U.S. International Trade Commission decides coated paper imports hurt domestic industry

The United States International Trade Commission concluded today that their domestic industry is harmed by imports of coated free paper. As a result, antidumping and countervailing duties will be imposed on imports of certain coated paper products from China and Indonesia.

Reaction was swift from both sides of the issue.

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) is disappointed by the decision. Asia Pulp & Paper is the leading exporter of coated paper from China and Indonesia.

“We are extremely disappointed in the Commission’s decision,” said Terry Hunley, Acting President, APP Americas. “The evidence we presented strongly demonstrated that our imports have not harmed U.S. producers. We believe there are very strong grounds for appeal and we will begin pursuing our appeal options immediately.”

Asia Pulp and Paper's coated paper product from China will be assessed a 25.2% AD/CVD duty rate. APP product from Indonesia will be assessed a duty rate of 38.0%.

Appleton Coated LLC, NewPage Corporation, and Sappi Fine Paper North America – together with the United Steelworkers (USW) - issued a joint news release saying they are welcoming of today's decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission.

"NewPage is very pleased with the International Trade Commission's finding on injury," said George Martin, president and chief executive officer of NewPage. "Today's determination underscores the effects of unfair competition on the U.S. industry, where government subsidies and dumping have suppressed prices and forced mill closures," said Martin. "The decision will allow the Commerce Department to impose duties to offset the significant levels of dumping and government subsidies that were found to exist last month." Martin added, "We will remain committed to this effort and it's important to remember that we are willing to compete with anyone in the world as long as we have a level playing field."

The coated paper involved in this investigation is typically used for printing multicolored graphics for catalogues, books, annual reports, coffee table books, magazines, labels and wraps, greeting cards, and other items requiring high-quality print graphics.

Sources:

Asia Pulp & Paper, Appleton Coated, NewPage Corporation, Sappi Fine Paper North America, United Steelworkers