WASHINGTON (Aug. 21, 2007) — Titan Tire International Inc.'s bid to get duties imposed on certain off-the-road (OTR) tires imported from China moved one step closer to reality after the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) supported in a preliminary vote Titan's assertions that U.S. tire makers are being harmed.
The ITC, in a 6-0 vote Aug. 20, determined there is a “reasonable indication” that U.S. makers of off-the-road tires are being harmed by imports of such tires from China allegedly being sold here at less than fair value. Titan's petition is supported by the United Steelworkers (USW), which claims its members are being harmed.
As a result of the ITC's determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigations of imports of certain off-the-road tires from China to determine the degree to which foreign subsidies are affecting the prices of tires sold here.
The ITC decision is labeled as preliminary.
In order for anti-dumping duties to be instituted, both the Commerce Department and the ITC must make positive determinations separately, according to government regulations. Eventually there will be public hearings on the petition.
The ITC will publish its findings Sept. 17 in a document called “Certain Off-the-Road Tires from China: Investigation Nos. 701- TA-450 and 731-TA-1122 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3943.”