On 22 July 2022, ITAC initiated an anti-dumping investigation into windscreens from China, classified under tariff subheading 7007.21.20. The anti-dumping application was lodged by Shatterprufe a division of PG Group .
Shatterprufe allege a margin of dumping of 10.69%. According to ITAC prima facie evidence of material injury, threat of material injury and causal link was provided by the applicant, allowing the initiation of the investigation. They allege an increase in dumped imports from 2019 to 2021. In this period, China accounted for 90% of windscreen imports, with volumes increasing from 6 786 tons in 2019 to 7 951 tons in 2021, a 17% increase. Curiously, if we alter the period to run from June 2019 to May 2021 (the latest period we have data for), we see a drop from 6 552 tons (for the period June 2019 to May 2020) to 6 202 tons for the latest period (June 2021 to May 2022), a drop of 5%.
In 2013 the duties on windscreens increased to 30%. Fast forward to 2022 and another anti-dumping case is being brought by the same applicant. Almost a decade later, Shatterprufe is still seeking protection from the government. This anti-dumping application comes amidst of hikes in fuel prices, potential duty increase on tyres and the reeling effects of COVID-19. If Shatterprufe succeeds with this application, any anti-dumping duties will be added to the 30% duty already in place.
The period of investigation is from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. Determination of material injury will be from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021.
Applicants have until 22 August 2022 to respond.
Are you affected by this investigation? Just curious? Say hello at info@xa.co.za