FR 2021-02083

The document titled "Glycine From Thailand: Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2019-2020" announces a decision by the Department of Commerce to cancel its review of antidumping duties on glycine imported from Thailand for a specific period. Antidumping duties are tariffs imposed on foreign imports believed to be priced below fair market value, aimed at protecting domestic industries from unfair competition. The review, which was initially requested by GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc., has been rescinded due to the petitioner’s withdrawal within the allowed timeframe.

General Summary

The administrative review cancellation covers the period from August 5, 2019, to September 30, 2020. After the withdrawal by GEO Specialty Chemicals, and without any other party requesting a review, the Department of Commerce proceeded with the rescission. The document provides instructions for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to assess duties at the rates applicable at the time of entry for the specified period. Importers are reminded of their responsibilities to file certificates about the reimbursement of antidumping duties, as failing to do so could result in penalties.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One notable concern is the absence of details regarding the financial implications of rescinding this review. Without this information, stakeholders cannot adequately assess whether funds designated for the review process may have been unnecessarily spent. Moreover, the document does not specify why GEO Specialty Chemicals withdrew its request. Understanding these reasons could offer insight into the merit of rescinding the review.

The document’s language, filled with legal and regulatory references, might not be easily understood by those unfamiliar with trade law, potentially leaving the general public without a clear understanding of the review’s cancellation.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the immediate impact may not be apparent. Antidumping duties often lead to higher prices for imported goods, as extra costs are usually passed on to consumers. The cancellation of the review could imply stability in pricing if the duties remain unchanged, but without transparent communication about the broader impacts, consumers might remain unaware of potential price changes.

Impact on Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, particularly importers of glycine from Thailand, may benefit from the rescission. With the review cancelled, importers will avoid potential adjustments or recalculations of duties that could have arisen from the review’s findings. However, importers must ensure compliance with the requirement to submit certificates related to duty reimbursements to avoid possible penalties.

For GEO Specialty Chemicals, the withdrawal of their review request suggests an internal decision that either continued scrutiny was unnecessary or unbeneficial. This could affect their competitive positioning in the market, but without further explanation, stakeholders can only speculate on the motivations and implications for the company.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the document provides a procedural announcement about the rescission of a duty review, the lack of detailed financial analysis and rationale for the petitioner's actions offer limited visibility into the broader economic implications. Stakeholders, particularly those directly involved in importing glycine, should remain aware of their compliance obligations and monitor any ongoing changes in antidumping duty applications.