May 12, 2006
International Trade Department wins important victory before the U.S. Department of Commerce on behalf of client Sahaviriya Steel Industries Public Co., Ltd. (SSI), Thailand's largest steel producer.
Attorneys in the firm’s International Trade Department recently won an important victory before the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) on behalf of client Sahaviriya Steel Industries Public Co., Ltd. (SSI), Thailand's largest steel producer. In 2001, the DOC issued an order for antidumping duties to be assessed on flat-rolled steel from nine countries, including Thailand. In annual reviews for three consecutive years since assessment of the duties, SSI received a zero rate and was therefore eligible to request a revocation of its antidumping duty margin of 3.86 percent. The Willkie team represented SSI in a contentious battle with the U.S. steel industry, which involved multiple filings, on-site verifications, post-review-period data being placed on the record, antagonistic and controversial briefings, the participation of senior DOC officials, and coordination with the Government of Thailand at critical junctures. The firm overcame these obstacles and, on May 12, the DOC rendered its final determination, revoking the previously-imposed antidumping duty order.
This is a precedential decision as it is the first time that any company has achieved revocation in the critical third review. It also marks the first time in history that an order has been revoked in this manner for a flat-rolled steel product. The Willkie team on this matter, based in the Washington office, comprises partner Kenneth Pierce; special counsel Matthew Nicely; associates Victor Mroczka, Robert LaFrankie and Jocelyn Flynn; and international trade specialists Stephen Shin and Cheryl Werner.