[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 14, 1999)] [Notices] [Pages 69718-69723] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-32393] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-588-850, A-588-851, A-791-808] Notice of Preliminary Determinations of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain Large Diameter Carbon and Alloy Seamless Standard, Line and Pressure Pipe From Japan and Certain Small Diameter Carbon and Alloy Seamless Standard, Line and Pressure Pipe From Japan and the Republic of South Africa AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. EFFECTIVE DATE: December 14, 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Riggle at (202) 482-5288 or Constance Handley at (202) 482-0631, Import Administration, Room 1870, International Trade Administration, [[Page 69719]] U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. The Applicable Statute and Regulations Unless otherwise indicated, all citations to the statute are references to the provisions effective January 1, 1995, the effective date of the amendments made to the Tariff Act of 1930 (the Act) by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA). In addition, unless otherwise indicated, all citations to Department of Commerce (Department) regulations refer to the regulations codified at 19 CFR part 351 (April 1999). Preliminary Determinations We preliminarily determine that large diameter carbon and alloy seamless standard, line and pressure pipe (large diameter seamless pipe) from Japan, and small diameter carbon and alloy seamless standard, line and pressure pipe (small diameter seamless pipe) from Japan and the Republic of South Africa (South Africa), are being sold, or are likely to be sold, in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV), as provided in section 733 of the Act. The estimated margins of sales at LTFV are shown in the Suspension of Liquidation section of this notice. Case History On June 30, 1999, the Department received petitions on large diameter seamless pipe from Japan and Mexico filed in proper form by U.S. Steel Group (a unit of USX Corp.--Fairfield Seamless Pipe Mill) and USS/Kobe Steel Company. Also that day, the Department received petitions on small diameter seamless pipe from the Czech Republic, Japan, Romania and South Africa filed in proper form from Koppel Steel Corporation, Sharon Tube company, U.S. Steel Group, USS/Kobe Steel Company and Vision Metals, Inc. (Gulf States Tube Division). On June 30, 1999, the United Steel Workers of America joined as co-petitioners in all of the cases.1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The preliminary determinations in the investigations involving the Czech Republic, Mexico and Romania has been postponed until January 26, 2000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- These investigations were initiated on July 20, 1999. See Initiation of Antidumping Duty Investigations: Certain Large Diameter Carbon and Alloy Seamless Standard, Line and Pressure Pipe from Japan and Mexico and Certain Small Diameter Carbon and Alloy Seamless Standard, Line and Pressure Pipe from the Czech Republic, Japan, the Republic of South Africa and Romania; (Initiation Notice), 64 FR 40825 (July 28, 1999). Since the initiation of the investigations, the following events have occurred: On August 12, 1999, the Department selected the following companies as mandatory respondents in the investigations: Kawasaki Steel Corporation (Kawasaki), Nippon Steel Corporation (Nippon) and Sumitomo Metal Industries (Sumitomo) for both investigations involving Japan; and Iscor Ltd (Iscor), the sole producer of the subject merchandise for South Africa. See Respondent Selection, below. On August 12, 1999, the Department issued the antidumping questionnaires to each of the selected respondents. On August 16, 1999, the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) preliminarily determined that there is a reasonable indication that imports of the products subject to each of these antidumping investigations are materially injuring the U.S. industry. See Certain Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe from the Czech Republic, Japan, Mexico, Romania, and South Africa, 64 FR 46953 (August 27, 1999). On September 10, 1999, Iscor notified the Department that it would not be responding to the Department's questionnaire. Likewise, in the cases involving Japan, none of the mandatory respondents answered the Department's questionnaire. Period of Investigation The period of investigation (POI) for both the large and small diameter seamless pipe cases is April 1, 1998, through March 31, 1999. This period corresponds to the four most recent fiscal quarters prior to the month of the filing of the petition (i.e., June 1999). Scope of Investigations 2 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ On September 3, 1999, the petitioners requested that the scope of the investigations be amended to exclude certain products made to the A-335 specification. This change is reflected in the current scope. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- For purposes of the large diameter seamless pipe investigation, the products covered are large diameter seamless carbon and alloy (other than stainless) steel standard, line, and pressure pipes produced, or equivalent, to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A- 53, ASTM A-106, ASTM A-333, ASTM A-334, ASTM A-335 (grades P1, P2, P11, P12, P21 and P22 only), ASTM A-589, ASTM A-795, and the American Petroleum Institute (API) 5L specifications and meeting the physical parameters described below, regardless of application. The scope of these investigations also includes all products used in standard, line, or pressure pipe applications and meeting the physical parameters described below, regardless of specification. Specifically included within the scope of these investigations are seamless pipes greater than 4.5 inches (114.3 mm) up to and including 16 inches (406.4 mm) in outside diameter, regardless of wall-thickness, manufacturing process (hot finished or cold-drawn), end finish (plain end, beveled end, upset end, threaded, or threaded and coupled), or surface finish. The seamless pipes subject to these investigations are currently classifiable under the subheadings 7304.10.10.30, 7304.10.10.45, 7304.10.10.60, 7304.10.50.50, 7304.31.60.50, 7304.39.00.36, 7304.39.00.40, 7304.39.00.44, 7304.39.00.48, 7304.39.00.52, 7304.39.00.56, 7304.39.00.62, 7304.39.00.68, 7304.39.00.72, 7304.51.50.60, 7304.59.60.00, 7304.59.80.30, 7304.59.80.35, 7304.59.80.40, 7304.59.80.45, 7304.59.80.50, 7304.59.80.55, 7304.59.80.60, 7304.59.80.65, and 7304.59.80.70 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Specifications, Characteristics, and Uses: Large diameter seamless pipe is used primarily for line applications such as oil, gas, or water pipeline, or utility distribution systems. Seamless pressure pipes are intended for the conveyance of water, steam, petrochemicals, chemicals, oil products, natural gas and other liquids and gasses in industrial piping systems. They may carry these substances at elevated pressures and temperatures and may be subject to the application of external heat. Seamless carbon steel pressure pipe meeting the ASTM A-106 standard may be used in temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, at various American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code stress levels. Alloy pipes made to ASTM A-335 standard must be used if temperatures and stress levels exceed those allowed for ASTM A-106. Seamless pressure pipes sold in the United States are commonly produced to the ASTM A-106 standard. Seamless standard pipes are most commonly produced to the ASTM A-53 specification and generally are not intended for high temperature service. They are intended for the low temperature and pressure conveyance of water, steam, natural gas, air and other liquids and gasses in plumbing and heating systems, air conditioning units, automatic sprinkler systems, and other related uses. Standard pipes (depending on type and code) may carry liquids at elevated temperatures but must not exceed relevant ASME code [[Page 69720]] requirements. If exceptionally low temperature uses or conditions are anticipated, standard pipe may be manufactured to ASTM A-333 or ASTM A- 334 specifications. Seamless line pipes are intended for the conveyance of oil and natural gas or other fluids in pipe lines. Seamless line pipes are produced to the API 5L specification. Seamless water well pipe (ASTM A-589) and seamless galvanized pipe for fire protection uses (ASTM A-795) are used for the conveyance of water. Seamless pipes are commonly produced and certified to meet ASTM A- 106, ASTM A-53, API 5L-B, and API 5L-X42 specifications. To avoid maintaining separate production runs and separate inventories, manufacturers typically triple or quadruple certify the pipes by meeting the metallurgical requirements and performing the required tests pursuant to the respective specifications. Since distributors sell the vast majority of this product, they can thereby maintain a single inventory to service all customers. The primary application of ASTM A-106 pressure pipes and triple or quadruple certified pipes in large diameters is for use as oil and gas distribution lines for commercial applications. A more minor application for large diameter seamless pipes is for use in pressure piping systems by refineries, petrochemical plants, and chemical plants, as well as in power generation plants and in some oil field uses (on shore and off shore) such as for separator lines, gathering lines and metering runs. These applications constitute the majority of the market for the subject seamless pipes. However, ASTM A- 106 pipes may be used in some boiler applications. The scope of these investigations includes all seamless pipe meeting the physical parameters described above and produced to one of the specifications listed above, regardless of application, and whether or not also certified to a non-covered specification. Standard, line, and pressure applications and the above-listed specifications are defining characteristics of the scope of these investigations. Therefore, seamless pipes meeting the physical description above, but not produced to the ASTM A-53, ASTM A-106, ASTM A-333, ASTM A-334, ASTM A-335 (grades P1, P2, P11, P12, P21 and P22 only), ASTM A-589, ASTM A- 795, and API 5L specifications shall be covered if used in a standard, line, or pressure application. For example, there are certain other ASTM specifications of pipe which, because of overlapping characteristics, could potentially be used in ASTM A-106 applications. These specifications generally include ASTM A-161, ASTM A-192, ASTM A-210, ASTM A-252, ASTM A-501, ASTM A-523, ASTM A-524, and ASTM A-618. When such pipes are used in a standard, line, or pressure pipe application, such products are covered by the scope of these investigations. Specifically excluded from the scope of these investigations are boiler tubing and mechanical tubing, if such products are not produced to ASTM A-53, ASTM A-106, ASTM A-333, ASTM A-334, ASTM A-335 (grades P1, P2, P11, P12, P21 and P22 only), ASTM A-589, ASTM A-795, and API 5L specifications and are not used in standard, line, or pressure pipe applications. In addition, finished and unfinished oil country tubular goods (OCTG) are excluded from the scope of these investigations, if covered by the scope of another antidumping duty order from the same country. If not covered by such an OCTG order, finished and unfinished OCTG are included in this scope when used in standard, line or pressure applications. For purposes of the small diameter seamless pipe investigations, the products covered are seamless carbon and alloy (other than stainless) steel standard, line, and pressure pipes and redraw hollows produced, or equivalent, to the ASTM A-53, ASTM A-106, ASTM A-333, ASTM A-334, ASTM A-335, ASTM A-589, ASTM A-795, and the American Petroleum Institute (API) 5L specifications and meeting the physical parameters described below, regardless of application. The scope of these investigations also includes all products used in standard, line, or pressure pipe applications and meeting the physical parameters described below, regardless of specification. Specifically included within the scope of these investigations are seamless pipes and redraw hollows, less than or equal to 4.5 inches (114.3 mm) in outside diameter, regardless of wall-thickness, manufacturing process (hot finished or cold-drawn), end finish (plain end, beveled end, upset end, threaded, or threaded and coupled), or surface finish. The seamless pipes subject to these investigations are currently classifiable under the subheadings 7304.10.10.20, 7304.10.50.20, 7304.31.30.00, 7304.31.60.50, 7304.39.00.16, 7304.39.00.20, 7304.39.00.24, 7304.39.00.28, 7304.39.00.32, 7304.51.50.05, 7304.51.50.60, 7304.59.60.00, 7304.59.80.10, 7304.59.80.15, 7304.59.80.20, and 7304.59.80.25 of the HTSUS. Specifications, Characteristics, and Uses: Seamless pressure pipes are intended for the conveyance of water, steam, petrochemicals, chemicals, oil products, natural gas and other liquids and gasses in industrial piping systems. They may carry these substances at elevated pressures and temperatures and may be subject to the application of external heat. Seamless carbon steel pressure pipe meeting the ASTM A- 106 standard may be used in temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, at various ASME code stress levels. Alloy pipes made to ASTM A-335 standard must be used if temperatures and stress levels exceed those allowed for ASTM A-106. Seamless pressure pipes sold in the United States are commonly produced to the ASTM A-106 standard. Seamless standard pipes are most commonly produced to the ASTM A-53 specification and generally are not intended for high temperature service. They are intended for the low temperature and pressure conveyance of water, steam, natural gas, air and other liquids and gasses in plumbing and heating systems, air conditioning units, automatic sprinkler systems, and other related uses. Standard pipes (depending on type and code) may carry liquids at elevated temperatures but must not exceed relevant ASME code requirements. If exceptionally low temperature uses or conditions are anticipated, standard pipe may be manufactured to ASTM A-333 or ASTM A-334 specifications. Seamless line pipes are intended for the conveyance of oil and natural gas or other fluids in pipe lines. Seamless line pipes are produced to the API 5L specification. Seamless water well pipe (ASTM A-589) and seamless galvanized pipe for fire protection uses (ASTM A-795) are used for the conveyance of water. Seamless pipes are commonly produced and certified to meet ASTM A- 106, ASTM A-53, API 5L-B, and API 5L-X42 specifications. To avoid maintaining separate production runs and separate inventories, manufacturers typically triple or quadruple certify the pipes by meeting the metallurgical requirements and performing the required tests pursuant to the respective specifications. Since distributors sell the vast majority of this product, they can thereby maintain a single inventory to service all customers. The primary application of ASTM A-106 pressure pipes and triple or quadruple certified pipes is in pressure piping systems by refineries, petrochemical plants, and chemical plants. Other applications are in power generation plants (electrical-fossil fuel [[Page 69721]] or nuclear), and in some oil field uses (on shore and off shore) such as for separator lines, gathering lines and metering runs. A minor application of this product is for use as oil and gas distribution lines for commercial applications. These applications constitute the majority of the market for the subject seamless pipes. However, ASTM A- 106 pipes may be used in some boiler applications. Redraw hollows are any unfinished pipe or ``hollow profiles'' of carbon or alloy steel transformed by hot rolling or cold drawing/ hydrostatic testing or other methods to enable the material to be sold under ASTM A-53, ASTM A-106, ASTM A-333, ASTM A-334, ASTM A-335, ASTM A-589, ASTM A-795, and API 5L specifications. The scope of these investigations includes all seamless pipe meeting the physical parameters described above and produced to one of the specifications listed above, regardless of application, and whether or not also certified to a non-covered specification. Standard, line, and pressure applications and the above-listed specifications are defining characteristics of the scope of these investigations. Therefore, seamless pipes meeting the physical description above, but not produced to the ASTM A-53, ASTM A-106, ASTM A-333, ASTM A-334, ASTM A-335, ASTM A-589, ASTM A-795, and API 5L specifications shall be covered if used in a standard, line, or pressure application. For example, there are certain other ASTM specifications of pipe which, because of overlapping characteristics, could potentially be used in ASTM A-106 applications. These specifications generally include ASTM A-161, ASTM A-192, ASTM A-210, ASTM A-252, ASTM A-501, ASTM A-523, ASTM A-524, and ASTM A-618. When such pipes are used in a standard, line, or pressure pipe application, such products are covered by the scope of these investigations. Specifically excluded from the scope of these investigations are boiler tubing and mechanical tubing, if such products are not produced to ASTM A-53, ASTM A-106, ASTM A-333, ASTM A-334, ASTM A-335, ASTM A- 589, ASTM A-795, and API 5L specifications and are not used in standard, line, or pressure pipe applications. In addition, finished and unfinished OCTG are excluded from the scope of these investigations, if covered by the scope of another antidumping duty order from the same country. If not covered by such an OCTG order, finished and unfinished OCTG are included in this scope when used in standard, line or pressure applications. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, our written description of the merchandise under investigation is dispositive. The Department set aside a period for all interested parties to raise issues regarding product coverage. From August through November 1999, the Department received responses from a number of parties including importers, respondents, consumers, and petitioners. Class or Kind We have preliminarily determined that there are only two classes or kinds of merchandise, one for small diameter pipe and one for large diameter pipe. Our determination is based on an evaluation of the criteria set forth in Diversified Products v. United States, 572 F. Supp. 883, 889 (CIT 1983) (Diversified Products), which look to differences in: (1) The general physical characteristics of the merchandise, (2) the expectations of the ultimate purchaser, (3) the ultimate use of the merchandise, (4) the channels of trade in which the merchandise moves, and (5) the manner in which the product is advertised or displayed. In making this preliminary determination, we have rejected a request by Sumitomo that the Department determine that there are three separate classes or kinds of merchandise subject to investigation: (1) Commodity grade standard, line and pressure pipe, (2) high-strength line pipe produced to proprietary specification for use in deep sea, arctic or other harsh conditions and (3) alloy pressure pipe. See letter from Sumitomo to the Department of Commerce (August 3, 1999). Likewise we have rejected the requests of MC Tubular Products, Inc., an importer of the subject merchandise, and the American Boiler Makers Association (ABMA), consumers of the subject merchandise, that we determine that alloy seamless pipe is a separate class or kind than carbon seamless pipe. See letter from MC Tubular Products to the Department of Commerce (August 10, 1999), and letter from the ABMA to the Assistant Secretary (November 5, 1999). In our analysis of the Diversified Products criteria, we find that, consistent with past seamless pipe cases, alloy grade steels, high-strength line pipe, and pipes made therefrom, represent the upper end of a single continuum of steel grades and associated attributes. See, e.g., Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Small Diameter Circular Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel, Standard, Line and Pressure Pipe From Brazil, 60 FR 31960, 31963 (June 19, 1995); Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Small Diameter Circular Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel, Standard, Line and Pressure Pipe From Germany, 60 FR 31974 (June 19, 1995). Information placed on the record of this proceeding, which does not address all of the Diversified Products criteria or contain compelling new documented evidence, does not constitute sufficient justification for deviating from our established precedent. Id. For further discussion on this topic see Memorandum from Case Analysts to Holly Kuga, Re: Class or Kind, dated December 7, 1999. On December 2, 1999, Sumitomo made an additional submission with regard to class or kind. Due to the statutory deadline for the preliminary determination in these investigations, we will consider this information in making the final determination. Selection of Respondents Section 777A(c)(1) of the Act directs the Department to calculate individual dumping margins for each known exporter and producer of the subject merchandise. However, section 777A(c)(2) of the Act gives the Department discretion, when faced with a large number of exporters/ producers, to limit its examination to a reasonable number of such companies if it is not practicable to examine all companies. Where it is not practicable to examine all known producers/exporters of subject merchandise, this provision permits the Department to investigate either: (1) A sample of exporters, producers, or types of products that is statistically valid based on the information available at the time of selection, or (2) exporters and producers accounting for the largest volume of the subject merchandise that can be reasonably examined. After consideration of the complexities expected to arise in these proceedings and the resources available to the Department, we determined that it was not practicable in the Japanese investigations to examine all known producers/exporters of subject merchandise. This was not a concern in the investigation involving South Africa, since there was only one producer/exporter of subject merchandise in that country during the POI. However, with respect to Japan, which had multiple producers/exporters of subject merchandise during the POI, we determined that, given our resources, we would be able to investigate three such companies. The respondents selected for Japan were [[Page 69722]] those with the greatest export volume, that together accounted for more than 50 percent of all known exports of the subject merchandise during the POI from Japan. For a more detailed discussion of respondent selection in these investigations, see Respondent Selection Memorandum, dated August 12, 1999. Facts Available As stated above, none of the respondents answered the Department's questionnaire. Section 776(a)(2) of the Act provides that, if an interested party (A) withholds information that has been requested by the Department; (B) fails to provide such information in a timely manner or in the form or manner requested subject to section 782(c)(1) and (e) of the Act; (C) significantly impedes a proceeding under the antidumping statute; or (D) provides such information but the information cannot be verified, the Department shall, subject to subsection 782(d) of the Act, use facts otherwise available in reaching the applicable determination. Because Iscor, Kawasaki, Nippon and Sumitomo failed to respond to our questionnaire, pursuant to section 776(a)(2)(A) of the Act, we resorted to facts otherwise available to determine the dumping margins for these companies. Section 776(b) of the Act provides that the Department may use an inference adverse to the interests of a party that has failed to cooperate by not acting to the best of its ability to comply with the Department's requests for information. See also Statement of Administrative Action accompanying the URAA, H.R. Rep. No. 103-316 at 870 (1994) (SAA). Failure by Iscor, Kawasaki, Nippon and Sumitomo to respond to the Department's antidumping questionnaire constitutes a failure to act to the best of their ability to comply with a request for information, within the meaning of section 776 of the Act. Because Iscor, Kawasaki, Nippon and Sumitomo failed to respond, the Department has determined that, in selecting among the facts otherwise available, an adverse inference is warranted in selecting the facts available for these companies. Because we were unable to calculate margins for the respondents in Japan, or South Africa, consistent with Department practice, we assigned the respondents in these cases the highest margins alleged in the amendments to the respective petitions. See, e.g., Notice of Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Stainless Steel Wire Rod from Germany (Wire Rod from Germany), 63 FR 10847 (March 5, 1998). The highest petition margins are 106.07 percent in the small diameter seamless pipe investigation for Japan, 107.80 percent in the large diameter seamless pipe investigation for Japan and 43.51 percent for South Africa. See Initiation Notice. Section 776(b) states that an adverse inference may include reliance on information derived from the petition. See also SAA at 829- 831. Section 776(c) of the Act provides that, when the Department relies on secondary information (such as the petition) in using the facts otherwise available, it must, to the extent practicable, corroborate that information from independent sources that are reasonably at its disposal. The SAA clarifies that ``corroborate'' means that the Department will satisfy itself that the secondary information to be used has probative value (see SAA at 870). The SAA also states that independent sources used to corroborate such evidence may include, for example, published price lists, official import statistics and customs data, and information obtained from interested parties during the particular investigation (see SAA at 870). We reviewed the adequacy and accuracy of the information in the petitions during our pre-initiation analysis of the petitions, to the extent appropriate information was available for this purpose. See Import Administration AD Investigation Initiation Checklist, dated June 21, 1999, for a discussion of the margin calculations in the petitions. In addition, in order to determine the probative value of the margins in the petitions for use as adverse facts available for purposes of this determination, we examined evidence supporting the calculations in the petitions. In accordance with section 776(c) of the Act, to the extent practicable, we examined the key elements of the export price (EP) and normal value (NV) calculations on which the margins in the petitions were based. Our review of the EP and NV calculations indicated that the information in the petitions has probative value, as certain information included in the margin calculations in the petitions is from public sources concurrent, for the most part, with the POI (e.g., international freight and insurance, customs duty, interest rates). However, with respect to certain other data included in the margin calculations of the petition (e.g., gross United States and home market unit prices), neither the respondents nor other interested parties provided the Department with further relevant information and the Department is aware of no other independent source of information that would enable it to further corroborate the remaining components of the margin calculation in the petition. The implementing regulation for section 776 of the Act, codified at 19 CFR 351.308(c) states, ``[t]he fact that corroboration may not be practicable in a given circumstance will not prevent the Secretary from applying an adverse inference as appropriate and using the secondary information in question.'' Additionally, we note that the SAA at 870 specifically states that, where ``corroboration may not be practicable in a given circumstance,'' the Department may nevertheless apply an adverse inference. Accordingly, we find, for purposes of this preliminary determination, that this information is corroborated to the extent practicable. All Others Rate Section 735(c)(5)(B) of the Act provides that, where the estimated weighted-averaged dumping margins established for all exporters and producers individually investigated are zero or de minimis or are determined entirely under section 776 of the Act, the Department may use any reasonable method to establish the estimated all-others rate for exporters and producers not individually investigated. Our recent practice under these circumstances has been to assign, as the ``all others'' rate, the simple average of the margins in the petition. We have done so in these cases. See, e.g., Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Stainless Steel Plate in Coil from Canada, 64 FR 15457 (March 31, 1999); see also Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Stainless Steel Plate in Coil from Italy, 64 FR 15458, 15459 (March 21, 1999). Suspension of Liquidation For entries of large and small diameter seamless pipe from Japan, and entries of small diameter seamless pipe from South Africa, we are directing the U.S. Customs Service to suspend liquidation of those entries that are entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. We are also instructing the Customs Service to require a cash deposit or the posting of a bond equal to the dumping margin, as indicated in the chart below. These instructions suspending liquidation will remain in effect until further notice. The dumping margins are provided below. [[Page 69723]] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Margin Manufacturer/exporter (percent) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Japan--large diameter: Nippon Steel Corporation................................. 107.80 Kawasaki Steel Corporation............................... 107.80 Sumitomo Metal Industries................................ 107.80 All Others............................................... 68.88 Japan--small diameter: Nippon Steel Corporation................................. 106.07 Kawasaki Steel Corporation............................... 106.07 Sumitomo Metal Industries................................ 106.07 All Others............................................... 70.43 South Africa--small diameter: Iscor Ltd................................................ 43.51 All Others............................................... 40.17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ITC Notification In accordance with section 733(f) of the Act, we have notified the ITC of our determinations. If our final antidumping determinations are affirmative, the ITC will determine whether these imports are materially injuring, or threaten material injury to, the U.S. industry. The deadline for that ITC determination would be the later of 120 days after the date of these preliminary determinations or 45 days after the date of our final determinations. Public Comment For the investigations of large and small diameter seamless pipe from Japan and small diameter seamless pipe from South Africa, case briefs must be submitted no later than 30 days after the publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Rebuttal briefs must be filed within five business days after the deadline for submission of case briefs. A list of authorities used, a table of contents, and an executive summary of issues should accompany any briefs submitted to the Department. Executive summaries should be limited to five pages total, including footnotes. Section 774 of the Act provides that the Department will hold a hearing to afford interested parties an opportunity to comment on arguments raised in case or rebuttal briefs, provided that such a hearing is requested by any interested party. If a request for a hearing is made in an investigation, the hearing will tentatively be held two days after the deadline for submission of the rebuttal briefs, at the U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20230. In the event that the Department receives requests for hearings from parties to several seamless pipe cases, the Department may schedule a single hearing to encompass all those cases. Parties should confirm by telephone the time, date, and place of the hearing 48 hours before the scheduled time. Interested parties who wish to request a hearing, or to participate if one is requested, must submit a written request within 30 days of the publication of this notice. Requests should specify the number of participants and provide a list of the issues to be discussed. Oral presentations will be limited to issues raised in the briefs. If these investigations proceed normally, we will make our final determinations no later than 75 days after the date of issuance of this notice. These determinations are published pursuant to sections 733(f) and 777(i)(1) of the Act. Dated: December 7, 1999. Robert S. LaRussa, Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. 99-32393 Filed 12-13-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P