Korean Pipes Get Taxed for Unfair Help: Trade Drama Unfolds
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Commerce found that Korean makers of large diameter welded pipe got unfair government help during 2023. Because of this, extra taxes (called countervailing duties) will apply to their pipes starting May 14, 2026. This means importers and buyers should expect some price changes and keep an eye on deadlines to stay in the know.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Countervailing Duties Take Effect
If you import or buy large diameter welded pipe from Korea, extra countervailing duties apply starting May 14, 2026. The duties relate to subsidies found for the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.
Cash Deposits, Assessment, and Ongoing Rates
CBP will collect cash deposits of estimated countervailing duties on shipments of subject merchandise entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after the publication date of these final results. For non-reviewed firms, CBP will continue to collect either the most recent company-specific rate or the original investigation all-others rate of 9.29% as appropriate. Commerce intends to issue assessment instructions no earlier than 35 days after publication, and if a timely summons is filed, CBP will be directed not to liquidate relevant entries until statutory injunction timing (within 90 days of publication) has expired.
Company-Specific Duty Rates Set
Commerce set ad valorem countervailing duty rates for reviewed Korean producers for the 2023 period: Hyundai RB Co., Ltd. 0.79%; SeAH Steel Corporation 0.41% (de minimis). A 0.79% rate is applied as the review-specific average for multiple non-selected companies listed in the notice.
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