The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has asked the US Department of Commerce (DOC) to exclude specialty trailer tyres in the case it is investigating relative to unfair trade practices surrounding tyres produced in China.
NATM filed its comments with the DOC on Aug. 11, 2014.
Although the scope of the DOC investigation is focused on passenger car and light truck tyres, NATM members expressed concern it may encompass specialty trailer tyres.
While the initial burden of the potential tariff would be shouldered by tyre importers, NATM’s leadership, board and government affairs advisors agree the entire industry would feel the effects of a decision that did not exclude specialty trailer tyres from the investigation, according to Pam Trusdale, NATM executive director.
On June 15, the DOC announced it had initiated investigations into dumping (sold at less than fair value) and subsidizing (i.e., tyres benefiting from government subsidies) claims by both the United Steelworkers Union and AFL-CIO.
The DOC case number is A-570-016.