PaperAge Magazine

AF&PA Supports DOC's Preliminary Ruling in Circumvention Inquiry on Uncoated Paper From China

uncoated paper rolls

Nov. 17, 2020 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding an affirmative and preliminary ruling in a circumvention inquiry, involving uncoated paper sheeter rolls from China on existing antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders.

"AF&PA supports the enforcement of free and fair trade laws. The U.S. Department of Commerce's preliminary ruling in a circumvention inquiry into uncoated paper sheeter rolls from China is a positive step to ensure the U.S. paper industry operates according to fair trade principles in a highly competitive global market.

"This preliminary ruling is based on an impartial, transparent process that abides by international rules and a set of facts and evidence. AF&PA believes U.S. government enforcement of domestic and international trade rules will help safeguard the health of the U.S. paper industry, allowing markets to function properly."

Additional Background: A circumvention inquiry can occur under United States law when evidence suggests that goods subject to an antidumping duty (AD) or countervailing duty (CVD) order is completed or assembled in the U.S. from parts and components imported from the country subject to AD/CVD orders, and the process of assembly or completion in the U.S. is minor.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures approximately $300 billion in products annually, and employs nearly 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

SOURCE: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)