Commerce to Reconsider Armenia's Non-Market Economy Status in AD Cases

The Commerce Department will consider whether to grant Armenia market economy status for antidumping duty purposes, it said in a notice released Feb. 12 beginning a changed circumstances review.

The Armenian government requested the review in December. In the request, it pointed to Armenia’s currency convertibility, market-driven wage rates and openness to foreign investment as indicators that the country should be granted market economy status. It also provided information on the extent of government control over the economy and influence over price and output decisions, as well as reforms undertaken to combat corruption and accede to the World Trade Organization.

The changed circumstances review will be carried out under the AD order on aluminum foil from Armenia (A-831-804). If Armenia is granted market economy status, it would generally result in lower and more predictable AD rates for Armenian exporters.

Commerce said it has treated Armenia as a non-market economy “in all past AD investigations and administrative reviews,” and noted that treatment will remain in effect unless changed by Commerce.

Commerce seeks public comments on the review of Armenia’s non-market economy status, including on currency convertibility and the extent to which the government sets wages and prices and generally exercises control over the country’s economy, among other things. Comments are due by March 14.

The final results of Commerce’s changed circumstances review are due in November, unless regulatory deadlines are extended.