Brazil's Ferrosilicon Gets Taxed for Unfair Government Handouts
Published Date: 3/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Brazilian ferrosilicon producers got unfair government help, so they’re adding extra taxes to level the playing field. This change starts March 28, 2025, and affects companies importing ferrosilicon from Brazil, making it costlier to bring in. It’s a big move to protect U.S. businesses and keep trade fair.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
LIASA imports face very large 61.73% duty
Commerce assigned Ligas de Aluminio S.A. (LIASA) an estimated countervailable subsidy rate of 61.73 percent ad valorem (rate based on adverse facts available) for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. If the ITC finds injury, imports produced and/or exported by LIASA would be subject to duties equal to this 61.73% rate when a countervailing duty order is issued.
FERBASA imports hit with 5.25% duty
Commerce determined an estimated countervailable subsidy rate of 5.25 percent ad valorem for Companhia de Ferro Ligas da Bahia (FERBASA) for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. If the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) finds the U.S. industry was injured, imports produced and/or exported by FERBASA would be subject to duties equal to this 5.25% rate when the countervailing duty order is issued.
Minasligas imports hit with 4.44% duty
Commerce determined an estimated countervailable subsidy rate of 4.44 percent ad valorem for Minasligas S.A. for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. If the ITC finds injury, imports produced and/or exported by Minasligas would be subject to duties equal to this 4.44% rate when a countervailing duty order is issued.
All‑other Brazilian producers: 5.01% rate
Commerce established an 'all-others' estimated countervailable subsidy rate of 5.01 percent ad valorem for producers and exporters of ferrosilicon from Brazil that were not individually investigated (period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023). If the ITC finds injury, imports from those other Brazilian producers would be subject to duties at this 5.01% rate when a countervailing duty order is issued.
Possible retroactive deposits and suspension dates
Commerce will notify the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which must decide within 45 days whether U.S. industry was materially injured. If the ITC issues a final affirmative injury determination, Commerce will issue a countervailing duty order, reinstate suspension of liquidation, and require cash deposits of the estimated duties at the rates listed. Commerce instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits and suspend liquidation for entries entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after September 10, 2024 for all other producers/exporters, and for entries entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after June 12, 2024 for the companies for which critical circumstances were preliminarily found; the notice is applicable March 28, 2025.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05299, Public Hearing
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is hosting a public hearing on April 24, 2025, where folks can speak up about water projects that might affect the area. This is the only chance to give oral comments before the Commission decides on these projects around June 4. Written comments are welcome until May 5, so don’t miss your shot to weigh in on water use and land changes that could impact local communities.
Next: 2025-05302, Ferrosilicon From Brazil: Final Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that ferrosilicon from Brazil was sold in the U.S. for less than its fair price during 2023. This means importers of Brazilian ferrosilicon will face new duties starting March 28, 2025, to keep things fair for American businesses. If you buy or sell this metal, get ready for some changes that could affect prices and trade.