Final Ruling Announcement on the Anti-dumping Investigation into Imported Methanol

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:(Ministry of Commerce Announcement No. 91 of 2010: Announcement on the Final Decision regarding the Anti-dumping Investigation on Methanol. In accordance with the Provisions of the Anti-dumping Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Commerce (hereinafter referred to as the investigating authority) issued an announcement on June 24, 2009, deciding to conduct an anti-dumping investigation into imported methanol originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia (hereinafter referred to as the products under investigation). The product under investigation is classified under the tariff code of the Customs Tariff of the People’s Republic of China: 29051100. 　　The investigating authority examined whether there was dumping and the extent of such dumping, whether the domestic industry in China had suffered damage and the degree of that damage, as well as the causal relationship between dumping and the damage. Based on the investigation results and the provisions of Article 24 of the Anti-Dumping Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, the investigating authority issued a preliminary ruling on October 25, 2010, concluding that imported methanol originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand was subject to dumping, that China’s domestic methanol industry had suffered material damage, and that there was a causal relationship between the dumping and the material damage ； Imported methanol originating from Saudi Arabia is not subject to dumping. In accordance with Article 27, Paragraph 2 of the Anti-Dumping Regulations, the investigating authority has terminated the anti-dumping investigation into imported methanol originating from Saudi Arabia. 　　Following the preliminary ruling, the investigating authority continued to investigate the dumping and extent of dumping of the products under investigation originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand, as well as the damage suffered by China’s domestic industry and the degree of that damage, and the causal relationship between dumping and damage. Now that the investigation into this case has been completed, based on the findings of said investigation and in accordance with Article 25 of the Anti-Dumping Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, the investigating authority has issued a final ruling (see attachment). The relevant matters are hereby announced as follows: 1. Final ruling After investigation, the investigating authority has finally determined that during the period of investigation for this case, the products under investigation, originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand, were engaged in dumping; the domestic methanol industry in China suffered material damage, and there is a causal relationship between the dumping and the material damage. 　　II. Products under investigation The product under investigation in this case is methanol, which is classified under the tariff code 29051100 in the Customs Tariff of the People’s Republic of China. The specific description is as follows: Product range: Imported methanol originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand. 　　Name of the product under investigation: Methanol, also known as wood alcohol or methyl alcohol; its English names are Methanol or Methyl alcohol. Molecular formula: CH3OH. 　　Chemical structure: Physical and chemical properties: Methanol is a simple saturated alcohol; it is typically a colorless, transparent liquid that is flammable, volatile, and has a slight alcoholic odor. 　　Primary uses: Methanol is an important basic organic chemical raw material, a good solvent, and a high-quality fuel. It can be used to produce formaldehyde, methylamine, methane chlorides, acetic acid, acetic anhydride, dimethyl ether, methyl formate, dimethyl carbonate, and other substances. Methanol can also be used to produce pesticides such as trichlorfon and carbendazim. Furthermore, methanol is also an excellent energy source and fuel for vehicles and ships; it is used to produce MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether), which in turn is used to manufacture high-octane lead-free gasoline. 　　III. Final Determined Dumping Margins The dumping margins determined for each company are as follows: IV. Anti-dumping Measures The period during which the anti-dumping measures will be in effect is five years, starting from December 24, 2010. Given the special circumstances of this case, with the approval of the Tariff Commission of the State Council, anti-dumping measures will not be imposed on the products under investigation for the time being; a further announcement will be made regarding the timing of such implementation as appropriate. 　　V. Refund of the security deposit The security deposits provided by the relevant importers to the Customs of the People’s Republic of China in accordance with the initial ruling, from October 28, 2010, to December 23, 2010 (including December 23, 2010), shall be refunded by the customs. 　　VI. Review for New Exporters For those new export operators who **did not export the products under investigation to the People’s Republic of China during the investigation period**, and who meet the relevant requirements, they may submit a written application to the investigating authority for a review of their status as new exporters, in accordance with Article 47 of the Anti-Dumping Regulations of the People’s Republic of China. 　　VII. Interim Review During the period in which anti-dumping duties are imposed, relevant interested parties may, in accordance with Article 49 of the Anti-Dumping Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, submit a written request to the investigating authority for an interim review. 　　VIII. Administrative Review and Administrative Litigation If one is dissatisfied with the final decision in this case as well as the decision to impose anti-dumping duties, in accordance with Article 53 of the Anti-Dumping Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, it is possible to apply for administrative review in accordance with the law, or to file a lawsuit in a people’s court as provided by law. 　　Attachment: Final ruling by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China on the anti-dumping investigation into imported methanol originating from Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China