US initiates probe into imports of rubber chemical CBS from China

Washington, DC — The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched preliminary anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into imports of N-Cyclohexylbenzothiazole-2-sulfenamide (CBS) from China following a petition filed by Lanxess Corp.

The investigations, announced 7 May, concern allegations that Chinese CBS imports are being sold in the US at less than fair value and benefit from government subsidies.

CBS is a rubber vulcanisation accelerator used mainly in tire manufacturing, but also in hoses, belts and other rubber products.

According to the USITC notice, the petition was filed by Lanxess Corp. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, under sections 703(a) and 733(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930.

The Commission said it must reach a preliminary injury determination by 22 June, with findings due to be transmitted to Commerce by 29 June.

According to US-based law firm Faegre Drinker, the Lanxess petition alleges dumping margins of 1,231.15% on Chinese CBS imports.

The petition also alleges subsidisation by the Chinese government, although no estimated subsidy margins were disclosed.

Under the estimated timetable published by Faegre Drinker, preliminary countervailing duty determinations could be issued by 31 July if not postponed, while preliminary anti-dumping determinations could follow by 14 October.