CC Metals and Alloys, LLC (CCMA) and Ferroglobe USA, Inc. (Ferroglobe), representing the entirety of American ferrosilicon production, have initiated legal action by filing petitions with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission. These petitions accuse importers from Russia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Brazil of engaging in unfair trade practices by selling ferrosilicon at prices significantly below fair value, with alleged dumping margins reaching up to 212%, alongside receiving numerous subsidies. This situation has reportedly caused substantial harm to the U.S. ferrosilicon industry and its workforce.
The antidumping and countervailing duty petitions filed by CCMA and Ferroglobe highlight the severe impact of these practices on the domestic industry, including job losses and financial strain on communities dependent on ferrosilicon production. The companies are seeking the imposition of special duties on all implicated imports to counteract these unfair advantages and restore competitive balance. Marco Levi, Chief Executive Officer of Ferroglobe PLC, emphasized the detrimental effects of dumped imports over the past three years and expressed hope for a favorable outcome that would ensure a level playing field for U.S. producers.
Chris Cobb, CCMA's plant manager, echoed these sentiments, stating the importance of fair trade laws in enabling American producers to compete globally. Cobb underscored the petitions as a necessary step to safeguard employees, customers, and communities, while also holding violators of trade laws accountable. The scope of these cases encompasses all varieties of ferrosilicon, irrespective of their chemical composition, grade, or physical form.
Following the filing, the Commerce Department is set to commence its investigations by April 17, 2024, with the ITC expected to issue a preliminary injury determination by May 13, 2024. For further details, visit https://www.ccmetals.com/ and https://www.ferroglobe.com/.
