U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the affirmative preliminary determination in the antidumping duty (AD) investigation of imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada. “President Trump made it clear from the beginning that we will vigorously administer our trade laws to provide U.S. industry with relief from unfair trade practices,” said Secretary Ross. “Today’s decision follows an open and transparent investigation in accordance with the applicable laws, regulations, and administrative practices that ensured a full and fair review of the facts.”The Commerce Department determined that exporters from Canada have sold uncoated groundwood paper in the United States between 0.00 and 22.16% less than fair value – down from the estimated dumping margins alleged by the petitioner of 23.45 to 54.97%. This reduction in margins represents the Department’s commitment to a process that is fair for all parties involved.Commerce calculated a preliminary dumping rate:- 22.16% for Catalyst Pulp and Paper Sales, Inc./Catalyst Paper General Partnership (collectively, Catalyst);- 0.00$ for Resolute FP Canada Inc./Donohue Malbaie Inc. (collectively, Resolute) and White Birch Paper Canada Company/Papier Masson WB LP/FF Soucy WB LP/Stadacona WB LP (collectively, White Birch Paper);- 22.16% for all other producers and exporters of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada.
As a result of today’s decision, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada based on these preliminary rates.In 2016, imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada were valued at an estimated $1.27 billion. The petitioner is North Pacific Paper Company (WA). Enforcement of U.S. trade law is a prime focus of the Trump administration. From January 20, 2017, through March 13, 2018, the Commerce Department has initiated 102 antidumping and countervailing duty investigations – a 96 percent increase from the same period in 2016-2017.The AD law provides U.S. businesses and workers with an internationally accepted mechanism to seek relief from the harmful effects of unfair pricing of imports into the United States. Commerce currently maintains 424 antidumping and countervailing duty orders which provide relief to American companies and industries impacted by unfair trade.Commerce is scheduled to announce the final determination in this investigation on or about August 2, 2018. If Commerce makes affirmative final determinations of dumping and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) makes an affirmative final injury determination, Commerce will issue an AD order. If Commerce makes a negative final determination of dumping or the ITC makes a negative final determination of injury, the investigation will be terminated and no order will be issued.Photo: Catalyst Paper mill in Port Alberni
