For Immediate Release: December 23, 2008
Contact: Brittany Eck (202) 482-3809
COMMERCE PRELIMINARILY FINDS UNFAIR SUBSIDIZATION OF
KITCHEN APPLIANCE SHELVES AND RACKS FROM CHINA
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the anti-subsidy investigation of certain kitchen appliance shelving and racks from China. Shelving and racks are used by original equipment manufacturers of residential and recreational vehicle refrigerators, freezers, refrigerators/freezers and ovens.
Commerce preliminarily determined that Chinese exporters have received net countervailable subsidies ranging from 13.22 to 197.17 percent. Mandatory respondent, Guangdong Wireking Housewares and Hardware Co., Ltd., received a net subsidy rate of 13.22 percent. Mandatory respondent Asber Enterprise Co., Ltd., failed to cooperate in the investigation and therefore received a net subsidy rate of 197.17 percent based on adverse facts available, which included programs based on geographic location.
The following companies did not respond to Commerce’s request for information and therefore received a net subsidy rate of 162.87 percent based on adverse facts available: Changzhou Yixiong Metal Products Co., Ltd.; Foshan Winleader Metal Products Co., Ltd.; Kingsun Enterprises Group Co, Ltd.; Yuyao Hanjun Metal Work Co./Yuyao Hanjun Metal Products Co., Ltd.; and Zhongshan Iwatani Co., Ltd.
All other Chinese exporters received a net subsidy rate of 13.22 percent.
“The United States is committed to enforcing U.S. trade laws to ensure American businesses are treated fairly in the international marketplace,” said Assistant Secretary for Import Administration David Spooner. “The Department of Commerce will continue to vigorously enforce our anti-subsidy laws and take appropriate remedies based on the facts presented in each case.”
As a result of this preliminary determination, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to suspend liquidation of entries of subject merchandise and to collect a cash deposit or bond based on these preliminary rates. Commerce is currently scheduled to issue its final determination in May 2009.
The petitioners for this investigation are Nashville Wire Products, Inc. (Tenn.); SSW Holding Company, Inc. (Ky.); the United Steelworkers, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (Iowa).
Subsidies are financial assistance from foreign governments that benefit the production, manufacture or exportation of goods. For more information about Import Administration, or for the fact sheet on today’s decisions, please visit www.trade.gov/ia.
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