In a definitive ruling, the U.S. Department of Commerce has announced that large diameter welded pipe imported from the Republic of Türkiye was not sold at prices below normal value in the United States during the review period from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. This decision, applicable as of August 20, 2024, marks a significant affirmation of fair trade practices between Türkiye and the U.S., particularly in the steel and pipe manufacturing industries.
The administrative review was conducted in accordance with section 751 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, and involved an in-depth examination of pricing practices by Turkish exporters of large diameter welded pipe. The review covered multiple producers and exporters, including prominent companies such as HDM Celik Boru Sanyai Ve Ticaret A.S. (HDM) and Cimtas Boru Imalatlari ve Ticaret Ltd. The findings of the review have determined that these companies maintained a weighted-average dumping margin of 0%, indicating no instances of selling below fair market value.
The process leading to these final results was thorough, with Commerce initially publishing the Preliminary Results on June 6, 2024. Following this, a period was provided for interested parties to submit comments or concerns regarding the findings. However, no submissions were received, leading Commerce to finalize the results without alterations to the initial determination. This outcome underscores the transparent and systematic approach adopted by the Department in ensuring that all trade practices adhere to international standards.
The scope of this order specifically covers welded pipe originating from Türkiye, an essential commodity used extensively in infrastructure, construction, and various industrial applications across the United States. The decision to assign a 0% dumping margin to key players like HDM Celik Boru and Cimtas Boru Imalatlari not only validates their compliance with trade regulations but also reinforces the integrity of U.S.-Türkiye trade relations in the steel sector.
In cases where not all companies involved in the review are selected for individual examination, Commerce employs a methodology based on section 735(c)(5) of the Tariff Act to calculate an "all-others" rate. This rate applies to companies that were not individually investigated but still fall under the purview of the review. For this period, the company Emek Boru, which was not individually examined, was also assigned a 0% dumping margin in line with the results for HDM Celik Boru and Cimtas Boru.
The implications of this ruling are significant for both U.S. importers and Turkish exporters. For U.S. companies relying on welded pipe for their operations, this decision ensures continued access to fairly priced, high-quality materials without the complications of anti-dumping duties. On the other hand, for Turkish manufacturers, the ruling provides a clear affirmation of their adherence to fair pricing practices, which could bolster their reputation and market share in the U.S.
