US Clears Up Remark Made at Oral Argument in AD Case on Indian Steel Fittings

The U.S. corrected a representation it made during Nov. 11 oral argument about whether petitioner Bonney Forge could have attended an on-site verification of respondent Shakti Forge Industries during an antidumping duty investigation on forged steel fittings from India (Bonney Forge Corporation v. U.S., CIT #20-03837).

DOJ attorney Kara Westercamp said that during the oral argument it was her understanding that Bonney Forge could have attended the verification. However, after consulting with Commerce Department attorneys on the "cost verification agenda," Westercamp said it's "apparent that although interested parties could submit pre-verification comments, only counsel for the respondent, Shakti, could attend the verification."

In the investigation, Commerce initially used a questionnaire in lieu of on-site verification due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in place at the time. The Court of International Trade rejected this decision, leading the agency to conduct verification on remand (see 2402230070). Commerce ultimately maintained its 0% AD rate for Shakti Forge on remand.