Notice of Initiation of an Absorption Investigation Concerning Imports of Certain Stainless Steel Wires Originating in India

The European Commission has received a request on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community to investigate whether the anti-dumping measures imposed on imports of Certain Stainless Steel Wires, originating in India, have had an effect on export prices, resale prices or subsequent selling prices in the Union. The request was lodged on 21 October 2014 by the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries — ‘Eurofer’ on behalf of producers representing more than 25 % of the total Union production of certain stainless steel wire.

The product under investigation is defined as stainless steel wires containing by weight:

—2,5 % or more of nickel, other than wire containing by weight 28 % or more but not more than 31 % of nickel and 20 % or more but not more than 22 % of chromium,

—less than 2,5 % of nickel, other than wire containing by weight 13 % or more but not more than 25 % of chromium and 3,5 % or more but not more than 6 % of aluminium, originating in India (‘the product under investigation’), currently falling within CN codes 7223 00 19 and 7223 00 99

The applicant has submitted sufficient evidence showing that after the original investigation period and prior to and following the imposition of the anti-dumping duties on imports of the product under investigation, export prices have decreased and there has been insufficient movement in resale prices or subsequent selling prices in the Union. This has resulted in an increased dumping margin which has impeded the intended remedial effects of the measures in force. The evidence contained in the request indicates that the decrease in prices cannot be explained by changes in raw material prices, energy costs, labour costs, duty rates or exchange rates. Furthermore, the applicant has provided evidence showing that imports of the product under investigation have continued to enter the Union in significant volumes. Having determined, after informing the Member States, that the request has been lodged by or on behalf of the Union industry and that there is sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of an absorption investigation, the Commission hereby initiates an absorption investigation pursuant to Article 12 of the basic Regulation.

In order to obtain information it deems necessary for its investigation with regard to exporting producers, the Commission will send questionnaires to the exporting producers selected to be in the sample, to any known association of exporting producers, and to the authorities of the country concerned. All exporting producers selected to be in the sample will have to submit a completed questionnaire within 37 days from the date of notification of the sample selection, unless otherwise specified. Parties which requested a revision of the normal value and were selected to be in the sample will have to provide, within the same deadline, complete information on normal values, duly substantiated by evidence. The investigation will be concluded within 9 months of the date of the publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union.  (source: Official Journal of the EU)