The US is investigating dumping of sodium nitrate from China and Germany, and an unfair subsidy on sodium nitrate produced in China, after a petition by local producer General Chemical LLC, of New Jersey, the Department of Commerce said Thursday.
The probes will focus on sodium nitrate at any purity level that may or may not contain an anti-caking agent. Other names for sodium nitrate include nitrous acid, sodium salt, anti-rust, diazotizing salts, erinitrit and filmerine.
General Chemical believes that China may have sold sodium nitrate in the US at 131.72% to 190.74% below fair market value, and Germany at 65.58% to 237% below fair value. General Chemical has also estimated that Chinese producers may be enjoying a government subsidy of at least 2%.
By law, US manufacturers can ask the department to impose import taxes to counteract foreign subsidies.
Sodium nitrite can be used as a diesel fuel additive, corrosion inhibitor, in the manufacture of dyes and synthetic rubbers, in waste water treatment, and in the curing of meats.
As part of the investigation procedures, the department's affiliated US International Trade Commission is scheduled to determine around December 24 whether the imports from China and Germany are materially injuring, or threaten material injury to, the domestic industry.
From 2005 to 2006, the US' imports of sodium nitrite from China increased 101% by volume to 474,000 kg, and were valued at $170,000 in 2006. Imports from Germany increased 32% by volume to 4.6 million kg, and were valued at $1.4 million in 2006.
The probes will focus on sodium nitrate at any purity level that may or may not contain an anti-caking agent. Other names for sodium nitrate include nitrous acid, sodium salt, anti-rust, diazotizing salts, erinitrit and filmerine.
General Chemical believes that China may have sold sodium nitrate in the US at 131.72% to 190.74% below fair market value, and Germany at 65.58% to 237% below fair value. General Chemical has also estimated that Chinese producers may be enjoying a government subsidy of at least 2%.
By law, US manufacturers can ask the department to impose import taxes to counteract foreign subsidies.
Sodium nitrite can be used as a diesel fuel additive, corrosion inhibitor, in the manufacture of dyes and synthetic rubbers, in waste water treatment, and in the curing of meats.
As part of the investigation procedures, the department's affiliated US International Trade Commission is scheduled to determine around December 24 whether the imports from China and Germany are materially injuring, or threaten material injury to, the domestic industry.
From 2005 to 2006, the US' imports of sodium nitrite from China increased 101% by volume to 474,000 kg, and were valued at $170,000 in 2006. Imports from Germany increased 32% by volume to 4.6 million kg, and were valued at $1.4 million in 2006.
