On June 18, the DOC issued a preliminary All-China rate of 363.31%, which would apply to all Chinese manufacturers that do not qualify for a lower separate duty rate. This rate would apply to shipments made from April 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2014.
A final ruling was supposed to have been issued in September. However, two respondents, Allied Chemicals Inc. and Sichuan Golden-Elephant Sincerity Chemical Co., asked the DOC to postpone its final determination for about 60 days, which would place the final ruling around Nov. 2.
Melamine is a crystalline powder or granule that is often used to produce melamine formaldehyde resins in a variety of products such as furniture and kitchen and bath countertops.
Duties are typically assigned to manufacturers but paid by importers of record. Any duties placed on Chinese-made melamine could affect the pricing of furniture made with such materials.
On Nov. 12, Cornerstone Chemical Co. of Waggaman, La. filed a petition claiming Chinese producers are being subsidized by the Chinese government and are selling the product into the U.S. market at less than fair value.
The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a preliminary determination in late December that said such pricing tactics are causing injury to U.S. producers.
