RB1 2021 UP4: Concrete reinforcing bar
Conclusion of normal value review

Period of investigation

The Period of Investigation (POI) and the Profitability Analysis Period (PAP) for the normal value review were from November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021.

Normal value review process

At the initiation of the normal value review, the CBSA sent a request for information (RFI) to Kroman to solicit information on the costs and selling prices of subject goods and like goods.^{Footnote 1} The information was requested for purposes of updating the normal values and export prices for subject goods imported into Canada.

Kroman requested a one day extension to the initial RFI deadline. The CBSA allowed the requested extension^{Footnote 2}, and Kroman submitted a response^{Footnote 3} within the new time frame that was substantially complete. The company fully responded to all supplemental requests for information (SFRIs).^{Footnote 4}

As part of the normal value review, case arguments and reply submissions were submitted on behalf of counsel for the Canadian producers^{Footnote 5} and Kroman^{Footnote 6}. Details of these submissions are provided in Appendix 2. The representations submitted by all parties were given due consideration by the CBSA prior to the conclusion of this normal value and export price review.

Normal values for future shipments

Specific normal values for future shipments of rebar have been determined for the participating exporter, Kroman. These normal values are effective today, March 22, 2022.

Kroman’s RFI response included a database of domestic sales of like goods. Consequently, normal values were determined in accordance with section 15 of SIMA based on domestic selling prices of like goods, where Kroman had a sufficient number of domestic sales of like goods that met the conditions of sections 15 and 16 of SIMA.

The normal values determined as a result of this review may be applied to any requests for re-determination of importations of subject goods that have not been processed prior to the conclusion of this normal value review, regardless of the date that the requests were received. The normal values determined as a result of this review may be applied retroactively where the conditions described below are met.

Exporter responsibility

Please note that exporters with normal values are required to promptly inform the CBSA in writing of changes to domestic prices, costs, market conditions or terms of sale associated with the production and sales of the goods. If there are changes to the exporter’s domestic prices, costs, market conditions or terms of sale associated with the production and sales of the goods, and where the CBSA considers such changes to be significant, the normal values and export prices will be updated to reflect current conditions. All parties are cautioned that where there are increases in domestic prices, and/or costs as noted above, the export price should be increased accordingly to ensure that any sale made to Canada is not only above the normal value but at or above selling prices and full costs and profit of the goods in the exporter’s domestic market. If exporters do not properly notify the CBSA of any such changes, do not adjust export prices accordingly, or do not provide the information required to make any necessary adjustments to normal values and export prices, retroactive assessments will be applied where such action is warranted.

Importer responsibility

Importers are reminded that it is their responsibility to calculate and declare their anti-dumping duty liability. If importers are using the services of a customs broker to clear importations, the brokerage firm should be advised that the goods are subject to SIMA measures and be provided with sufficient information necessary to clear the shipments. To determine their anti-dumping liability, importers should contact the exporters to obtain the applicable normal values. For further information on this matter, refer to Memorandum D14-1-2, Disclosure of Normal Values, Export Prices, and Amounts of Subsidy Established under the Special Import Measures Act.

The Customs Act (Act) applies, with any modifications that the circumstances require, with respect to the accounting and payment of anti-dumping duties. As such, failure to pay the duties within the prescribed time will result in the application of the interest provisions of the Act.

Should the importer disagree with the determination made on any importation of goods, a request for re-determination may be filed. For more information on how to file a request for re-determination, please refer to the Guide for appealing a duty assessment.

Information

Any questions concerning the above should be directed to:

SIMA Registry and Disclosure Unit
Trade and Anti-dumping Programs Directorate
Canada Border Services Agency
11-100 Metcalfe St
Ottawa ON  K1A 0L8

Officer’s name and contact information:

• Telephone:
• Valerie Ngai: 343-553-1635

Email: simaregistry-depotlmsi@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Appendix 1: Product definition

Subject goods are defined as

Exclusion

10-mm-diameter (10M) rebar produced to meet the requirements of CSA G30 18.09 (or equivalent standards) and coated to meet the requirements of epoxy standard ASTM A775/A 775M 04a (or equivalent standards) in lengths from 1 foot (30.48 cm) up to and including 8 feet (243.84 cm).

Classification of imports

As of January 1, 2022, the subject goods are usually imported under the following tariff classification numbers:

1. 7213.10.00.11
2. 7213.10.00.12
3. 7213.10.00.13
4. 7213.10.00.90
5. 7214.20.00.11
6. 7214.20.00.12
7. 7214.20.00.13
8. 7214.20.00.14
9. 7214.20.00.21
10. 7214.20.00.22
11. 7214.20.00.23
12. 7214.20.00.24
13. 7214.20.00.31
14. 7214.20.00.32
15. 7214.20.00.33
16. 7214.20.00.34
17. 7214.20.00.90
18. 7215.90.00.20
19. 7215.90.00.30
20. 7227.90.00.50
21. 7228.30.00.51
22. 7228.30.00.52
23. 7228.30.00.53

This listing of tariff classification numbers is for convenience of reference only. Refer to the product definition for authoritative details regarding the subject goods.

Appendix 2: Representations

The material issues raised by the parties are summarized as follows and, to the extent possible, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has provided responses to representations below.

Application of ministerial specification

Counsel for the Canadian producers argued that Kroman Çelik Sanayii A.Ş. (Kroman)’s response to the request for information (RFI) was incomplete and/or unreliable.^{Footnote 7} Counsel submitted that Kroman and Kardemir Karabük Demir Çelik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Kardemir) were owned or controlled by the same people, and were therefore associated persons within the meaning of Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) section 2.^{Footnote 8} Counsel further submitted that Kroman purchased significant inputs from Kardemir and should have provided additional information on the cost of production.^{Footnote 9} Counsel argued that the absence of this information is a deficiency warranting the application of the Ministerial Specification.^{Footnote 10}

Counsel for Kroman submitted that Kroman and Kardemir are not associated within the meaning of SIMA.^{Footnote 11} Counsel further argued that the relationship was only relevant with respect to related input supply and that as Kroman did not purchase significant inputs from Kardemir, the relationship was irrelevant.^{Footnote 12} Counsel also submitted that subject goods were produced by Kroman.^{Footnote 13}

CBSA’s position

Verification was conducted by way of supplemental RFIs and Kroman’s submissions were considered complete and reliable. The CBSA determined normal values in accordance with section 15 of SIMA based on domestic selling prices of like goods produced by Kroman, as there were a sufficient number of domestic sales of like goods that met the conditions of sections 15 and 16 of SIMA.

Normal value adjustment

Counsel for the Canadian producers argued that the CBSA should adjust future normal values determined for Kroman upwards to account for increased domestic selling prices and costs of production for rebar in Turkey.^{Footnote 14} They noted that significant increases in both domestic selling prices and costs of production for rebar have occurred in Turkey since the Period of Investigation (POI)/Profitability Analysis Period (PAP) which would impact the determination of normal values.^{Footnote 15} They argued that the CBSA should adjust normal values to ensure that the normal values issued reflect current market conditions and are not out of date by the time they come into effect.^{Footnote 16}

In their reply submission, counsel for Kroman argued that an adjustment to normal values is not permissible under SIMA.^{Footnote 17}

CBSA’s position

In dumping investigative proceedings, the CBSA selects a relevant POI and PAP at the initiation of the proceeding. The CBSA requests exporters provide information concerning costs and selling prices of subject goods and like goods during these periods when responding to the RFI. These periods therefore govern and frame the gathering of relevant information from parties to the proceeding. For this normal value review, the CBSA determined future normal values for Kroman based on information submitted for the PAP of November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021.

Currency denomination of normal values

Counsel for the Canadian producers argued that the CBSA should issue future normal values to Kroman denominated in U.S. Dollars. Counsel noted that the Turkish Lira has exhibited large volatility since 2018, with significant fluctuations continuing during the POI of this normal value review.^{Footnote 18} They noted that the Turkish Lira has been prone to abrupt depreciations during the past five years, has lost two-thirds of its value during that time, and reached an all time low vis-à-vis the U.S. Dollar by September of 2021.^{Footnote 19} Counsel therefore argued that issuing normal values in U.S. Dollars is warranted given the frequent and volatile changes impacting the Turkish Lira.^{Footnote 20} Counsel also noted that issuing normal values in U.S. dollars because of the volatility of the Turkish Lira would be consistent with previous normal value reviews for other Turkish producers of rebar.^{Footnote 21}

In their reply submission, counsel for Kroman argued that denominating normal values in U.S. Dollars is not permissible under SIMA.^{Footnote 22}

CBSA’s position

The CBSA’s policy concerning the currency denomination for normal values is published in Memorandum D14-1-8, Re-investigation and Normal Value Review Policy – Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). This policy notes:

The information on the record for this normal value review demonstrates a volatile and depreciating exchange rate for the Turkish Lira. To address these factors the CBSA issued the normal values to Kroman in U.S. Dollars, as export transactions for subject goods sold to Canada are typically sold in U.S. Dollars in this industry.

Retroactive anti-dumping duty assessments

Counsel for the Canadian producers argued that Kroman has failed to notify the CBSA of changes in market circumstances, including rising selling prices for like goods and costs of production.^{Footnote 23} Counsel argued that, given these circumstances, the CBSA should issue retroactive anti-dumping duty assessments.^{Footnote 24}

CBSA’s position

Anti-dumping duty enforcement issues concerning importations of subject goods and CBSA re-determinations under SIMA are not part of the scope of this normal value review.