WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced it will postpone issuing final duty rates on Chinese-made hardwood and decorative plywood until September.
The DOC originally planned to release these final duty rates July 17, but is extending the deadline to Sept. 5.
The agency said it took the action at the request of two producers, Xuzhou Jiangyang Wood Inds. Co., Xuzhou Jiangheng Wood Products Co. and Linyi San Fortune Wood Co. The DOC said these companies account for a significant proportion of the subject merchandise, which is used in cabinetry, shelving, recreational vehicles including boats and furniture.
The DOC also said another company, Jiaxing Gsun Import & Export Co., is eligible for a separate rate of 22.14%.
The DOC is imposing the duties in response to the results of a 2012 International Trade Commission investigation that found U.S. producers were being materially injured by unfair pricing tactics of Chinese hardwood and decorative plywood producers.
The DOC announced preliminary duties earlier this year and those duties will be finalized in early September. They are imposed on manufacturers, but paid by importers of record of the subject merchandise.
