U.S. DOC Issues Preliminary Determination on Uncoated Groundwood Paper from Canada

March 14, 2018

On March 13, 2018, the United States Department of Commerce (“U.S. DOC”) issued its preliminary determination in the antidumping duty investigation regarding imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada (the “subject goods”). The petitioner, North Pacific Paper Company (WA), alleged that exporters from Canada have sold subject goods in the United States at 23.45% to 54.97% less than fair value.

The subject goods covered by the investigation certain paper used in newsprint, book publishing, and printing and writing papers. In 2016, U.S. imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada were valued at USD$1.27 billion (2.3 million metric tons).  The subject goods are classifiable under the following subheadings of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States:

  • 4801.00.0120
  • 4801.00.0140
  • 4802.61.1000
  • 4802.61.2000
  • 4802.61.3110
  • 4802.61.3191
  • 4802.61.6040
  • 4802.62.1000
  • 4802.62.2000
  • 4802.62.3000
  • 4802.62.6140
  • 4802.69.1000
  • 4802.69.2000
  • 4802.69.3000
  • 4805.91.5000
  • 4805.91.7000
  • 4805.91.9000

The U.S. DOC preliminarily determined that imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada are sold in the U.S. at less than fair value. The preliminary margins of dumping were calculated as follows:

CANADIAN EXPORTER/PRODUCERMARGIN OF DUMPING
Catalyst Pulp and Paper Sales, Inc./Catalyst Paper General Partnership22.16%
Resolute FP Canada Inc/Donohue Malbaie Inc.0.00%
White Birch Paper Canada Company/Papier Masson WB LP/FF Soucy WB LP/Stadacona WB LP0.00%
All other Canadian exporters/producers22.16%

 The U.S. DOC is scheduled to announce its final determination in this investigation by August 2, 2018. The U.S. International Trade Commission (“USITC”) is scheduled to issue its final determination by September 17, 2018. In the event of an affirmative final determination of dumping by the U.S. DOC and an affirmative final injury determination from the USITC, the U.S. DOC will issue an antidumping order by September 24, 2018.

Tereposky & DeRose offers in-depth trade remedy expertise, including anti-dumping, countervailing duty, and safeguard investigations. Should you have any questions regarding this matter or anti-dumping and countervailing issues more generally, we are at your disposal.

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