January 10, 2018

U.S. sets punitive duties on Canadian newsprint

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the countervailing duty investigation of imports of uncoated groundwood paper (newsprint) from Canada..

The Department calculated preliminary subsidy at rates that range from 0.65 percent to 9.93 percent.

As a result of the preliminary affirmative determination, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to require cash deposits based on the preliminary rates.

The merchandise covered by this investigation is described as certain paper that has not been coated on either side and with 50 percent or more of the cellulose fiber content consisting of groundwood pulp, weighing not more than 90 grams per square meter. The scope includes paper shipped in any form, including but not limited to both rolls and sheets. Certain uncoated groundwood paper includes but is not limited to standard newsprint, high bright newsprint, book publishing, directory, and printing and writing papers. For additional details on the goods at issue see the link below.

The petitioner for this investigation is a paper manufacturer in the state of Washington.

Link: Fact Sheet from the U.S. Department of Commerce (pdf)