On 09 April 2021, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) announced its final determination of the Sunset Review of anti-dumping duties on clear float and drawn glass of a thickness of 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm, classifiable in tariff subheadings 7004.90.90, 7005.29.17, 7005.29.23, 7005.29.25 and 7005.29.35, originating in or imported from India and The People’s Republic of China (China).
On 24 May 2019, ITAC notified interested parties through a notice in the Government Gazette that unless a substantiated request was made indicating that the expiry of the anti-dumping duties against imports of glass originating in or imported from China and India would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury, the anti-dumping duties on glass originating in or imported from China and India would expire on 30 July 2020.
A detailed response to ITAC’s Sunset Review questionnaire was received from PFG Building Glass, a division of PG Group (Pty) Ltd, on 04 February 2020. After all deficiencies were identified and addressed, an updated final application was received on 21 February 2020.
The Sunset Review investigation was initiated in the Government Gazette on 19 June 2020. Initiation letters to interested parties were sent on 19 June 2020. The due date for responses was 29 July 2020.
The investigation was initiated after ITAC considered that the expiry of the anti-dumping duties on glass originating in or imported from China and India would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and the recurrence of material injury.
No responses were received from any exporter/manufacturer in China and India or from any importer in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
On 11 September 2020, the Commission issued essential facts letters indicating that it was considering making a final determination that the expiry of the anti-dumping duties would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and the recurrence of material injury.
Comments on the “Essential facts” letters were received from PFG Building Glass only. After considering the comments received, ITAC made a final determination that the expiry of the anti-dumping duties on glass would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and the recurrence of material injury.
ITAC recommended to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition that the current anti-dumping duties be maintained.
The Minister approved the Commission’s recommendation. ITAC’s detailed reasons for its decision are set out in its Report No.645.
The notice is available on request.
Story by: Riaan de Lange