In a decisive 3-1 vote on Wednesday, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) delivered a resounding verdict, asserting that subsidized Indian brass rod imports are inflicting significant harm on domestic producers. This crucial ruling paves the way for the imposition of countervailing duties on the product.
Commission’s Verdict Unleashes Countervailing Duties
The ITC’s economic injury determination, following the U.S. Department of Commerce’s prior finding of unfair subsidies by the Indian government, sets the stage for Commerce to issue a countervailing duty order on Indian brass rod imports.
- “As a result of the commission’s affirmative determination, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from India,” declared the commission.
The Sting: 2.24% Tariff on Indian Brass Rods
The imposed countervailing duty takes the form of a 2.24% tariff on all Indian brass rods. With Indian importers bringing in a substantial $11.7 million worth of brass rods in 2021, according to an ITC fact sheet, the impact is poised to reverberate through the market.
Indian Brass Rod Imports Harmed Domestic Sales : A Vast Investigation Unveils Unfair Practices
This commission vote is just one facet of an extensive investigation initiated by the ITC and the Commerce Department into global brass rod imports. Essential for infrastructure like cell towers, waterworks, and military vehicle braking systems, brass rods have become a battleground.
