US Maintains Trade Protections After Sunset Review
The US International Trade Commission has made a decisive ruling to uphold both antidumping and countervailing duty measures on large-diameter welded carbon and alloy steel line pipes imported from six countries, Canada, China, Greece, India, South Korea & Turkey. The decision follows a mandatory five-year sunset review to assess the need for ongoing trade protections.
In its final determination released on April 11, 2025, the USITC concluded that revoking the duties would likely lead to the recurrence of material injury to US manufacturers. These duties have played a critical role in shielding the American steel pipe industry from unfair foreign pricing and government subsidies.
The Scope of the Tariffs
The measures apply specifically to large-diameter welded carbon and alloy steel line pipes, which are essential in infrastructure projects such as oil & gas pipelines, water transmission, and industrial structural applications. The antidumping duties aim to counteract the effects of foreign companies selling their products in the US at less than fair value.
In addition, the countervailing duties address instances where foreign producers receive government subsidies that distort market competition. The CVD orders will continue specifically for products imported from India & South Korea, two countries where subsidies were deemed significant by the US Department of Commerce and the USITC.
Countries & Products Affected
• Antidumping duties remain in effect for:
o Canada
o China
o Greece
o India
o South Korea
o Turkey
• Countervailing duties continue for:
o India
o South Korea
The Commission’s decision reflects a consensus that revocation of these orders would cause harm to US manufacturers by allowing dumped and subsidized imports to re-enter the market at distorted prices.
Industry Reactions & Implications
Domestic producers and industry coalitions have welcomed the USITC’s decision, arguing it preserves competitive balance and employment in US manufacturing. The continuation of duties helps maintain a level playing field, especially in a market heavily influenced by fluctuating global steel prices and production costs.
Trade analysts note that while such measures may lead to higher import costs for downstream users, they serve a broader strategic purpose in sustaining domestic production capabilities, especially vital for energy and infrastructure security.
Global Trade & Geopolitical Undercurrents
The ruling may further strain trade relations between the US and the affected countries, particularly China and Turkey, which have previously criticized American trade remedy policies. However, the US maintains that these decisions align with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules when supported by evidence of injury.
India and South Korea, whose products were found to be subsidized, may explore diplomatic avenues or legal recourse under international trade frameworks. Meanwhile, the US continues to assert its commitment to free but fair trade, balancing international openness with domestic industrial health.
Key Takeaways:
• USITC made a final decision to continue AD & CVD tariffs on LDW pipes from 6 nations.
• The countries affected: Canada, China, Greece, India, South Korea & Turkey.
• CVD orders specifically apply to India & South Korea.
• Duties cover large-diameter welded carbon & alloy steel line pipes.
• Revoking the orders would cause recurrence of material injury to US industry.
• Sunset review occurs every 5 years to assess necessity of continued measures.
• Decision protects US pipe producers in sectors like oil, gas & infrastructure.
• Industry groups welcomed the move for maintaining fair trade practices.
• Affected countries may contest the ruling via diplomatic or legal channels.
• Tariffs remain key tools in US trade policy amid volatile global steel markets.
