Trade

DOC Issues Affirmative Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determinations of Silicon Metal from Australia, Brazil and Norway

AICC Business, Home, Trade

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty (AD) investigations on silicon metal, finding that exporters from Australia, Brazil, and Norway have sold this merchandise in the United States at rates ranging from 20.79 percent, 56.78 percent to 134.92 percent, and 3.74 percent, respectively at less than fair value.

The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of silicon metal from Australia, Brazil, and Norway based on these preliminary rates.

“The U.S. values its relationships with these nations, but even friendly countries must play by the rules,” said Secretary Ross. “We will continue to review all information related to this preliminary determination while standing up to the American worker and business.”

In 2016, imports of silicon metal from Australia, Brazil, and Norway were valued at an estimated $33.9 million, $60.0 million, and $21.6 million, respectively.
The petitioner is Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. Its production facilities are located in Alabama, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20, 2017, through October 5, 2017, Commerce has initiated 65 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 48 percent increase from the previous year, and a 16-year peak in the number of investigations initiated in a single fiscal year. For the same time period in 2016, The Commerce Department had initiated 44 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.

Commerce currently maintains 411 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade. Antidumping laws provide U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of dumping unfairly priced products into the United States.

Commerce is currently scheduled to announce its final AD determinations on February 16.
If Commerce makes affirmative final determinations of dumping and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes affirmative final injury determinations, Commerce will issue AD orders. If Commerce makes negative final determinations of dumping or the ITC makes negative final determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated and no orders will be issued.

DOC Defers the Issuance of the Preliminary Antidumping Duty Determination on Aluminum Foil from China

AICC Business, Home, Trade

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department will defer issuing its preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation on aluminum foil from China. The deferral will allow the Commerce Department to fully analyze information pertaining to China’s status as a non-market economy (NME) country, which is being contemplated within the context of this AD investigation.

“In all cases, the Department conducts a full and fair assessment of the facts,” said Secretary Ross. “This extension will ensure that the highest standards are followed in this case as we seek to guarantee fair treatment for U.S. workers and businesses.”
Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. The antidumping duty law provides U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfairly priced imports into the United States.

Secretary Ross has vowed to make use of all tools available to hold our trading partners accountable and a fulsome review of China’s NME status is the bedrock of this promise. Conducting a thorough and comprehensive inquiry on China’s NME status is critical to upholding the principle of fair trade.

The Department intends to issue its preliminary determination in this investigation, including a decision on China’s NME status, no later than November 30, 2017. A final determination will be made 75 days after this preliminary decision, unless postponed at a later date.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade laws and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international law and is based solely on factual evidence.

Secretary Ross’s Meetings with Chinese Officials During East Asia Travel

AICC Business, Export, Home, News and Press, Trade

On September 25, Secretary Wilbur Ross and Ambassador Terry Branstad met separately with Premier Li Keqiang, Vice Premier Wang Yang, NDRC Chairman He Lifeng, Director of the Party Central Economic and Financial Affairs Leading Small Group Liu He, and MIIT Minister Miao Wei. The Secretary also met with his counterpart, Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan, on the evening of September 24.

The meetings provided opportunities to prepare the ground for President Trump’s planned visit to Asia later this fall and to engage in a friendly and honest exchange of views on a range of issues including the need to rebalance bilateral trade and investment relations, protect intellectual property, lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and guarantee fair and reciprocal treatment for U.S. firms.

The Secretary highlighted his intention to lead a senior level trade mission to China in November and to reduce the trade deficit through increased exports of high-value U.S. goods and services to China and improved market access for U.S. firms.

Chinese officials committed to further market opening and welcomed participation by U.S. firms. Both sides expressed the view that bilateral trade frictions should be resolved through negotiation, commitment to high standards, and good economic governance. Secretary Ross reiterated the need for concrete deliverables and meaningful action on key issues.

Chinese officials also expressed concern about U.S. export controls and about the Section 301 investigation that is being conducted by the United States Trade Representative.

In response, the Secretary relayed the ongoing concerns of the U.S. business community at forced technology transfers, data localization, and other intellectual property rights issues. Chinese officials asked Secretary Ross to inform them of any such issues to them as they arise, saying they would seek to resolve these challenges on behalf of American companies.

Chinese officials continually stressed that dialogue is preferable to unilateral action, saying that they would have to respond in kind to any potential action by the United States. Secretary Ross once again continued to stress the need for concrete action to address the concerns of U.S. businesses, and that the U.S. would take action to defend American workers and businesses if cooperative efforts bear no fruit.

Secretary Ross now travels on to Hong Kong, Thailand, and Laos.

Outlook on Ukraine 2017 Investment Conference

AICC Business, Event, Export, Financial, Home, Trade

09 Oct 2017
London, UK
EBRD, Emerging Europe

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Emerging Europe are co-hosting the EBRD-Emerging Europe: Outlook on Ukraine 2017 investment conference at the EBRD Headquarters in London on Monday 09 October.

The free to attend event will bring together policymakers, investors and prominent business people to discuss the economic outlook on Ukraine. It will also offer you opportunities to have one-to-one meetings with decision makers from the Ukrainian government, international financial institutions and business representatives.

During the conference, EBRD will explore investment opportunities in three fast-growing areas of the Ukrainian economy: energy, manufacturing and ICT.

Special guest speakers and panellists include:

Daniel Bilak, CEO, UkraineInvest / Advisor to Prime Minister
Sevki Acuner, Country Head of Ukraine, EBRD
Ivan Mikloš, Chief Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ukraine and Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Group for Support of Ukrainian Reforms
Natalia Boyko, Deputy Minister of Energy and Coal Industry on European Integration
Oleksandr Sayenko, Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers (tbc)
Sergiy Savchuk, Head, State Agency of Energy Efficiency
Maxim Timchenko, CEO, DTEK
Elias van Herwaarden, EMEA Service Leader, Deloitte Global Location Strategies
Stepan Veselovskiy, Director, Lviv IT Cluster
Volodymyr Zhenchak, CEO, Lviv IT Park

Registration opens at 1500hrs and then the business session will begin punctually at 1530hrs in the Auditorium, with a coffee break at 1710hrs between the panel discussions. Then the event will conclude with a cocktail networking reception starting at 1830hrs.

Looking forward to seeing you at EBRD Headquarters on Monday 09 October!

Cosmoprof Asia 2017

AICC Event, Export, Home, Trade

Asia World Expo and Hong Kong Convention Center
Hong Kong
Nov 14-17, 2017

Launched 22 years ago, Cosmoprof Asia has grown into the largest most comprehensive international beauty trade show in the entire Asia Pacific region. Thanks to its strategic positioning, Hong Kong has become the beauty capital of Asia Pacific and increasingly represents a launch pad into the entire Asian market.

Cosmoprof Asia 2016 attracted 2,504 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions around the world, including 22 national and group pavilions. Close to 60,000 buyers from over 100 countries and regions attended the event.

Cosmoprof Asia 2016 was also extensively covered by trade media across the world. At Cosmoprof Asia all the categories represented will definitely benefit from a customized visitors flow as well as the tailor-made business environment. 

To accommodate the strong demand of exhibition space and to offer a wide range of novelties and trends to visitors, Cosmoprof Asia will expand the show floor to ASIAWORLD-EXPO in 2017. With the “1 Fair 2 Venues” concept, ASIAWORLD-EXPO will host all kinds of Pack & OEM suppliers in 5 halls: Ingredients, Machinery & Equipment, Packaging, Contract Manufacturing and Private Label.

The HONG KONG CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE will host all finished cosmetics: Cosmetics & Toiletries, Natural Health, Beauty Salon, Hair Salon, Nail & Accessories.

China Coal & Mining 2017 (TFC EVENT)

AICC Business, Event, Home, Mining, Trade

New China Exhibition Center
Beijing,China
Oct 25 – 28, 2017

China Coal & Mining Expo is the industry’s only national event. It is held every other year and it is the largest coal mining exhibition in China. 

Exhibitors at the China Coal & Mining Expo represent the array of advanced technology in the coal mining industry. Products presented at the show range from small scale mining to large scale mining, transportation, coal processing from domestic and overseas suppliers. Coal mine remediation is also represented. 

In 2015, China Coal & Mining Expo attracted more than 500 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions, occupying more than 70,000 sqm; the largest trade show in its sector in size and buyer attendance. 

In 2015, China Coal & Mining Expo has attracted 30,000 exhibitors and visitors representing nationwide coal mine enterprises, research & design companies and coal trading companies.

USDC Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Tool Chests and Cabinets from China

AICC Business, Home, Trade

September 12, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation, finding that exporters of tool chests and cabinets from China received countervailable subsidies ranging from 17.32 percent to 32.07 percent.

The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of tool chests and cabinets from China based on these preliminary rates.

“The subsidization of goods by foreign governments is something the Trump Administration takes very seriously,” said Secretary Ross. “The Department of Commerce will continue to stand up for American workers and business’s in order to ensure that China does not take advantage of the most open market in the world.”

In 2016, imports of tool chests and cabinets from China were valued at an estimated $989.9 million.

The petitioner is Waterloo Industries, Inc. (MO).

Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20, 2017, through September 11, 2017, Commerce has initiated 62 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 41 percent increase over the previous year. For this same period in 2016, Commerce initiated 44 AD and CVD investigations.

CVD laws provide U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfair subsidization of imports into the United States. The Commerce Department currently maintains 407 antidumping and CVD orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.

Unless the final determination is aligned with the concurrent antidumping duty investigations, Commerce is currently scheduled to announce its final CVD determinations on November 22, 2017.

If the Commerce Department makes an affirmative final determination of subsidization and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue a CVD order. If the Commerce Department makes a negative final determination of subsidization or the ITC makes a negative final determination of injury, the investigation will be terminated and no order will be issued.

U.S. Issues Affirmative Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination on Aluminum Foil From the China

AICC Business, Home, News and Press, Trade

President Donald Trump on Monday signed a memorandum that could lead to a trade investigation of alleged Chinese theft of intellectual property.

The measure directs U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to look into options to protect U.S. intellectual property. It does not take any specific action against China at this point.

“We will safeguard the copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property that is so vital to our security and to our prosperity,” Trump said.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of aluminum foil from the People’s Republic of China (China), preliminary finding that Chinese exporters of aluminum foil received countervailing subsidies 16.56 to 80.97 percent.

The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of aluminum foil from China based on these preliminary rates.

“The United States is committed to free, fair and reciprocal trade, and will continue to validate the information provided to us that brought us to this decision,” said Secretary Ross. “The Trump Administration will not stand idly by as harmful trade practices from foreign nations attempt to take advantage of our essential industries, workers, and businesses.”

Commerce calculated preliminary subsidy rates of 28.33 percent ad valorem for Dingsheng Aluminum Industries (Hong Kong) Trading Co., Ltd, 16.56 percent for Jiangsu Zhongji Lamination Materials Co., Ltd., the two companies that ultimately participated in the proceeding.

Meet with US trade experts from 20+ European countries at Trade Winds

AICC Business, Event, Export, Home, Manufacture, Trade

Connect to Business Opportunities in Southeast Europe

The markets of Southeast Europe are investing in infrastructure and market development. They represent an opportunity for U.S. companies to increase sales and find a strategic foothold to grow in Europe.

Join Trade Winds-Southeast Europe to connect to potential partners, government decision-makers, market experts, and companies that have succeeded in the region.

Opportunities await in Southeast Europe! The markets of Southeast Europe are rapidly investing in infrastructure, safety & security, cyber-security, energy & healthcare sectors (to name a few). In 2015, the value of US exports to the five countries of Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Romania and Serbia approached $2.4 billion. 

These markets & industries hold strong opportunities for U.S. companies looking to increase sales and find a strategic foothold to grow in Europe…let Trade Winds get you there!

Meet trade experts from 20+ countries, all in one place!

Trade Winds is the only regional conference that gives you the ability to discuss one on one market potential and entry strategies for your products services without having to travel across Europe. Discuss opportunities with representatives from the following countries:

    • Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom

U.S., China Sign Historic Agreement to Provide Market Access for U.S. Rice Exports

AICC Agriculture, Export, Food, Home, News and Press, Trade

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2017 – Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reached agreement with Chinese officials on final details of a protocol to allow the United States to begin exporting rice to China for the first time ever.

“This is another great day for U.S. agriculture and, in particular, for our rice growers and millers, who can now look forward to gaining access to the Chinese market. This market represents an exceptional opportunity today, with enormous potential for growth in the future,” said Perdue. “The agreement with China has been in the works for more than a decade and I’m pleased to see it finally come to fruition, especially knowing how greatly it will benefit our growers and industry.”

China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of rice. Since 2013, it has also been the largest importer, with imports reaching nearly 5 million tons last year. When the new rice protocol is fully implemented, the U.S. rice industry will have access to this critical market, significantly expanding export opportunities. U.S. rice exports can begin following the completion of an audit of U.S. rice facilities by China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.