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According to Mexico News Daily, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced the results of a countervailing duty investigation found that Mexican steel exporters were subsidized by their government at rates from 0.01% to 74.01%. Besides Mexico, investigations of steel imports from China found subsidy rates of 30% to 177%. The investigation was brought by the Chicago-based American Institute of Steel Construction.
Separate investigations considered steel imports from Canada and China, and tariffs ranging from 30% to 177% will be imposed on product shipped to the United States by companies in the latter country. In Canada’s case, steel exporters were found to be receiving subsidies of less than 0.5% and no tariffs will be imposed. Imports of fabricated structural steel from Mexico totaled $622.4 milion last year.
In order to maintain competitiveness with foreign producers, the countervailing duty (CVD) rate is assesed against importers at a rate equal to the subsidy rate. One notable company subject to investigation and a 74.01% tariff is Swecomex, a subsidiary of Grupo Carso, which is owned by billionaire businessmen Carlos Slim, and Preacero Pellizzari Mexico.
The final determinations of its countervailing duty investigations will be announced on or about November 19th.
If you have any questions how these duties will impact your business, contact experienced AD/CVD attorney David Hsu at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com, dh@gjatradelaw.com.