US sets anti-dumping duties on Chinese melamine imports
December 4, 2014, 5:37 am

China has repeatedly accused the US of straining their vast economic relationship through a slew of anti-dumping measures [Xinhua]

China exported melamine worth $14.1 million last year to the US, according to United States official data.

Melamine is a crystalline powder or granule that is typically used in the production of melamine resins used in laminates, surface coatings, adhesives, molding compounds and paper treatment, the department said in a statement.

The International Trade Commission (ITC), the US trade authority, is scheduled to make its preliminary inquiry around Dec. 29 into whether the products were being sold too cheaply in the US market.

China has repeatedly accused the US of straining their vast economic relationship through a slew of anti-dumping measures, adding to growing tensions between the two global powers.

The latest investigations are in response to a petition filed by Louisiana-based Cornerstone Chemical Company.

The company alleged that melamine from China were sold below the fair value of the products in the US market with dumping margins of 255.44 to 363.31 per cent while producers and exporters from China also received government subsidies.

The US Commerce Department will make its preliminary determination of CVD in February 2015.

China’s Ministry of Commerce has repeatedly urged the United States to abide by its commitment against protectionism and work with China to maintain a free, open and just trade environment.

Washington has, for some years, alleged that Beijing is unfairly keeping its exports cheap by holding down the value of its yuan currency, and is frustrating US companies seeking to expand business in China.

TBP and Agencies