Council Regulation (EC) No 393/98 of 16 February 1998 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of stainless steel fasteners and parts thereof originating in the People's Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand
20. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 50/1 I (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 393/98 of 16 February 1998 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of stainless steel fasteners and parts thereof originating in the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, (5) Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community (1), and in particular Article 9(4) thereof, Having regard to the proposal submitted by the Commis- sion after consulting the Advisory Committee, Whereas: Parties were informed of the essential facts and considerations on the basis of which it was intended to recommend the imposition of defin- itive anti-dumping duties and the definitive collec- tion of amounts secured by way of provisional duties. They were also granted a period within which to make representations subsequent to this disclosure. (6) The oral and written comments were considered and, where deemed appropriate, taken into account in the definitive findings. A. PROVISIONAL MEASURES C. PRODUCT CONCERNED PRODUCT AND LIKE (1) (2) (3) (4) By Commission Regulation (EC) No 1732/97 (2) (hereinafter referred to as ‘the provisional duty Regulation') provisional anti-dumping duties were imposed on imports into the Community of stain- (hereafter fasteners and parts thereof less steel called SSFs) falling within CN codes 7318 12 10, 7318 14 10, 7318 15 30, 7318 15 51, 7318 15 61, 7318 15 70 and 7318 16 30 originating in the People’s Republic of China, India, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. B. SUBSEQUENT PROCEDURE Following the imposition of the provisional anti- dumping measures, certain interested parties submitted comments in writing. Those parties who so requested were granted an opportunity to be heard by the Commission. The Commission continued to seek and verify all information deemed necessary for its definitive findings. (1) OJ L 56, 6. 3. 1996, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regula- tion (EC) No 2331/96 (OJ L 317, 6. 12. 1996, p. 1). (2) OJ L 243, 4. 9. 1997, p. 17. (7) (8) (9) For the purposes of its preliminary findings the Commission considered stainless steel fasteners produced and sold in India, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Thailand and those exported to the Community from the countries concerned those produced and sold in the as well as Community by Community producers, as like products within the meaning of Article 1(4) of Regulation (EC) No 384/96 (hereafter called ‘the Basic Regulation') as they have the same basic physical, chemical and technical characteristics and uses. It has again been claimed by some exporters (as prior to the imposition of provisional measures) that nuts imported from the countries concerned should be excluded from the investigation on the basis that there is little or no production of nuts within the Community. However, as at the provisional stage, this allegation is not confirmed by the results of the investigation which has shown that nuts are manufactured by the Community producers. It was not, therefore, considered justifiable to exclude nuts from the scope of the present proceeding. L 50/2 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 2. 98 (10) One exporting Indian producer claimed that the domestic sales of a certain type of high carbon alloy steel screws made by that company should be used to determine the normal value of some stain- less steel screws exported to the Community on the grounds screws were comparable. However the investigation has shown that these different types of steel screws could not be considered as like products since their physical characteristics are different the exported product concerned. This claim was there- fore rejected. these types of from those of that (11) Several exporting producers in Taiwan contested the fact that in the provisional duty Regulation non-standard SSFs have been excluded from the dumping calculations, although the Commission considered these non-standard SSFs as a like product. As already explained in recital 9 of the provisional duty Regulation, the Commission considered standard SSFs to be sufficiently repres- entative, i. e. more than 70 % of total exports of SSFs to the Community to serve as a basis for the determination exports dumping concerned. This approach is confirmed for all companies with the exception of one. For this company the analysis revealed that non-standard SSFs represented a large majority of its export sales to the Community. It was therefore decided that for this exporter the dumping calculations had to be adjusted in order to include non-standard SSFs. all of of sales, did not allow a proper comparison with their export prices. In this respect, it was eventually found that normal values based on the ex-works domestic prices of the only cooperating Indian producer selling SSFs on the domestic market were not comparable with the export prices of the two exporting producers. This was due to an incorrect classification by this company of the different types of SSFs sold on the domestic market which made the comparison inappropriate. For these two companies, the Commission there- fore calculated a constructed normal value for all types of SSFs exported to the Community during the investigation period. This was done on the basis of manufacturing costs of the exported types plus a reasonable amount for sales, general and administrative expenses (hereafter called ‘SG&A') and profit. The methodology applied for the deter- mination of for SG&A and profit remains the same as at the provisional stage, i. e. it is based on the only cooperating producer selling the product concerned on the Indian market. However, since the normal value of this Indian producer has changed, the amount for SG&A and profit margin has been corrected accordingly. the amount (b) Republic of Korea (12) Since no other comments were received on the definition of the ‘like product' the findings made on the issue, as established in recital 11 of the provisional duty Regulation, are confirmed. (15) In the absence of further arguments, the provi- sional findings are hereby confirmed. D. DUMPING 1. Normal value (a) India (13) One company claimed that the Commission had wrongly determined its constructed normal value by using an inaccurate allocation key in the calcu- lation of cost of production. This claim was rejected since the allocation key used by the Community institution more accurately reflected the raw material costs as compared to the one proposed by the company concerned. (14) The other two cooperating exporting producers claimed that the methodology used for the deter- mination of normal value set out in recital 15 of the provisional duty Regulation, i. e. to use, when- ever possible, the weighted average ex-works prices of the cooperating producer which had domestic (c) Malaysia (16) One Malaysian exporting producer contested the methodology used in establishing SG&A and profit margin when constructing normal value. is recalled that, in accordance with Article 2(6) of the Basic Regulation, SG&A were based on the data pertaining to this company while the profit margin was based on the weighted average profit made by the group to which the company belonged. It In this respect, it is considered that the fact that the domestic sales are not made in representative quantities is not in itself sufficient to disregard the data pertaining to these sales in the context of Article 2(6)(c) of the Basic Regulation. In this particular case, as far as SG&A are concerned, the investigation showed that this company’s SG&A proved to be in line with the average amount of SG&A found for all companies investigated in the proceeding as already explained in recital 18 of the provisional duty Regulation. The use of this SG&A was therefore considered to be the most reasonable method. With regard to profits, as the company’s profits differed greatly from those found for other producers, which might result from the fact that 20. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 50/3 In circumstances, this company is a fully-owned subsidiary of a foreign group, it was considered that the domestic sales could not constitute a reasonable basis for this determination. the these the methodology Commission considered that used in the provisional duty Regulation (based on the profit margin found in respect of the product concerned for the group to which this company the most appropriate means of belonged) was reflecting the economic reality of this company for establishing profit realised on sales in Malaysia. Consequently, the claim was rejected. (17) had disregarded The same company objected to the fact that the Commission unprofitable domestic sales when calculating the profit margin to be used in the constructed normal value. It should be recalled that for certain product types domestic sales made at a loss represented more than 20 % of total domestic sales of this type. Thus, sales made at a loss were not made in the ordinary course of trade and could consequently not be taken into consideration for the determina- tion of the profit margin. (d) Taiwan (18) Three exporting producers objected to the meth- odology used to determine normal value as set out in recital 20 of the provisional duty Regulation. They argued that normal value should have been constructed rather than being based on the prices charged by other producers in Taiwan. In accordance with Article 2(1) of the Basic Regu- lation, normal value is normally based on domestic prices. If an exporter does not make sufficient domestic sales in the ordinary course of trade, normal value will be established on the basis of other exporters’ sales prices for the comparable product. Only in the absence of representative domestic sales by other producers, or if such sales prices are not suitable, will normal value be constructed in accordance with Article 2(3) of the Basic Regulation. Moreover, the exporters in ques- tion did not substantiate why the use of the other exporters’ prices should not have been suitable. Therefore, normal value was determined, wherever possible, on the basis of the domestic prices of the other Taiwanese companies. (19) Two exporting producers estimated that the profit margin used for the constructed normal values was too high and claimed that the Commission had not provided sufficient information on the calcula- tion method of this profit margin. In this respect, it should be noted that the Commission provided a summary table regarding the data used for the calculation of the average profit margin. As these data were taken from other Taiwanese companies, no further details could be disclosed since, in accordance with Article 19(4) of the Basic Regula- tion, disclosure must take into account the legit- imate interests of the parties concerned that their business secrets should not be divulged. (20) As in Malaysia, one exporting producer claimed that unprofitable domestic sales should be taken into account when calculating the profit margin to be used in constructed normal value. This request was rejected on the grounds explained in recital 17 with regard to Malaysia. (21) Two related exporting producers contested that, in the case of domestic sales made through a related reselling company, normal value was established on the basis of the prices at which the product was first resold to an independent customer. They argued that, although these sales were made to a related company, they were made at arm’s length prices, i. e. they were in the ordinary course of trade in the sense of the third paragraph of Article 2(1) of it was requested that the prices paid by the related resell- ing company be used in the calculation of normal value. However, the analysis of prices of sales by these two related producers to both related and unrelated customers did not show that the prices to these the former were at arm’s length. Under circumstances, this claim had to be rejected. the Basic Regulation. Consequently, (e) Thailand (22) A Thai company claimed that certain amounts related to export sales had been included in the SG&A used for constructing the normal value and that they should consequently be excluded. After verification the Commission granted this request and amended the calculations of the costs of production accordingly. (23) (24) It should be noted that this amendment also influ- enced the determinations for the second company as these SG&A were used to construct its normal value. The same company claimed that the use of the constructed normal value was not appropriate where there were sales of similar types on the domestic market. This claim could not be accepted since the differences between the exported types and the types proposed were of more than a minor nature. Thus, a comparison on the basis proposed by this company would have necessitated adjust- ments for differences in physical characteristics of the comparison would no such an extent longer have been accurate. that (25) It should be noted that as far as the third Thai company is concerned, which had been provision- ally subject to an individual duty, it was finally not possible to establish a definitive dumping margin as it exported a negligible quantity of stainless steel fasteners which were not produced in Thailand. L 50/4 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 2. 98 (f) People’s Republic of China (c) People’s Republic of China (i) A n a l o g u e c o u n t r y (i) I n d i v i d u a l t r e a t m e n t (26) One cooperating company in Hong Kong which exported SSFs originating in the People’s Republic of China proposed that its domestic sales in Hong Kong be used to determine normal value for the People’s Republic of China instead of data relating to Taiwan, which was selected as an analogue country. In the absence of new arguments to justify the choice of Hong Kong as an analogue country this company and since the domestic sales of represented less than 5 % of the total Chinese export sales to the Community, this proposal was rejected. (31) The six cooperating companies which were refused individual treatment reiterated their claim in this respect. However, only one of the six companies provided substantial additional evidence in support of its claim. After a careful examination of this evidence, this company enjoyed a degree of legal and factual independence from the influence of the State comparable to that which would prevail in a market economy country. Individual treatment was therefore granted to this company. it was concluded that (ii) A m e n d m e n t t o n o r m a l v a l u e (32) (27) For the company referred to in recital 26, it should be noted that the amendments made to the Tai- wanese normal value influenced the calculations of its own normal value. (g) Conclusion (28) The other findings made in recitals 12 to 28 of the provisional duty Regulation concerning the deter- mination of normal value are hereby confirmed. 2. Export price (a) India The other five cooperating companies did not provide relevant additional evidence in support of their claim for individual treatment. It was there- fore confirmed that these companies were not sufficiently independent from the Chinese State in their operations, in particular in view of the fact that four of them were joint ventures in which the partner from the People’s Republic of China was a State-owned enterprise. The remaining company also failed to show that its operations were suffi- ciently independent of the Chinese authorities. Under these circumstances, the claim for indi- vidual treatment made by these five companies was rejected. (ii) U s e o f E u r o s t a t a s e x p o r t p r i c e s (29) As stated in recital 29 of the export prices of the provisional duty Regulation, Indian the producer which sold the product concerned for export through a trading company were established on the basis of the prices it charged to the trading company. This company contested the adjustments made to these export prices. However, after verifi- cation and in the light of all available information, it was concluded that the approach taken at the provisional stage was not appropriate as the price charged to the trading company was not reliable because of the existence of an association or compensatory arrangement between the producer and this company. At the definitive stage export prices were therefore based on the prices charged to in the the Community. independent customer first (b) Taiwan (30) As no arguments were received except for those relating to the changes regarding the product concerned mentioned under recital 8, the findings set out in recital 33 of the provisional duty Regula- tion are hereby confirmed. (33) Some interested parties contested the use of Euro- stat by the Commission in the determination of the export prices. These interested parties argued that the Eurostat figures were greatly overestimated, and that the seven cooperating companies in the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong in reality accounted for the majority of the exports concerned, and were therefore representative. However, these interested parties failed to show the alleged inaccuracy of Eurostat figures and to provide more reliable alternative data. Moreover, the Commission investigated the accuracy of Euro- stat data by contacting Eurostat, national custom authorities, and the European importers concerned. The outcome of this inquiry confirmed that Euro- stat was the most reliable source of information for the purpose of the current investigation. Therefore, the methodology used in the provisional deter- mination is confirmed. (d) Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Thailand (34) In the absence of new arguments, the provisional findings are hereby confirmed. 20. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 50/5 3. Comparison (a) India (35) (36) For the two companies mentioned under recital 29, in order to make a fair comparison between normal value and export price the latter had to be adjusted to take account of the activities of the trading company. Since its function can be consid- ered to be similar to that of a trader acting on a commission basis, an adjustment was made on the basis of this company’s own SG&A and a reason- for profit. This adjustment was able amount deducted from the prices charged by the trading company in the to Community. independent customers These companies also alleged that insufficient allowance had been granted for duty drawback. In this respect it should be noted that they failed to submit conclusive evidence to substantiate the claim that all stainless steel used for the produc- tion of fasteners, including those sold domestically, contained imported raw materials for which duties were paid in accordance with Article 2(10)(b) of the Basic Regulation. Therefore the position set out in recital 42 of the provisional duty Regulation is hereby confirmed. (37) Of these two companies, the one which produced and sold the product concerned on the domestic market repeated the claim set out in recital 41 of the provisional duty Regulation concerning adjust- ment for credit costs. As the company concerned did not supply new supporting evidence, the posi- tion set out in recital 41 of the provisional duty Regulation is hereby confirmed. (38) The same companies also claimed an adjustment for level of trade on the grounds that domestic sales were made to traders and end users whereas the sales for export were made to traders only. The companies provided sufficient evidence showing that a part of domestic sales was made at a level of sale different to export sales and that this differ- ence affected price comparability. Indeed, there were consistent and distinct differences in the functions and prices of the two companies for the different levels of trade. Consequently, the claim was granted and the calculation based on a comparison of the domestic and export sales to traders only where they were made in sufficient quantities to be representative. (b) Malaysia (39) One Malaysian exporting producer claimed an allowance for currency conversions on export sales and requested that the exchange rate prevailing on the payment date be used. This claim was rejected on the grounds that, in accordance with Article the relevant 2(10)(j) of the Basic Regulation, (40) (41) (42) exchange rate can be either that on the date of invoice, the date of contract, the date of purchase order or the date of order confirmation, but not the one valid for the date of payment. (c) Taiwan The exporting producers mentioned under recital 18 who had requested that normal value be constructed rather than based on the prices of other producers claimed that if this request were rejected, an adjustment for differences in level of trade should be made since the product concerned was sold to retailers on the domestic market whereas the export product was sold to traders. This claim was rejected since the prices used were taken from producers who had already in compar- able circumstances been refused the same kind of level of trade adjustment. Two related exporting producers claimed an allow- ance for currency conversions similar to the one discussed in recital 39. The claim was rejected on the same grounds set out in that recital. These two related companies claimed an allowance for the credit cost of sales on the domestic market and requested that the actual payment date be used. This claim was rejected on the grounds already mentioned in recital 41 of the provisional duty Regulation. (d) Republic of Korea, Thailand, People’s Republic of China (43) In the absence of new arguments, the provisional methodology is hereby confirmed. 4. Dumping margins (a) General (44) (45) In the absence of any other new arguments concerning the determination of the dumping margin, the methodology set out in recitals 45 to 47 of the provisional duty Regulation is hereby confirmed. On this basis, the dumping margins are as follows: (b) India the changes In view of in the calculations mentioned above, it was found that, for the two exporting producers in India which did not sell the product concerned on the domestic market, there was a pattern of export prices which differed significantly among different time periods and that a calculation based on weighted average would not reflect the full degree of dumping being practised. The new weighted average normal value was there- fore compared to prices of all individual export transactions. L 50/6 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 2. 98 (46) The dumping margins expressed as a percentage of the cif price at Community frontier are as follows: percentage of the cif price at Community frontier is 7,0 %. ü Audler Fasteners, Vasai 11,2 % ü Lakshmi Precision Screws Ltd, Rothak 19,8 % ü Kundan Industries Ltd, Vasai/ Tata Export Ltd, Mumbai 47,4 %. (51) (47) (48) The dumping margin definitively established for Indian exporters other than those cooperating in this investigation, expressed as a percentage of the cif price at Community frontier, is 59,4 %. (c) Republic of Korea In the absence of any comment from the sole cooperating exporting producer its dumping margin remains unchanged; this margin, expressed as a percentage of the cif price at Community frontier is as follows: in Korea, ü Daegil Trading Co. Ltd, Seoul 24,0 % The definitive dumping margin established for Korean exporting producers other than those cooperating in this investigation, expressed as a percentage of the cif price at Community frontier is 26,7 %. (d) Malaysia that (49) One Malaysian exporting producer contested the existence of a pattern in its export prices which differed significantly among different time periods in the sense of Article 2(11) of the Basic Regula- tion. This exporter pointed out the steady decrease in its export prices during the period of investigation could be explained by a parallel decrease in the costs of raw materials. Should monthly average costs instead of a yearly average cost have been used in the dumping calculation, the pattern mentioned above would have disap- the evidence submitted the peared. In view of claim was accepted and the dumping margin for this company was established on an average to average basis for the purpose of definitive deter- mination. One company in Malaysia offered undertakings on the basis of Article 8 of the Basic Regulation. However, after consultation with the Commission the company withdrew its request. The definitive dumping margins calculated for the producers, cooperating Malaysian expressed as a percentage of the cif price at Community frontier, are as follows: exporting ü Tong Heer Fasteners Co. , Sdn. Bhd. , Penang ü Tigges Stainless Steel Fasteners (M) Sdn. Bhd. 7,0 % 5,7 %. (e) Taiwan Some non-cooperating exporting producers in Taiwan submitted information to the Commission concerning their export prices in order to show that, had these prices been used in the calculation of the residual duty, this duty would have been much lower. Whilst these companies acknow- ledged that they should be considered as non- cooperating parties, they requested that their data nevertheless be taken into consideration as part of the facts available in the sense of Article 18(1) of the Basic Regulation. This claim is not acceptable since it would consitute a bonus for non-coopera- tion and could result in unreliable findings due to selectively information. Moreover, pursuant to Article 18(3) of the Basic Regulation, the information submitted by an interested party should not be disregarded provided that, inter alia, it is appropriately submitted in good time and it is verifiable. However, none of these conditions is fulfilled in the present case. submitted these related companies, The same non-cooperating companies contested that, whilst a single dumping margin had been imposed on two related Taiwanese companies, the residual duty was based on the individual margin found for one of this found in Taiwan. margin being the highest However, the fact that an average dumping margin is imposed on a group of related companies in order to avoid circumvention does not have a bearing on the determination of the duty applic- able to non-cooperating companies. The claim was therefore rejected. For three exporting producers in Taiwan, the new weighted average normal value was compared to prices of all individual export transactions as it was found that there was a pattern of export prices which differed significantly among different time periods and that a calculation based on weighted average would not have reflected the full degree of dumping being practised. (52) (53) (54) The definitive dumping margins established for the cooperating Taiwanese exporting producers, the cif price at expressed as a percentage of Community frontier, are as follows: ü Arrow Fastener Co. Ltd/ Level Fastener Co. Ltd, Taipei ü CLC Industrial Co. Ltd, Taiwan ü Min Hwei, Kaohsiung 5,3 % 5,4 % 10,2 % ü Rodex Fasteners Corp. , Chung Li 8,8 % (50) The definitive dumping margin established for Malaysian exporting producers other than those cooperating in this investigation, expressed as a ü Sen Chang, Tao Yuen ü Tong Hwei, Kaohsiung 11,1 % 10,2 %. 20. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 50/7 (55) (56) (57) The definitive dumping margin established for the Taiwanese exporting producers other than those cooperating in this investigation, expressed as a percentage of the cif price at Community frontier is 23,1 %. (f) Thailand In view of the amendments made to the normal value mentioned above, the definitive dumping margins established for the two cooperating Thai exporting producers, expressed as a percentage of the cif price at Community frontier, are as follows: ü A. B. P. Stainless Steel Fastener Co. Ltd 8,4 % ü Dura Fastener Co. Ltd 2,7 %. The definitive dumping margin established for the Thai exporting producers other than those cooper- ating in this investigation, expressed as a per- centage of the cif price at Community frontier is 8,4 %. (g) People’s Republic of China (58) With regard to the company in the People’s Republic of China which was granted individual treatment only at the definitive stage, the weighted average normal value fob Taiwan national frontier was compared with its own weighted average export prices fob China national frontier at the same level of trade. treatment undertakings Four cooperating companies in China which were not granted individual requested an undertaking on the basis of Article 8 of the Basic Regulation. However, not normally accepted from companies operating in non-market economy countries. Moreover, in this case the risk of circumvention is high and it should be noted that these companies were refused individual treatment because it was considered that they were not operating under normal market economy conditions. Under these circumstances the proposed undertakings could not be accepted. are The definitive dumping margin, expressed as a percentage of the cif price at Community frontier, is as follows. ü Ningbo Shyechang Metal Products 24,2 %. With regard to the company which was already granted individual in the provisional treatment duty Regulation, the definitive dumping margin based on the amended Taiwanese normal value the cif price at expressed as a percentage of Community frontier is as follows: ü Power Van Industrial Co. Ltd 13,6 %. (60) (61) (62) (63) (64) E. INJURY 1. Cumulative assessment of the effects of the dumped imports scope of excluded from the Representatives of certain Indian exporters have claimed that imports from India should not be cumulated with imports of the product concerned from the People’s Republic of China, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Thailand and should be the proceeding. This claim was made on the basis that the increase in the volume and market share of imports from India was not comparable to that of the other third countries concerned and that the volume of imports from India during the invest- igation period was lower than in 1995 (by 1,5 %). In addition, it was alleged that the market share held by India during the investigation period (2,9 %) was negligible ‘in the overall trade of the product concerned'. imports In this respect, the investigation has shown that the volume of imports from India during the investigation period was significant, as were the volume of from the other countries concerned. Moreover, when the volume of imports from India during the investigation period (11 months) is extrapolated for a 12-month period and compared to 1995 levels the volume actually increased. Furthermore, pursuant to Articles 5(7) and 9(3) of the Basic Regulation a market share of 2,9 % cannot be considered as negligible. the above, is concluded that In the light of imports of the product concerned from India should be examined cumulatively with the imports from the other countries concerned. it 2. Prices of the dumped imports on the Community market Indian exporters have claimed that the imports of the product concerned originating in India have not caused injury to the Community industry given that their average prices have been stable for much of the period considered and, between 1994 and 1996, have increased by 19 %. the weighted The investigation has shown that average prices of the Indian imports remained rel- atively stable between 1992 and 1994, but at a very low price level and significantly below the level of the Community producers’ prices, even when increase in account prices. It should also be remembered that substan- tial levels of undercutting were established during the investigation period. the subsequent is taken of (59) For the Chinese exporting producers other than those mentioned above, the definitive dumping margin based on the amended Taiwanese normal value expressed as a percentage of the cif price at Community frontier is 78,0 %. (65) Similar allegations have been made by the Tai- wanese exporters, i. e. that the prices of the imports from Taiwan were stable over the period consid- ered. L 50/8 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 2. 98 Again, the prices of the Taiwanese imports show some stability but at a relatively low price level. SSFs from Taiwan were imported in large quant- ities and undercut the Community producer’s prices substantially during the investigation period. 3. Price undercutting (66) The basis of calculation of price undercutting is set out in recital 65 of the provisional duty Regulation. (67) However, new information on export sales and prices was supplied by three exporters (two Indian and one Taiwanese). Revised undercutting margins were established on the basis of this new data. (68) As a consequence of individual treatment being granted to a second cooperating exporter in China an individual undercutting margin was calculated for the exporter concerned and a revised undercut- ting margin calculated for the remaining five coop- erating exporters in China. (69) (70) In addition to the above, the adjustments to the cif (to take export price granted to all exporters account of post-importation expenses incurred) were recalculated and resulted in minor changes to the margins of undercutting provisionally estab- lished. The revised margins of undercutting are expressed, as in the provisional duty Regulation, as a percent- age of the Community industry’s prices (at ex- works level). The undercutting margins established are as follows: Country Undercutting margin People’s Republic of China Malaysia Taiwan India Korea Thailand from 39,4 to 39,8 % from 21,8 to 42,5 % from 17,8 to 60,9 % from 23,6 to 36,6 % 22,7 % from 25 to 33,5 % (71) An overall weighted average price undercutting from all countries concerned of 28,7 % was found for the investigation period. 4. Situation of the Community industry 4. 1. Production, capacity, capacity utilisation rates and market shares (72) Chinese exporters have alleged that any injury suffered by the Community industry is due to the increase in production and production capacity by the producers concerned over the period consid- ered, most noticeably in 1994. (73) However, the shown that investigation has consumption of the product concerned increased by 75 % between 1992 and 1996. Even though capacity increased by 91 % (mainly due to acquisi- tion by a complaining Community producer of a non-complaining producer’s production facilities), production by the Community industry increased by only 48 %. In addition, capacity utilisation rates the decreased by 18 %. The market Community producers decreased by 7 % over the period considered while that of the exporters concerned increased by 16,5 %. The investigation the Community industry was has unable to take full advantage of the increase in consumption due to the high volume and low prices of the dumped imports. shown that share of 4. 2. Stocks (74) Chinese exporters have claimed that the increase in the stocks of the Community producers is due to an increase in production of SSFs during a period when there was ‘no increase in consump- tion to absorb these extra SSFs'. (75) The investigation has shown that this is not the case as can be seen from the development of consumption as outlined in the preceding recital. Indeed, the increase in consumption (75 %) was significantly greater than that of production (48 %) and sales (27 %) of the Community industry. 4. 3. Prices (76) Chinese further exporters have claimed that (contrary to the above) although consumption increased between 1992 and 1996, the Commission failed to take account of the increase in production capacity by the Community producers and that in the circumstances any drastic increase in prices would not have been expected. (77) (78) (79) This argument does not appear to be particularly pertinent and fails to take account of the fact that, despite an increase in production capacity, and an the increase overall negligible Community industry, the increase in sales did not keep pace with the increase in consumption and the Community industry’s lost market share over the period considered. in prices by 4. 4. Profitability It has been claimed that the negative situation of the Community industry was overstated in the provisional duty Regulation and separate informa- tion has been provided by exporters’ representa- tives on the overall financial strength of each of the five complaining producers. Information supplied related to all five companies for the periods prior and up to the investigation period. However, information in relation to profit- investigation was ability during the period of provided for only one of the complaining produ- cers this producer the information confirms the facts as established during the investigation, i. e. that there therefore incomplete. For and was 20. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 50/9 (80) (81) (82) (83) was a sharp and significant decrease in profitability during the investigation period. In addition, the investigation has this decline was shown that clearly evident for each of the other complaining producers during the investigation period. This claim is therefore rejected. 4. 5. Employment It has been alleged that despite heavy investment in automated production machinery the number of employees in the Community industry increased by 16 % over the period considered (from 325 to 378) and that this increase in employment is an indication that the Community industry is not suffering material injury. The investigation has shown that, despite heavy investment in production machinery (which neces- sitated additional employment) and an increase in productivity of 10 % between 1992 and the invest- igation period, the Community industry experi- enced a loss of market share and a serious deteri- oration in its financial situation. 5. Conclusion on injury It should be remembered, in accordance with Article 3(5) of the Basic Regulation, that any one of the above injury factors cannot necessarily give decisive guidance as to the impact of the dumped the Community imports on the situation of industry. the Community this development cannot In this respect it is to be noted that, while produc- industry tion and sales by increased, lead to the conclusion that the Community industry has not been injured as consumption on the Community market shows a much greater increase. Further- share held by the dumped more, imports increased by 17 % (to 50,1 %) during a period when the Community industry’s market share decreased by 7 % (to 19 %) and its profit- ability suffered and significant decline. the market (84) In the light of the above and in the absence of other arguments, it is confirmed that, as was estab- lished in recitals 66 to 73 of the provisional duty Regulation, the Community industry has suffered material injury within the meaning of Article 3(1) of the Basic Regulation. F. CAUSATION 1. Effect of the dumped imports (85) Indian exporters have referred to the fact that the financial situation of the Community producers was negative in 1992 at a time when the imports from India were ‘nearly non-existent'. (86) (87) (88) (89) (90) (91) volume of In this respect it is noted, in the first instance, that the impact of the Indian imports on the situation of the Community industry should, as previously stated, be examined cumulatively with the imports from the other countries concerned. Cumulatively, the countries concerned represented 57,5 % of total imports in 1992 (33,5 % of Community consumption). In addition, even if considered separately, the Indian imports were seen to increase at the same time as the market share and profits of the Community industry decreased. from the imports 2. Effect of other factors The Commission had provisionally examined the extent to which the material injury suffered by the Community industry was caused by the impact of the dumped imports originating in the People’s Republic of China, India, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Thailand and whether other factors had caused or contributed to that injury in order to ensure that any injury caused by these other factors was not attributed to the dumped imports concerned. Such other factors included the evolution of consumption, the effect of imports from other third countries, fluctuations in the price of raw materials and any possible anti-competitive practices by the Community industry. In spite of this detailed analysis on the causation of injury it has been alleged that there was no causal link between the material injury suffered by the Community industry and the dumped imports, or alternatively, that any material injury suffered was caused by factors other than the dumped imports. In particular, it has been alleged that the scope of the anti-dumping proceeding is clearly discrimin- atory as imports of stainless steel fasteners origin- ating in South Africa have been omitted from the investigation even though they have been imported in large quantities and at very low prices. It is further alleged that the only explanation given by the Commission in the provisional duty Regula- tion for the exclusion of these imports from the scope of the investigation is that, in this particular instance, Eurostat data was found to be unreliable. In this respect it is noted that as far as Eurostat data are concerned, imports alleged to originate in South Africa are considered unreliable as available evidence suggests that there is no production of concerned in South Africa. No the product the submission has been received to support contrary. It has also been alleged that imports originating in the Philippines may have contributed to the injury suffered by the Community industry and it was stated that the product concerned originating in the Philippines decreased by 18,3 % between 1995 and 1996. the price of L 50/10 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 2. 98 (92) (93) (94) (95) (96) (97) that The Council confirms the price of SSFs originating in the Philippines decreased between 1995 and 1996. However, the investigation has shown that, having decreased, prices were still significantly (and consistently) higher than those of the countries concerned by the present invest- igation. Furthermore, the Commission has no evidence that the prices of the product concerned originating in the Philippines were being dumped. It has been alleged that the decrease in apparent Community consumption in 1996, following three years in which consumption increased, had an effect on the situation of the Community industry as the industry concerned was expecting a contin- uous increase in consumption, had invested heavily in machinery and had increased production in the light of this expectation. Attention was drawn to Article 3(7) of the Basic Regulation which states that a ‘contraction of demand' is one of a number of elements which may be considered when assessing whether factors other than the dumped imports have caused injury to the Community industry. The investigation has shown that, between 1992 and 1995, Community consumption increased from 47 187 tonnes to 86 472 tonnes (an increase of 83 %) while it shows a slight decrease in 1996 to 82 352 tonnes (a decrease of 4,7 %). This small decrease in consumption can not by itself explain the substantial deterioration of the economic situa- tion of the Community industry during the invest- the in particular igation period, decrease in the market share of this industry. in terms of It has also been alleged that any injury suffered is partly due to a ‘frivolous' pricing policy adopted by the Community producers. It was alleged that between 1992 and 1994 the Community industry reduced its sales prices by 10 %, but in compensa- tion its production increased by 48 %, its volume of sales by 44 % and its profitability improved by 7,7 %. in 1995 the then alleged that Community industry radically changed its policy and increased its prices which resulted in a decrease in sales volume and loss of market share. It was shown that while This allegation should be seen in the context of the overall results of the investigation. Essentially, the the investigation has weighted average prices the Community industry decreased between 1992 and 1994 and increased in 1995, prices decreased again substan- tially during the investigation period. Over the entire period considered prices only show an increase of 1 %. of Specifically, between 1994 and 1995, the prices and profits of the Community industry increased (at a time when, under pressure from the imports concerned, the Community industry maintained profits at the expense of market share). However, after 1995, the cumulated effect of the dumped imports led to an oversupply on the Community market forcing the Community industry to lower prices and profits in the investigation period, while losing further market share. This shows that in spite of fluctuations in prices, aimed at dealing with the pressure from the dumped imports concerned, the Community industry was unable to either retain market share or sustain reasonable levels of profit during the period considered. (98) It was furthermore alleged that the Community industry adopted anti-competitive behaviour and that there was collusion between the complaining Community producers concerned. (99) No evidence has been provided or found in support of these allegations. This submission could not, therefore, be accepted. 3. Conclusion on causation (100) Based on the findings as explained above, and in accordance with recitals 74 to 82 of the provisional duty Regulation, it is confirmed that the combined low-priced dumped imports originating in the People’s Republic of China, India, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, taken in isolation, have caused material injury to the Community industry. (101) (102) (103) G. COMMUNITY INTEREST 1. Impact of the measures In the provisional duty Regulation the Commis- sion indicated why the Community interest calls for intervention and why no compelling reasons existed for not imposing measures. be can expected the Commission concluded that In particular, measures the Community industry the opportunity to regain lost market share and restore profitability, with conse- quent beneficial effects on competitive conditions on the Community market. afford to it In spite of the detailed analysis given in recitals 84 to 98 of the provisional duty Regulation it has been alleged that in the Community is not interest to impose anti-dumping measures in the present proceeding. In particular, it was claimed that far more people are employed by importers/ traders in the product concerned than by the Community importers/traders would be forced to buy at artificially high prices by producers, that 20. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 50/11 Community producers as a result of a foreseen reduction in the volume of imports and that importers/traders would be forced to cut back on employment. concluded that, on balance, it is in the Community interest to impose definitive measures. (104) In addition, it was alleged that the downstream industry would be affected if definitive measures were imposed, because it would suffer significant price increases and that the user industry would be deprived of certain products (i. e. nuts). as (105) The investigation has shown that the Community industry is unable to cater for demand on the Community market and that there is a continuing need for imported products. Based on the results of the past the analysis and taking into account behaviour of the Community industry, it appears reasonable to conclude that the prices of SSFs will in all likelihood increase as a result of measures. the importers/traders have However, given that supply sources of regards many options (including being supplied by the Community industry as seen during the investigation period) and that importers/traders have been good throughout the period, it is considered that the effect of measures could be minimised by a combination of a small reduction in profit margins and slight price increases to the user industry. Given the continued need for imported and given that both imported and product Community produced product is sold to users through a well established network of traders it is considered that employment of importers/traders will not be adversely affected by the imposition of measures. the margins of that (106) As regards the users of the product concerned, it is considered, as stated in recitals 95 to 97 of the provisional duty Regulation, to whicht SSFs have an impact on the cost of finished product therefore, any increase in these costs is unlikely to have a signi- ficant effect on users’ costs. It is further noted that the imposition of an anti-dumping duty will still permit traders to import the product concerned (i. e. including nuts). is negligible and that, the extent (107) In the absence of further arguments with regard to the interests of raw material suppliers the conclu- sions as stated in recitals 86 and 87 of the provi- sional duty Regulation are confirmed. 2. Conclusion on Community interest (108) In summary, after an appreciation of all the various interests, and for the reasons given in recitals 84 to is 98 of the provisional duty Regulation it H. ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES 1. Injury elimination level (109) Based on the above conclusions on dumping, injury, causal link and Community interest, it was level and form the anti- then considered what dumping measures should take in order to remove the trade-distorting effects of injurious dumping and to restore effective competitive conditions on the Community market. (110) After publication of the provisional duty Regula- tion, new information (as previously stated) on export sales and prices was supplied by representa- tives of three exporters (two Indian and one Tai- wanese). Revised injury elimination levels were established on the basis of this new data. (111) In addition, as a consequence of individual treat- ment being granted to a second cooperating exporter in China an individual injury elimination level was calculated for the exporter concerned and a revised injury elimination margin calculated for the other five exporters in China. (112) Furthermore, adjustments to the cif export price granted to all exporters (to take account of post- importation expenses incurred) were recalculated and resulted in changes to the margins provision- ally established. Otherwise, the basis of calculation of the injury elimination level is as set out in recital 99 of the provisional duty Regulation. (113) The revised injury elimination levels are expressed, as in the provisional duty Regulation, as a percent- age of the weighted average free-at-Community- frontier price of the imported product. (114) The injury elimination levels established were greater or equal to the following: The People’s Republic of China 74,7 % India: cooperating producers non-cooperating producers Malaysia Republic of Korea Taiwan Thailand 41,3 % 54,0 % 37,7 % 38,6 % 34,1 % 48,3 %. L 50/12 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 2. 98 2. Duty (115) The injury elimination margin established for non-cooperating producers in India and for companies in the People’s Republic of China which were not granted individual treatment were, in each case, less than the dumping margins established. The duty should, therefore, be based on the injury margins, in accordance with the provisions of Article 9(4) of the Basic Regulation. (116) Since the injury elimination levels established were, in all other cases, in excess of the dumping margins the duty should be based on the dumping margins pursuant to Article 9(4) of the Basic Regulation. (117) The definitive anti-dumping duties, applicable to the net, free-at-Community-fron- tier price, before duty should therefore be as follows: China India Malaysia Country Company Ningbo Shyechang Metal Products Power Van Industrial Co. Ltd All other companies Lakshmi Precision Screws Ltd Kundan Industries Ltd/Tata Export Ltd, Mumbai Audler Fasteners All other companies Tigges Stainless Fasteners (M) Sdn. Bhd. Tong Heer Fasteners Co. Sdn. Bhd. All other companies Republic of Korea Daegil Trading Co. Ltd All other companies Taiwan Thailand Arrow Fastener Co. Ltd Sen Chang Industrial Co. Ltd Tong Hwei Enterprise Co. Ltd Rodex Fasteners Corp. CLC Industrial Co. Ltd Min Hwei Enterprise Co. Ltd All other companies A. B. P. Stainless Fastener Co. Ltd Dura Fasteners Co. Ltd All other companies Rate of duty 24,2 % 13,6 % 74,7 % 19,8 % 47,4 % 11,2 % 54,0 % 5,7 % 7,0 % 7,0 % 24,0 % 26,7 % 5,3 % 11,1 % 10,2 % 8,8 % 5,4 % 10,2 % 23,1 % 8,4 % 2,7 % 8,4 % I. COLLECTION OF THE PROVISIONAL DUTY (118) In view of the magnitude of the dumping margins found for the exporting produ- cers and in the light of the seriousness of the injury caused to the Community industry, it is considered necessary that the amounts secured by way of provisional anti-dumping duty pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1732/97 be definitively collected. Amounts secured by way of provisional anti-dumping duty shall be definitively collected at the rate of duty definitively imposed, 20. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 50/13 HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 1. A definitive anti-dumping duty is hereby imposed on imports into the Community of stainless steel falling within CN codes 7318 12 10, 7318 14 10, 7318 15 30, 7318 15 51, 7318 15 61, 7318 15 70 and 7318 16 30 originating in the People’s Republic of China, India, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. fasteners and parts thereof The rate of 2. Community-frontier price, before duty, shall be as follows: the definitive anti-dumping duty applicable to the net free-at- Country Company China India Malaysia Ningbo Shyechang Metal Products Power Van Industrial Co. Ltd All other companies Lakshmi Precision Screws Ltd Kundan Industries Ltd/Tata Export Ltd, Mumbai Audler Fasteners All other companies Tigges Stainless Fasteners (M) Sdn. Bhd. Tong Heer Fasteners Co. Sdn. Bhd. All other companies Republic of Korea Daegil Trading Co. Ltd All other companies Taiwan Thailand Arrow Fastener Co. Ltd Sen Chang Industrial Co. Ltd Tong Hwei Enterprise Co. Ltd Rodex Fasteners Corp. CLC Industrial Co. Ltd Min Hwei Enterprise Co. Ltd All other companies A. B. P. Stainless Fastener Co. Ltd Dura Fasteners Co. Ltd All other companies Rate of duty 24,2 % 13,6 % 74,7 % 19,8 % 47,4 % 11,2 % 54,0 % 5,7 % 7,0 % 7,0 % 24,0 % 26,7 % 5,3 % 11,1 % 10,2 % 8,8 % 5,4 % 10,2 % 23,1 % 8,4 % 2,7 % 8,4 % Taric additional code 8757 8333 8900 8415 8416 8417 8900 8334 8335 8900 8418 8900 8336 8337 8338 8408 8409 8414 8900 8419 8420 8900 3. Unless otherwise specified, the provisions in force concerning customs duty shall apply. Article 2 1. The amounts secured by way of provisional anti-dumping duty pursuant to Regula- tion (EC) No 1732/97 shall be definitively collected at the rate of the duty definitively imposed. 2. Amounts secured in excess of the definitive rate of anti-dumping duty shall be released. This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Article 3 L 50/14 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 2. 98 This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Done at Brussels, 16 February 1998. For the Council The President G. BROWN