US refrigerant makers allege China dumping, seek duties
WASHINGTON: A group of US and Mexican refrigerant gas makers asked the US Commerce Department to impose anti- dumping duties on imports of Chinese-made R134a, the coolant most widely used in automotive air conditioners and home refrigerators.
The petitioners alleged that supplies of the gas imported from China are being sold for less than fair value, and are seeking dumping margins of 150 per cent to over 200 per cent.
In a similar case involving other refrigerant blends, the Commerce Department imposed preliminary antidumping duties ranging from 92 per cent to 210 per cent.
James Cannon, a lawyer for the group, said China has overbuilt capacity to produce 200,000 tons of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, enough to supply the US market four times over and is selling the product under cost.
“China has no inherent cost advantage for this product,” he said, adding that the bulk of Chinese production is aimed at the United States.
The Commerce Department is due to make a preliminary decision on whether the North American manufacturers have been injured, and anti- dumping duties could be imposed as early as Aug 10 if the case runs to the normal deadlines, Cannon added.
The American Hydrofluorocarbon Coalition, which filed the case, includes Amtrol Inc, Arkema Inc, Chemours Co , Honeywell International Inc, Hudson Technologies Inc, Mexichem Fluor Inc, Worthington Industries Inc and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. — Reuters
China has no inherent cost advantage for this product.
James Cannon, petitioning lawyer