Oregon companies call for investigation into countries accused of ‘dumping’ exports

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two Oregon companies are among those leading the charge against industries accused of mishandling foreign imports.

Published to the Federal Register on Thursday, a notice from the International Trade Commission shows officials are launching an “anti-dumping” and countervailing duty investigation against China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

The World Trade Organization refers to dumping as “international price discrimination.” This occurs when products are sold at a higher cost in their origin country than they are in the receiving country. WTO’s anti-dumping agreement allows governments to take action against the practice if it hurts their industry.

“In order to do that the government has to be able to show that dumping is taking place, calculate the extent of dumping (how much lower the export price is compared to the exporter’s home market price), and show that the dumping is causing injury or threatening to do so,” the organization explained.

As a result, investigators are now working to determine whether China, Indonesia and Vietnam are subsidizing hardwood and decorative plywood imported to the U.S.

The International Trade Commission’s notice comes after the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood filed a petition on May 22. Eugene’s States Industries and Springfield’s Timber Products Company are two of five entities in the coalition.

ITC’s Office of Investigations has invited the impacted businesses to attend a meeting about the first phase of the investigation on Thursday, June 12 at 9:30 a.m.

The commission is expected to issue its preliminary decision by July 7, unless it receives an extension from the U.S. Department of Commerce. If not, the agency will share its findings with the commerce department by July 14.

The case could result in anti-dumping actions like increased import duties on hardwood and plywood, to bring the cost closer to what it would be in its origin country.