Question NW1565 to the Minister of Economic Development
19 June 2017 - NW1565
Cardo, Dr MJ to ask the Minister of Economic Development
Did the International Trade Administration Commission oppose the introduction of a 12% safeguard duty on imported hot-rolled steel in an essential facts letter issued in 2017; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the further relevant details in this regard?
Reply:
The Chief Commissioner of the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) has advised that as part of its standard procedure before making a final determination on trade remedies, it normally issues essential facts letters. The purpose of an essential facts letter is to inform the applicant and interested parties of the relevant factors that the Commission was considering in making a final determination for all the participants to comment. It is always emphasised in these letters that the Commission has not yet made its final determination and nothing in these letters should be construed as such.
In the case of hot-rolled steel, the Commission relayed in the essential facts letter that it was considering making a final determination that: there were unforeseen developments; there was a surge in imports; there was serious injury to the domestic industry caused by a surge in imports; and that it was also considering not recommending imposition of safeguard measures on public interest grounds. It then called on parties to comment on these. ITAC considered comments received from the applicant and interested parties and the Commission made a final determination.
The contents of its final determination and reasons will be made public once the Report of the Commission on the safeguard investigation on hot-rolled steel is published for implementation by the Ministry of Finance.”
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