US launches anti-dumping probe over Chinese refrigeration products

The U.S. Commerce Department announced Tuesday that it has initiated anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations over imported refrigeration products from China. 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, the product under investigation, is primarily used in air conditioning systems, the department said in a statement. The investigations have been requested by Mexichem Fluor Inc., a refrigerant producer based in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The company alleged that the refrigeration products from China were sold below the fair value of the products in the U.S. market with dumping margins at 198.52 percent, while Chinese producers and exporters also received "improper" government subsidies. The International Trade Commission (ITC), the U.S. trade authority, is scheduled to make its preliminary inquiry determination around Dec. 13. The probes will continue if the ITC determines that the imports of refrigeration products from China "materially injure or threaten the domestic industry of the United States." The U.S. Commerce Department will then make its determination of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy early next year. Imports of 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane products from China were estimated at 53.2 million U.S. dollars last year, according to U.S. official data. Beijing has repeatedly urged Washington to abide by its commitment against protectionism and work with China to maintain a free, open and just trade environment. The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced Tuesday that China has requested consultations with the United States regarding measures used by the U.S. in the anti-dumping investigation involving Chinese products. Chinese Commerce Ministry Spokesman Shen Danyang said China is resolutely against the misuse of trade remedy rules and protectionism and will determinedly maintain its rights as a WTO member and safeguard the interests of domestic industries. He said China expects to tackle the dispute through negotiation with the United States under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.