The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has asked the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to exclude specialty trailer tires in the case it is investigating relative to unfair trade practices surrounding tires produced in China.
NATM filed its comments with the DOC on Aug. 11, 2014.
Although the scope of the DOC investigation is focused on passenger car and light truck tires, NATM members expressed concern it may encompass specialty trailer tires.
While the initial burden of the potential tariff would be shouldered by tire importers, NATM's leadership, board and government affairs advisors agree the entire industry would feel the effects of a decision that did not exclude specialty trailer tires from the investigation, according to Pam Trusdale, NATM executive director.
On June 15, the DOC announced it had initiated investigations into dumping (sold at less than fair value) and subsidizing (i.e., tires benefiting from government subsidies) claims by both the United Steelworkers Union and AFL-CIO.
The DOC case number is A-570-016.
