US to continue antidumping investigation into Mexican rebar imports

The US Department of Commerce will continue its antidumping investigation into imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Mexico and Turkey, following a vote by the country's international trade commission (USITC).

The commission determined that there is a "reasonable indication" that the US industry is "materially injured" by the imports, which are claimed to be sold in the country at "less than fair value."

The determination of preliminary antidumping duties on the imports will be made on or near February 27, according to a USITC release.

In September, US trade organization Rebar Trade Action Coalition claimed Mexican and Turkish producers were dumping rebar in the country at margins ranging from 42.1% to 66.8%, causing "significant harm" to US producers, including a decline in pricing and profits.

Rebar imports to the US from the two countries have risen sharply in recent years, the coalition said, with market share increasing from 7% to 17% from 2010 through 1H13 "at the direct expense" of domestic manufacturers, according to a statement on the website of law firm Wiley Rein.