltd.
Anhui Shangjia Environmental Tableware Co., Anhui Shangjia Environmental 345.98 345.84
Ltd. Tableware Co., Ltd.
Shandong Tranlin Straw New Environmental Shandong Tranlin Straw New 345.98 345.84
Technology Joint Stock Company Limited. Environmental.
Shandong Teanhe Hongsheng International Trade Shandong Tranlin Straw New 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Environmental.
Zhejiang Kingsun Eco-Pack Co. Ltd............. Zhejiang Kingsun Eco-Pack Co. 345.98 345.84
Ltd.
Zhejiang Kingsun Eco-Pack Co. Ltd............. Guangxi Jiefeng Biological 345.98 345.84
Technology Co., Ltd.
Guangxi Jiefeng Biological Technology Co., Ltd Guangxi Jiefeng Biological 345.98 345.84
Technology Co., Ltd.
Guangxi Fineshine ECO Technology Co., Ltd..... Guangxi Fineshine ECO Technology 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Sanxing Eco-Friendly Packaging Co., Wenzhou Sanxing Eco-Friendly 345.98 345.84
Ltd. Packaging Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Shaoneng Group Luzhou Technology Shaoneng Group Luzhou Eco 345.98 345.84
Development Co., Ltd. (Xinfeng) Technology Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Shaoneng Group Luzhou Technology Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou 345.98 345.84
Development Co., Ltd. Eco Technology Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Luzhou Eco (Xinfeng) Technology Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Eco Technology Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Luzhou Eco (Xinfeng) Technology Longyan Green Olive Co., Ltd.... 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Luzhou Eco (Xinfeng) Technology Hebei Daoxiang Eco Technology 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Luzhou Eco (Xinfeng) Technology Guangxi Fineshine ECO Technology 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Luzhou Eco (Xinfeng) Technology Zhejiang Fuchang Environmental 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Protection Technology Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Cangzhou Jinda Packaging 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Products Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Minjie Eco-Machinery Technology 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Shaoneng Group Luzhou Eco 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. (XinFeng) Technology Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Hainan Huandu Biotechnology Co., 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Hebei Daoxiang Eco Technology 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology HuiZhou Gold-Superman Packing 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Material Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Nanxiong Taihua Plastic Products 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology NAN Xiong Yangxin ECO Packing 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology NAN Xiong Yangxin ECO Packing 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Shandong Qizheng Packaging Co., 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Zhejiang Fuchang Environmental 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Protection Technology Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Jiangmen Zhuoyu Technology Co., 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Dongguan Lvluo Environmental 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Protection Technology Co., Ltd.
Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou Eco Technology Nanxiong Aerospace Health 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Technology Co., Ltd.
Clean Packaging Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd GreenDoer Advanced Materials, 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd.
Ningbo HomeLink Eco-itech Co., Ltd............ Zhejiang Jiadebao Technology 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd.
Ningbo HomeLink Eco-itech Co., Ltd............ Guangxi Ecolink Technology Co., 345.98 345.84
Ltd.
Guangxi Ecolink Technology Co., Ltd........... Guangxi Ecolink Technology Co., 345.98 345.84
Ltd.
Shandong Shengquan New Materials Co., Ltd..... Shandong Shengquan New Materials 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd.
Jiangsu Jinsheng Environmental Protection Jiangsu Jinsheng Environmental 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Protection Tableware Co., Ltd.
[[Page 20150]]
Hubei Wheat-Straw Environmental Technologies Hubei Wheat-Straw Environmental 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Technologies Co., Ltd.
Shandong Lvhe Packaging Co., Ltd.............. Shandong Tranlin Straw New 345.98 345.84
Environmental Technology Joint
Stock Company Limited.
Yibin YUTO Eco Packaging Technology Co., Ltd.. Yibin YUTO Eco Packaging 345.98 345.84
Technology Co., Ltd.
HaiKou YUTO Eco Technology Co., Ltd........... HaiKou YUTO Eco Technology Co., 345.98 345.84
Ltd.
Xiamen Target Trade Co., Ltd.................. GeoTegrity Eco Pack (Xiamen) 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Jiurong Packaging Co., Ltd.......... Guandong Fenghua Paper Co., Ltd. 345.98 345.84
Guangzhou Jiurong Packaging Co., Ltd.......... Zhejiang Guangju Paper Products 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Jiurong Packaging Co., Ltd.......... Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou 345.98 345.84
Eco Technology Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Jiurong Packaging Co., Ltd.......... Shaoneng Group Luzhou (Xinfeng) 345.98 345.84
Technology Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Huilin Packaging Technology Group Shenzhen Pinchuang Supply Chain 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Huilin Packaging Technology Group Pinchuang Fabric Products 345.98 345.84
Co., Ltd. Factory.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Fujian Qingshan Paper Industry 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Suzhou Pchem New Energy 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Technology Co., Ltd.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Positive energy machinery 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. processing plant.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Yangzhou Cannaan Mesh Belt Co., 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Ltd.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Guangxi Boguan Environmental 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Products Co., Ltd.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Guangxi Liantuo Trading Co., Ltd 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Shanghai Tingli Environmental 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Protection Technology Co., Ltd.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Guangdong Liangshi Industrial 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Materials Co., Ltd.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Wenzhou Honglian Packaging 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Container Co., Ltd.
Fujian Lvwei Environmental Protection Zhenghe County Fenghua Packaging 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Fujian Qingshan Paper Industry 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Suzhou Pchem New Energy 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Technology Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Wenzhou Shunfu Packaging Co., 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Wenzhou Xinao Energy Development 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Co. Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Ningbo Lufeng Logistics Co., Ltd 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Positive energy machinery 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. processing plant.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Yangzhou Cannaan Mesh Belt Co., 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Guangxi Boguan Environmental 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Products Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Guangxi Liantuo Trading Co., Ltd 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Wenzhou Yongdian Technology Co., 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Wandu packaging products factory 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Fujian Qingshan Paper Industry 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Wenzhou Honglian Packaging 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Container Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Shanghai Tingli Environmental 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Protection Technology Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Keyi Environmental Protection Guangdong Liangshi Industrial 345.98 345.84
Tableware Co., Ltd. Materials Co., Ltd.
Fuzhou Hengli Paper Co., Ltd.................. Shaoneng Group Guangdong Luzhou 345.98 345.84
Eco Technology Co., Ltd.
[[Page 20151]]
Fuzhou Hengli Paper Co., Ltd.................. Shenzhen Yike Environmental 345.98 345.84
Resources Co., Ltd.
Sabert Asia Holdings Limited.................. Sabert (Zhongshan) Limited...... 345.98 345.84
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
China-Wide Entity * 477.97 * 477.97
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This rate is based on facts available with adverse inferences.
Suspension of Liquidation
In accordance with section 733(d)(2) of the Act, Commerce will
direct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to suspend liquidation
of subject merchandise as described in the scope of the investigation
section entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or
after the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register,
as discussed below. Further, pursuant to section 733(d)(1)(B) of the
Act and 19 CFR 351.205(d), Commerce will instruct CBP to require a cash
deposit equal to the weighted average amount by which normal value
exceeds U.S. price, as indicated in the chart above, as follows: (1)
for the producer/exporter combinations listed in the table above, the
cash deposit rate is equal to the estimated weighted-average dumping
margin listed for that combination in the table; (2) for all
combinations of Chinese producers/exporters of merchandise under
consideration that have not established eligibility for their own
separate rates, the cash deposit rate will be equal to the estimated
weighted-average dumping margin established for the China-wide entity;
and (3) for all third-country exporters of merchandise under
consideration not listed in the table above, the cash deposit rate is
the cash deposit rate applicable to the Chinese producer/exporter
combination (or the China-wide entity) that supplied that third-country
exporter.
To determine the cash deposit rate, Commerce normally adjusts the
estimated weighted-average dumping margin by the amount of domestic
subsidy pass-through and export subsidies determined in a companion
countervailing duty (CVD) proceeding when CVD provisional measures are
in effect. Accordingly, where Commerce has made a preliminary
affirmative determination for domestic subsidy pass-through or export
subsidies, Commerce has offset the calculated estimated weighted-
average dumping margin by the appropriate rate(s). Any such adjusted
rates may be found in the Preliminary Determination section's chart of
estimated weighted-average dumping margins, above.
Should provisional measures in the companion CVD investigation
expire prior to the expiration of provisional measures in this LTFV
investigation, Commerce will direct CBP to begin collecting cash
deposits at a rate equal to the estimated weighted-average dumping
margins calculated in this preliminary determination unadjusted for the
passed-through domestic subsidies or for export subsidies at the time
the CVD provisional measures expire.
These suspension of liquidation instructions will remain in effect
until further notice.
Disclosure
Commerce intends to disclose to interested parties the calculations
performed in connection with this preliminary determination within five
days of its public announcement or, if there is no public announcement,
within five days of the date of publication of this notice in
accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b).
Consistent with 19 CFR 351.224(e), Commerce will analyze and, if
appropriate, correct any timely allegations of significant ministerial
errors by amending the preliminary determination. However, consistent
with 19 CFR 351.224(d), Commerce will not consider incomplete
allegations that do not address the significance standard under 19 CFR
351.224(g) following the preliminary determination. Instead, Commerce
will address such allegations in the final determination together with
issues raised in the case briefs or other written comments.
Verification
As provided in section 782(i)(1) of the Act, Commerce intends to
verify information relied upon in making its final determination.
Public Comment
All interested parties are invited to comment on Commerce's
Preliminary Scope Decision Memorandum in scope case and scope rebuttal
briefs. The deadline for interested parties to submit scope case briefs
is 30 days after the issuance of the Preliminary Scope Decision
Memorandum. Scope rebuttal briefs, limited to issues raised in the
scope case briefs, may be submitted no later than seven days after the
deadline for the scope case briefs. Scope case and rebuttal briefs must
be filed simultaneously, via ACCESS, on the records of the LTFV and CVD
investigations of thermoformed molded fiber products from China and the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Case briefs or other written comments, excluding scope comments,
may be submitted to the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and
Compliance no later than seven days after the date on which the last
final verification report is issued in this investigation. A timeline
for the submission of case briefs and written comments will be provided
to interested parties at a later date. Rebuttal briefs, limited to
issues raised in the case briefs, may be filed not later than five days
after the date for filing case briefs.\13\ Interested parties who
submit case or rebuttal briefs in this proceeding must submit: (1) a
table of contents listing each issue; and (2) a table of
authorities.\14\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ See 19 CFR 351.309(d); see also Administrative Protective
Order, Service, and Other Procedures in Antidumping and
Countervailing Duty Proceedings, 88 FR 67069, 67077 (September 29,
2023) (APO and Service Final Rule).
\14\ See 19 351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As provided under 19 CFR 351.309(c)(2) and (d)(2), in prior
proceedings we have encouraged interested parties to provide an
executive summary of their brief that should be limited to five pages
total, including footnotes. In this investigation, we instead request
that interested parties provide at the beginning of their briefs a
public, executive summary for each issue raised in their briefs.\15\
Further, we request that interested parties limit their executive
[[Page 20152]]
summary of each issue to no more than 450 words, not including
citations. We intend to use the executive summaries as the basis of the
comment summaries included in the issues and decision memorandum that
will accompany the final determination in this investigation. We
request that interested parties include footnotes for relevant
citations in the executive summary of each issue. Note that Commerce
has amended certain of its requirements pertaining to the service of
documents in 19 CFR 351.303(f).\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\15\ We use the term ``issue'' here to describe an argument that
Commerce would normally address in a comment of the Issues and
Decision Memorandum.
\16\ See APO and Service Final Rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.310(c), interested parties who wish to
request a hearing, limited to issues raised in the case and rebuttal
briefs, must submit a written request to the Assistant Secretary for
Enforcement and Compliance, U.S. Department of Commerce, 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 whether any participant is a foreign national; and (3)
a list of the issues to be discussed. If a request for a hearing is
made, Commerce intends to hold the hearing at a time and date to be
determined.
Postponement of Final Determination and Extension of Provisional
Measures
Section 735(a)(2) of the Act provides that a final determination
may be postponed until not later than 135 days after the date of the
publication of the preliminary determination if, in the event of an
affirmative preliminary determination, a request for such postponement
is made by exporters who account for a significant proportion of
exports of the subject merchandise, or in the event of a negative
preliminary determination, a request for such postponement is made by
the petitioner. Pursuant to 19 CFR 351.210(e)(2), Commerce requires
that requests by respondents for postponement of a final antidumping
duty determination be accompanied by a request for extension of
provisional measures from a four-month period to a period not more than
six months in duration.
On April 9, 2025, Guangxi Firstpak requested that Commerce postpone
the final determination and that provisional measures be extended to a
period not to exceed six months.\17\ In accordance with section
735(a)(2)(A) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.210(b)(2)(ii), because: (1) the
preliminary determination is affirmative; (2) the requesting exporter
accounts for a significant proportion of exports of the subject
merchandise; and (3) no compelling reasons for denial exist, Commerce
is postponing the final determination and extending the provisional
measures from a four-month period to a period not greater than six
months. Accordingly, Commerce will make its final determination no
later than 135 days after the date of publication of this preliminary
determination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ See Guangxi Firstpak's Letter, ``Firstpak's Request to
Postpone Final Determination,'' dated April 9, 2025.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Notification
In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, Commerce will notify
the ITC of its preliminary determination of sales at LTFV. If the final
determination is affirmative, the ITC will determine before the later
of 120 days after the date of this preliminary determination or 45 days
after the final determination whether imports of the subject
merchandise are materially injuring, or threaten material injury to,
the U.S. industry.
Notification to Interested Parties
This determination is issued and published in accordance with
sections 733(f) and 777(i)(1) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.205(c).
Dated: May 6, 2025.
Christopher Abbott,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations, performing the
non-exclusive functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary for
Enforcement and Compliance.
Appendix I
Scope of the Investigation
The merchandise subject to this investigation consists of
thermoformed molded fiber products regardless of shape, form,
function, fiber source, or finish. Thermoformed molded fiber
products are formed with cellulose fibers, thermoformed using one or
more heated molds, and dried/cured in the mold.
Thermoformed molded fiber products include, but are not limited
to, plates, bowls, clamshells, trays, lids, food or foodservice
contact packaging, and consumer or other product packaging.
Thermoformed molded fiber products are relatively dense, with a
typical fiber density above 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter, and are
generally characterized by relatively smooth surfaces. They may be
derived from any virgin or recycled cellulose fiber source
(including, but not limited to, those sourced from wood, woody
crops, agricultural crops/byproducts/residue, and agricultural/
industrial/other waste). They may have any weight, shape,
dimensionality, design, or size, and may be bleached, unbleached,
dyed, colored, or printed. They may include ingredients, additives,
or chemistries to enhance functionality including, but not limited
to, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, heat/flame
resistant, hydrophobic, oleophobic, absorbent, or adsorbent.
Thermoformed molded fiber products may also be subject to other
processing or treatments, including, but not limited to, hot or
after pressing, die-cutting, punching, trimming, padding,
perforating, printing, labeling, dying, coloring, coating,
laminating, embossing, debossing, repacking, or denesting.
Thermoformed molded fiber products subject to this investigation may
also have additional design features, including, but not limited to,
tab closures, venting, channeling, or stiffening.
Thermoformed molded fiber products remain covered by the scope
of this investigation if the subject product is encased by exterior
packaging. They also remain covered by the scope of this
investigation whether imported alone, or in any combination of
subject and non-subject merchandise (e.g., a lid or cover of any
type packaged with a molded fiber bowl, addition of any items to
make the thermoformed molded fiber packaging suitable for end-use
such as absorbent pads). When thermoformed molded fiber products are
imported in combination with non-subject merchandise, only the
thermoformed molded fiber products are subject merchandise.
Also excluded from the scope of this investigation are products
covered by the scope of the antidumping and countervailing duty
orders on paper plates from People's Republic of China, the Kingdom
of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Excluded from the scope of this investigation are thermoformed
molded fiber products imported as packaging material that enclose
and/or surround non-subject merchandise prepackaged for final sale
upon importation into the United States (e.g., molded fiber
packaging surrounding a cellular phone).
Thermoformed molded fiber products include thermoformed molded
fiber products matching the above description that have been
finished, packaged, or otherwise processed in a third country by
performing finishing, packaging, or processing that would not
otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigation
if performed in the country of manufacture of the thermoformed
molded fiber products. Examples of finishing, packaging, or other
processing in a third country that would not otherwise remove the
merchandise from the scope of the investigation if performed in the
country of manufacture of the thermoformed molded fiber products
include, but are not limited to, hot or after pressing, die-cutting,
punching, trimming, padding, perforating, printing, labeling, dying,
coloring, coating, laminating, embossing, debossing, repacking, or
denesting.
Thermoformed molded fiber products are classified under
subheadings 7823.70.0020 and 4823.70.0040, Harmonized Tariff
Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Imports may also be
classified under subheadings 4823.61.0020, 4823.61.0040,
4823.69.0020, 4823.69.0040, 4823.90.1000, HTSUS. References to the
HTSUS classification are provided for convenience and customs
purposes, and the written
[[Page 20153]]
description of the merchandise under investigation is dispositive.
Appendix II
List of Topics Discussed in the Preliminary Decision Memorandum
I. Summary
II. Background
III. Period of Investigation
IV. Affiliation and Single Entity Treatment
V. Discussion of the Methodology
VI. Adjustment Under Section 777(A)(f) of the Act
VII. Adjustments to Cash Deposit Rates for Export Subsidies in the
Companion Countervailing Duty Investigation
VIII. Currency Conversion
IX. Recommendation
[FR Doc. 2025-08304 Filed 5-9-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P