FR 2021-02078

The document is a notice from the Department of Commerce, specifically the International Trade Administration, regarding the initiation of five-year reviews known as "Sunset Reviews." These reviews are conducted to assess certain trade orders related to antidumping and countervailing duties, which are tariffs imposed on foreign goods that are suspected of being sold in the United States at a price below fair market value. Concurrently, the International Trade Commission (ITC) is releasing a similar notice. This action is in accordance with the Tariff Act of 1930, which has been amended to establish these procedures.

General Summary

In essence, this document marks the beginning of an evaluation process that takes place every five years to ensure international trade regulations remain appropriate. Such evaluations are vital for assessing whether existing tariffs should be maintained, revised, or revoked. The Department of Commerce is responsible for these assessments, which involve examining antidumping and countervailing duty orders as well as any suspended investigations related to these orders.

Significant Issues or Concerns

A key concern in this process is ensuring that the correct procedures are followed and that affected parties are adequately notified. The Department of Commerce outlines a series of requirements for interested parties to participate in the review process, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions of necessary documentation.

Another consideration is the potential for automatic revocation of orders if no domestic interested parties express their intent to participate. This automatic revocation could have significant implications for industries reliant on these duties for protection against unfair trade practices.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, these reviews underscore the government's ongoing efforts to manage fair trade practices and protect domestic industries from unfair competition. The outcomes of such reviews can impact the prices of goods available in the market, potentially influencing consumer costs, though such effects are often complex and indirect.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, including domestic producers and importers, may experience more direct impacts from these Sunset Reviews. For domestic industries, the continuation of antidumping and countervailing duties may provide ongoing protection from foreign competition that threatens to underprice local goods. Conversely, importers and consumers might face higher costs if duties are maintained or increased, as these will continue to elevate the price of goods imported into the United States.

Domestic industries are likely to actively participate in these reviews to advocate for the continuation of duties that protect their market position. Importers, on the other hand, may argue for the removal or reduction of such measures to decrease costs associated with imported goods.

Overall, while the reviews are a technical and procedural process, they play a critical role in shaping the competitive landscape of U.S. markets and will likely draw significant interest and engagement from industry players and policymakers alike.