US launches probe into anti-subsidy of frozen warm water shrimp from Vietnam

The products placed under investigation in the case are frozen warm water shrimp under HS codes 0306.17, 1605.21, and 1605.29.

The DOC has determined that there were a total of 1,046 Vietnamese exporters shipping their products to the US during the investigation period. However, the DOC will not investigate all affected businesses, with only two and three large businesses being selected for separate investigations.

The tax rate for these mandatory businesses will therefore provide a basis for determining the anti-subsidy duty rate for the remaining firms.

After identifying mandatory units for investigation, the DOC will move to issue an investigation questionnaire for Vietnamese businesses, with the response deadline being 30 days from the date of issuance of the questionnaire.

The DOC will issue preliminary conclusions within 65 days from the date of initiating investigation into the case, falling on January 18, 2024, with a possible extension.

Meanwhile, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) will launch preliminary conclusions within 45 days from the date of receiving the appeal, which is scheduled for December 11.

The final conclusion will be issued within 205 days from the date of receiving the appeal, which is expected to be May 17, 2024.

In the event that the DOC determines that a subsidy exists and the USITC identifies that the domestic industry has suffered damage due to subsidized imports, the US will move to issue an order to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Vietnam. If either party determines that benefits or damages do not exist, then the case will be terminated.

As a means of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese export enterprises, the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam recommends that associations timely inform businesses with the accused products so that they can proactively develop plans to both respond and handle cases.