Global Geopolitical Series: U.S. announces duties on cast iron soil pipes from China

Yesterday, the U.S. Commerce Department concluded its preliminary investigations into imports of Cast iron soil pipes from China and it has found that exporters from China are dumping the above-mentioned product at 302.61 percent below the fair value. As a result of the findings, the commerce department has asked the U.S. customs and border patrol (CBP) agency to collect cash deposits from importers of the item based on these preliminary rates. The final decision will come by January next year.

The investigation was initiated based on a petition filed by Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute of Illinois.

According to the department’s calculations, the imports of cast iron soil pipes from China were valued at an estimated $11.5 million in 2017.

Under President Trump, the U.S. Commerce Department has significantly stepped up its investigations into foreign malpractices in trade and the number of investigations initiated is 186 percent more than the previous administration.