Subsidies Lead to Melamine Taxes from Germany, Qatar, Trinidad
Published Date: 1/31/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. is putting extra taxes on melamine imports from Germany, Qatar, and Trinidad and Tobago because these countries got unfair help from their governments. This move protects American melamine makers from harm starting January 31, 2025. If you import or sell melamine, get ready for these new costs and rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Countervailing Duties Ordered on Melamine
The Department of Commerce issued countervailing duty orders on melamine from Germany, Qatar, and Trinidad and Tobago, applicable January 31, 2025. Because the U.S. International Trade Commission found material injury or threat of injury, unliquidated entries of melamine from these countries will be subject to countervailing duties per Commerce instructions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Required Cash Deposits at Specified Rates
On and after the publication of the ITC's final injury determinations, CBP must require importers to deposit estimated countervailing duties equal to the listed subsidy rates. The estimated rates are: Germany (LAT Nitrogen Piesteritz GmbH and All Others) 29.72%; Qatar (listed companies and All Others) 41.91%; Trinidad and Tobago (Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Ltd. and All Others) 7.43%.
Duties Applied Retroactive to July 22, 2024 (Germany/Qatar)
For melamine from Germany and Qatar, countervailing duties will be assessed on unliquidated entries entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after July 22, 2024 (the date of the Preliminary Determinations), except for entries made on or after November 19, 2024 and prior to publication of the ITC final determinations. Importers with qualifying unliquidated entries on or after July 22, 2024 should expect duties to be assessed.
Provisional Window Not Subject to Duties (Nov 19, 2024–Pre-Publication)
Entries of melamine from Germany, Qatar, and Trinidad and Tobago made on or after November 19, 2024 and prior to the date of publication of the ITC's final determinations in the Federal Register were not subject to countervailing duties; Commerce instructed CBP to liquidate those entries without regard to countervailing duties.
Refunds for Trinidad and Tobago Deposits Due to Threat Finding
Because the ITC's final determination for Trinidad and Tobago was threat-based, section 706(b)(2) requires CBP to refund any cash deposits or bonds of estimated countervailing duties posted since the preliminary determination. Commerce states section 706(b)(2) is applicable to Trinidad and Tobago and will instruct CBP accordingly.
Scope Covers All Melamine Forms and Blends
The orders cover melamine (CAS 108-78-01, HTSUS subheading 2933.61.0000) irrespective of purity, particle size, or physical form. Melamine blended with other products is included when the components are intermingled but not chemically reacted; only the melamine component is covered. Commingled melamine with non-subject sources remains subject for the subject component.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The U.S. government is putting special taxes on melamine imports from Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, and Trinidad and Tobago because they're being sold here too cheaply and hurting American businesses. These new rules start January 31, 2025, and will help protect U.S. melamine makers from unfair competition. Importers from these countries will now have to pay extra fees, making things fairer for everyone.
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