New Section 232 Investigation Targets Coal

The Bureau of Industry and Security is accepting input no later than July 12 on a new Section 232 investigation into the effects on national security of imports of anthracite coal. This investigation could result in the imposition of additional tariffs on imports of this product.

For the purpose of this investigation, “anthracite coal” refers to the highest rank of coal, characterized by its high carbon content (86–97 percent), low volatile matter, and superior heating value. It encompasses products classified under HTSUS subheadings 2701.11.0000 (anthracite coal) and 2701.12.0010 (metallurgical bituminous coal).

BIS states that these goods are considered critical materials for domestic steel production and industrial processes. BIS notes that steelmakers use anthracite coal for electric arc furnace steelmaking due to its purity and role as a foaming agent and charge ingredient, supporting mission-critical operations across industrial, defense, and infrastructure sectors.

Interested parties are invited to submit written comments, data, analyses, or other information pertinent to this investigation, including with respect to the following.

– current and projected demand for covered goods in the U.S.

– the extent to which domestic production can meet that demand

– the role of foreign supply chains, particularly major exporters, in meeting that demand

– the concentration of U.S. imports from a small number of suppliers or foreign nations and the associated risks

– the impact of foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices on U.S. industry competitiveness

– the economic impact of artificially suppressed prices due to foreign unfair trade practices and state-sponsored overproduction

– the potential for export restrictions by foreign nations, including their ability to weaponize their control over supplies, or for foreign control or exploitation of the supply chain

– the feasibility of increasing domestic capacity to reduce import reliance

– the impact of current trade policies on domestic production and whether additional measures, including tariffs or quotas, are necessary to protect national security