Thailand launches AD probe into Chinese PC strand

Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into steel strand for prestressed concrete (PC strand) originating from China, following a petition by domestic producer Siam Industrial Wire Co., Ltd (SIW).

The probe covers products under HS code 7312.10.91 and was launched on October 23, the day after its official announcement published in the Royal Gazette.

The Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties Committee had accepted SIW's request on September 30, determining it was filed on behalf of the domestic industry. The petition alleges that Chinese steel strand is being dumped in the Thai market with a dumping margin of 7.83% of the CIF price.

The complainant argued that the surging import volume and the significantly expanded production and export capacity of Chinese makers threaten to cause material injury to the local industry by depressing domestic prices.

SIW, wholly owned by India's Tata Steel, has a factory in Bankhai in Rayong on Thailand's eastern seaboard producing PC strand, PC wire, wire mesh and spring wire.

The DFT will distribute questionnaires to relevant stakeholders. Interested parties who have not received a questionnaire but wish to participate must submit a written request within 15 days of the announcement. Additionally, all stakeholders are required to submit their case comments and supporting evidence within 30 days.

Written by Tiffany Hou, houtianhui@mysteel.com

Edited by Russ McCulloch, russ.mcculloch@mysteel.com