ICIT launches anti-dumping probe into import of seamless cold-drawn, cold-rolled steel pipes from China

KYIV. Sept 1 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The Interdepartmental Commission on International Trade (ICIT) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of steel seamless cold-drawn and cold-rolled pipes originating from China into Ukraine.

According to a report in Uriadovy Kurier on September 1 of this year, an anti-dumping investigation was initiated at the request of Interpipe Niko Tube LLC.

Based on the results of the consideration, the commission, in particular, found that the complaint provided sufficient substantiated evidence, on the basis of which it can be considered that imports of steel seamless cold-drawn and cold-rolled pipes from the People’s Republic of China into Ukraine could be carried out at dumping prices and the level of dumping margin cannot be considered minimal, and the volumes of imports as insignificant in accordance with provisions of the law.

At the same time, the import of these products was carried out in such volumes and on such conditions that could harm the national producer. In particular, according to the materials of the complaint, during the study period (2018-2020), the volumes of dumped imports from China grew in absolute terms, while the share of such imports in the total structure ranged from 31% to 66%. In terms of consumption, the share of dumped imports ranged from 7.7% to 53.2%, and relative to production – from 2.7% to 27.6%; dumped import prices were below the applicant’s (Interpipe Niko Tube) price level in 2019 and 2020 and below the level of the national producer’s prime cost.

Analysis of the dynamics of main indicators of the applicant’s financial and economic activities during the study period showed that there was a deterioration in a number of indicators, namely: a decrease in production volumes, a decrease in the level of utilization of production facilities, a decrease in sales, a decrease in labor productivity, a decrease in profitability, a decrease in the number of personnel, a deterioration of the financial result from the sale of goods, and reduced liquidity.

In this regard, the ICIT on August 27, 2021 made a decision to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into imports of goods into Ukraine with the following description: cold-rolled seamless steel (cold-drawn and cold-rolled) pipes, which are classified according to the foreign economic activity code in subheadings: 7304 31 7304 51. The country of origin is the People’s Republic of China.

The anti-dumping investigation was commissioned to the Ministry of Economy. Within 30 days from the date of publication of this notice, the ministry will register the interested parties to the investigation and consider the requirements for a hearing. Within 60 days from the date of publication of this notice, the Ministry of Economy considers the written comments and information regarding the initiation of an investigation.

The ICIT decision comes into force from the date of publication of the notice in the Uriadovy Kurier newspaper.