WASHINGTON, Feb. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On January 17, 2008, in the first antidumping case filed in the United States on small diameter graphite electrodes, SGL Carbon and Superior Graphite, two domestic producers of small diameter graphite electrodes charged that dumped imports of such products from the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) cause material injury to the domestic industry. The International Trade Commission today voted 6-0 to continue the investigation, finding a reasonable indication of material injury or threat of material injury to the domestic industry by reason of the dumped Chinese electrodes.
"On behalf of the petitioners, SGL Carbon and Superior Graphite, we are pleased that the U.S. International Trade Commission has voted unanimously to continue the investigation of dumping by Chinese small diameter graphite electrode producers and the resulting injury to U.S. producers," said David A. Hartquist, the domestic industry's lead trade counsel. "The focus of the case now moves to the Department of Commerce (DOC), where it will begin a preliminary investigation of dumping by the Chinese. Commerce initiated the case on the basis of alleged antidumping margins of up to 159 percent, meaning that additional import duties of about one and one-half times the value of the product would have to be paid on imports from China. The DOC will render its preliminary dumping determination in late June, according to the current schedule."
Today's vote is a significant victory for domestic producers of small diameter graphite electrodes as imports of such electrodes from China have surged dramatically over the last several years, taking growing market share and causing significant financial harm to the domestic industry. During the most recent 12-month period, imports from China constituted over half of all imports of small diameter graphite electrodes, taking a large and growing market share from the domestic industry.
The entire investigative process will take approximately one year, and final determinations of injury and dumping will occur in early 2009.
Small diameter graphite electrodes are produced from various grades of petroleum coke and are used in primary melting, ladle metallurgy, and specialty furnace applications in industries including foundries, smelters, and steel refining operations. Graphite electrodes act as conductors of electricity in furnaces and generate sufficient heat to melt scrap metal used to produce steel and other materials. Heat is generated by graphite electrodes as electricity passes through them and creates an electric arc between the electrodes and the raw material.
The petitioners are Superior Graphite Company, Chicago, IL, and SGL Carbon LLC, Charlotte, NC. They are represented in this investigation by David A. Hartquist, chairman of the International Trade and Customs Practice of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
