The US Department of Commerce (DOC) announced on April 18th, the initiation of antidumping duty investigations of imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from Belarus, Italy, Korea, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, and companion countervailing duty CVD investigations of imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from Italy and Turkey. Alleged dumping margins are as follows:

• Belarus : 161.75 – 280.02%
• Italy : 18.89%
• Korea : 33.96 – 43.25%
• Russia : 214.06 – 756.93%
• South Africa : 128.66 – 142.26%
• Spain : 32.70%
• Turkey : 37.67%
• Ukraine : 21.23 – 44.03%
• United Arab Emirates : 84.10%
• United Kingdom : 147.63%

Estimated subsidy rates for Italy and Turkey are above de minimis.

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) is scheduled to make its preliminary injury determinations on or before May 12, 2017. If the ITC determines that there is a reasonable indication of injury, the investigations will continue and the DOC will announce its preliminary CVD determinations in June 2017 and its preliminary AD determinations in September 2017, though these dates may be extended.  If the ITC’s determinations are negative, the investigations will be terminated.

The petitioners are Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc., Nucor, Keystone Consolidated Industries, and Charter Steel.

The products under investigation are currently classifiable under subheadings 7213.91.3011, 7213.91.3015, 7213.91.3020, 7213.91.3093, 7213.91.4500, 7213.91.6000, 7213.99.0030, 7227.20.0030, 7227.20.0080, 7227.90.6010, 7227.90.6020, 7227.90.6030, and 7227.90.6035 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).  Products entered under subheadings 7213.99.0090 and 7227.90.6090 of the HTSUS also may be included in this scope if they meet the physical description of subject merchandise.