The Department of Commerce has also cited critical circumstances, determining
that this duty could be applied retroactively by 90 days. The pipe imports
subject to the petition against China have surged from 10,000 tons in 2002 to
more than 750,000 tons in 2007 - a 6,900% increase.
The action came as a result of a trade suit, filed in parallel with the
International Trade Commission (ITC) and the Department of Commerce on June 7,
2007, brought by the Ad Hoc Coalition for Fair Pipe Imports From China and the
United Steelworkers. The Ad Hoc Coalition includes Allied Tube & Conduit,
IPSCO Tubulars, Northwest Pipe Co., Sharon Tube Co., Western Tube & Conduit
Corp. and Wheatland Tube Co. On July 20, 2007, the ITC made a finding that
circular welded pipe from China is causing material injury to the U.S.
industry.