The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) on Nov. 30 issued affirmative preliminary determinations that UAN imports from Russia are unfairly subsidized at rates ranging from 9.66-9.84 percent and UAN imports from Trinidad and Tobago are unfairly subsidized at a rate of 1.83 percent.
DOC made the determinations as part of countervailing duty (CVD) investigations that are being conducted in response to petitions filed by subsidiaries of CF Industries Holdings Inc., Deerfield, Ill. (GM July 2, p. 1).
“Commerce’s preliminary determinations are an important step towards leveling the playing field for the U.S. UAN industry and its workers,” said Tony Will, CF President and CEO. “We appreciate the hard work of the Commerce professionals who are handling these investigations, and look forward to participating in the post-preliminary phase.”
As a result of the determinations, DOC will impose preliminary cash deposit requirements on imports of UAN from Russia and Trinidad, equivalent to the rates of unfair subsidization.
DOC is conducting concurrent antidumping (AD) investigations of UAN from Russia and Trinidad. Preliminary determinations in the AD investigations are expected in late January, which could lead to the imposition of additional preliminary cash deposit requirements.
Both DOC and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) must make final affirmative determinations in order for DOC to issue an AD/CVD order, which would remain in place for at least five years. DOC and the ITC are expected to make final determinations in the summer of 2022.