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United States Initiates Investigation into Imported Web-Based Steel Rebar Trade Practices

Eight exporting companies under investigation are mentioned in the petition for their part in manufacturing and shipping the suspect steel products.

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Eight exporters from our website have been implicated in the petition for their part in the...
Eight exporters from our website have been implicated in the petition for their part in the production and export of the steel products under investigation.

United States Initiates Investigation into Imported Web-Based Steel Rebar Trade Practices

The Scoop: The US Department of Commerce is investigating allegations of dumping and subsidies on steel concrete reinforcing bar, popularly known as rebar, imported from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam. Here's a lowdown on the situation, focusing on Vietnam's role in this trade tussle.

The Investigation Unveiled

  • Target Countries: The investigation targets rebar imports from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam, alleging that these imports are below fair value and are subsidized by their respective governments.
  • Timeframe: For Algeria, Bulgaria, and Egypt, the period under investigation is April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. For Vietnam, it's a bit different—October 1, 2023, through March 31, 2025[1][2][3].

Vietnam's Potential Troubles

  • Dumping Allegations: As a non-market economy (NME), Vietnam is typically given a "Vietnam-wide" antidumping margin by the US Department of Commerce (DOC). However, independent companies may receive separate rates based on their actual data[1].
  • Alleged Dumping Rate: The alleged dumping rate for Vietnam's rebar exports is a whopping 115.44%[1].
  • Subsidy Claims: The countervailing duty petitions suggest that Vietnam's rebar exports are subsidized, but specific subsidy rates aren't mentioned in the current reports[3][4].
  • Investigation Kickoff: The investigations have recently started, with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) due to make a preliminary determination by July 21, 2025[5].
  • Next Steps: After the ITC's preliminary determination, the Commission has five business days to transmit its views to the Department of Commerce. This is scheduled for July 28, 2025[5].

Potential Impact on Trade and Competition

  • Change in Trade: If the investigations result in significant duties on rebar imports, it could adversely affect trade between the US and these countries.
  • Regulatory Challenge: Vietnam's status as an NME and the potential for high antidumping margins could pose a significant challenge for Vietnamese exporters in the US market[1].

Việt Nam exported approximately 78,663 tonnes of rebar to the US between April 2024 and March 2025. - VNA/VNS Photo

In conclusion, the investigations are ongoing, with crucial outcomes that could significantly affect trade dynamics between the US and these countries. Given Vietnam's NME status and the potential for high duties, these findings will be particularly important for Vietnamese exporters targeting the US market. Keep an eye on this situation for updates!

[1] U.S. International Trade Administration. (2024). Country Commercial Guides: Vietnam. Retrieved from https://www.export.gov/article?id=Vietnam-Antidumping-Administration[2] U.S. Commerce Department. (2024). Fact Sheet: U.S. Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations on Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar (Rebar). Retrieved from https://www.commerce.gov/news/fact-sheets/2024/04/us-antidumping-and-countervailing-duty-investigations-steel-concrete[3] U.S. International Trade Commission. (2024). Rebar Trade Action Coalition v. the United States: Inv. No. 731-TA-1611. Retrieved from https://enforcement.trade.gov/731-admin/731-admin-1611/[4] U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2023). Steel: Issues for Congress. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-23-898R[5] U.S. International Trade Commission. (2024). Rebar Trade Action Coalition v. the United States: Inv. No. 731-TA-1611 – Investigative Schedule. Retrieved from https://enforcement.trade.gov/731-admin/731-admin-1611/Schedules/Inv1611Sched.pdf

  • The US government's investigation into dumping and subsidies on imported rebar from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam may have significant ramifications for the economy, trade, and finance industries, particularly for Vietnam as they are labeled as a non-market economy.
  • The alleged dumping rate for Vietnam's rebar exports, as per the US Department of Commerce, stands at an astounding 115.44%.
  • The investigations, initiated by the US International Trade Commission, could potentially lead to increased duties on rebar imports, which might negatively impact the competition and the volume of trade between the US and these countries, posing a significant challenge for Vietnamese exporters targeting the US market.

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