Global Geo-political Series: U.S. commerce department announces final AD on imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from South Africa and Ukraine

The Trump administration continues to take action against malpractices in trade on countries that have taken advantage of the U.S. open market and to provide a fair opportunity to U.S. industries and workers. The traditional allies are not being spared too. Last night, the U.S. Department of Commerce under the leadership of Secretary Wilbur Ross announced final anti-dumping duties (AD) on imports of Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod from South Africa and Ukraine.

According to U.S. commerce department, exporters from South Africa and Ukraine sold wire rod in the United States at 135.46 to 142.26 percent and 34.98 to 44.03 percent less than fair value, respectively. The commerce department has directed the United States’ customs and border protection agency to collect cash deposits from importers based on these rates.

The ruling came in response to petitions by Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc. (FL), Nucor Corporation (NC), Keystone Consolidated Industries (TX), and Charter Steel (WI).

The U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross was quoted saying, “Today’s decision allows U.S. producers of carbon and alloy steel wire rod to receive relief from the market-distorting effects of foreign producers dumping their goods into the domestic market…..While the United States values its relationship with South Africa and Ukraine even our closest friends must play by the rules.”

In 2016, imports of imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from South Africa and Ukraine were valued at an estimated $7.1 million and $55 million, respectively.