A petition filed March 18 alleges that polypropylene corrugated boxes from China and Vietnam are being sold at less than fair value in the U.S. and that PCBs from China are benefiting from countervailable subsidies. The alleged average dumping margins range from 74.63 to 83.49 percent.
The products subject to this petition are boxes, crates, totes, and similar containers made of corrugated polypropylene sheets, also known as hollow core, twin wall, or multi-wall sheets. PCBs are sold to end-users involved in the production and shipment of agricultural goods, building products, seafood, and other consumer merchandise, which typically use them for the packing, storage, conveyance, and transportation of these goods. However, this petition covers all PCBs regardless of end-use.
PCBs are formed by cutting the corrugated sheets to discrete lengths, scoring them for folding edges, die cutting them into specific shapes and sizes, and then folding them into a finished box. The corrugated sheets are produced through the extrusion of a plastic resin that consists of 50 percent or more polypropylene.
The scope of this petition covers PCBs manufactured from such plastic resins irrespective of the particular mix of polypropylene homo-polymer and polypropylene co-polymer, the use of virgin polypropylene or recycled polypropylene, or the presence of ancillary chemicals such as electrostatic agents or flame retardants.
Most PCBs include an enclosed bottom wall, four side walls, and a partially enclosed top wall. The petition covers all PCBs regardless of shape or size, whether or not printed with designs, and with or without handles, lids, tops, and reinforcing wire. It also includes PCBs that enter the U.S. in either folded or unfolded form or in one-piece or multi-piece configurations.
Subject PCBs are currently classified under HTSUS 3923.10.9000.
The Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission will consider this petition and launch investigations determining dumping and subsidy margins and injury to the U.S. domestic industry, respectively. There are strict statutory deadlines associated with these proceedings, so affected companies that wish to protect their interests and mitigate duty liability on imports of these products should contact Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg as soon as possible.
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