The United States will impose countervailing duties

Reuters reported that the U.S. Department of Commerce said on Tuesday that it would impose anti-dumping duties on more than $4.8 billion in ceramic tiles imported from China, and initially ruled that these imports would impose an anti-subsidy import tariff of 104% to 222%. The U.S. Department of Commerce stated in a statement that after receiving the news, the U.S. Department of Commerce stated in September 2019 that it would impose anti-dumping duties on ceramic tiles imported from China worth more than US$480 million and initially ruled to impose duties on these imports. 104% to 222% of countervailing import tariffs.

The U.S. Department of Commerce stated in a statement that after receiving a petition submitted by eight U.S. ceramic tile manufacturers that China-made ceramic tiles were suspected of receiving unfair subsidies and dumped to the United States, it launched an anti-Chinese ceramic tile import in May. Subsidies and anti-dumping investigations.

At first, the department suggested that the anti-dumping duty rate on Chinese ceramic tiles was 127%-356% based on the dumping margin, and the import duty could be imposed on the basis of countervailing duty.

At present, the US Department of Commerce believes that China's imports of American ceramic tiles receive unfair subsidies, and it preliminarily ruled that 104% to 222% of these imported goods will be levied on countervailing import tariffs. This will affect imports of ceramic tiles worth approximately US$483.1 million in 2018. Specifically:

1) A preliminary countervailing duty of 222.24% will be imposed on ceramic tiles from Temgoo International Trading Ltd;

2) A preliminary countervailing duty of 103.77% is imposed on other Chinese ceramic tile exporters and manufacturers.

It is understood that the U.S. Department of Commerce plans to announce its final ruling around January 22, 2020. Currently, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is still conducting another investigation to determine whether American manufacturers have been harmed by Chinese imports.

It is worth noting that Chinese ceramic tiles are popular products in home furnishing chains such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Floor & Decor. The above tax increase is bound to affect the profits of American home furnishing companies.

In addition, Reuters also pointed out that at present, the United States imposes a 25% punitive tariff on Chinese ceramic floor tiles and wall tiles under 'Article 301', and the tax rate will be increased to 30% from October 1.