99-4975. Proposed Agreement Concerning Trade in Certain Steel Products From the Russian Federation  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 38 (Friday, February 26, 1999)]
    [Notices]
    [Pages 9892-9899]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-4975]
    
    
    
    [[Page 9891]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part VI
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of Commerce
    
    
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    International Trade Administration
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    Proposed Agreement Concerning Trade in Certain Steel Products From the 
    Russian Federation; Notice
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 38 / Friday, February 26, 1999 / 
    Notices
    
    [[Page 9892]]
    
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
    
    International Trade Administration
    
    
    Proposed Agreement Concerning Trade in Certain Steel Products 
    From the Russian Federation
    
    AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, 
    Department of Commerce.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed agreement.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The United States has initialed a proposed Agreement regarding 
    imports of certain steel products from the Russian Federation to the 
    United States. A Notice of Public Hearing regarding the possible 
    imposition of import restrictions consistent with this proposed 
    Agreement was published on February 23, 1999 (64 FR 9049).
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Yang, Director Office IX, AD/
    CVD Enforcement Group III, Import Administration, International Trade 
    Administration, Department of Commerce, at (202) 482-0406.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 1, 1990, pursuant to Title IV of the 
    Trade Act of 1974 (the Trade Act), the Governments of the United States 
    of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics entered into the 
    Agreement on Trade Relations Between the United States of America and 
    the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. On June 17, 1992, that 
    agreement (the 1992 Agreement) became effective between the United 
    States and the Russian Federation. Article XI of the 1992 Agreement 
    provides that the Parties will consult with a view toward finding means 
    of remedying or preventing actual or threatened market disruption, and 
    it authorizes the Parties to take action, including the imposition of 
    import restrictions, to achieve this goal.
        In February 1999, the United States Department of Commerce and the 
    Ministry of Trade of the Russian Federation entered into negotiations 
    and consultations pursuant to Article XI of the Agreement on Trade 
    Between the United States of America and the Russian Federation. The 
    Parties mutually agree that the conditions of Article XI have been met 
    with respect to U.S. imports of certain steel products from Russia.
        In the initialed Agreement, Russia would establish export limits 
    and the United States would establish import restrictions on Russian 
    exports to the United States of the following 16 steel products:
    
    1. Certain Cold-Rolled Carbon Steel Quality Products
    2. Semifinished Steel Products
    3. Galvanized Sheet Products
    4. Other Metallic Coated Flat Rolled Products
    5. Certain Tin Mill Products
    6. Electrical Sheet Products
    7. Heavy Structural Shapes
    8. Rails
    9. Hot-Rolled Bars
    10. Cold Finished Bars
    11. Pipe and Tube Products
    12. Wire Rod Products
    13. Tool Steel
    14. Drawn Wire Products
    15. Hot-Rolled Stainless and Alloy Sheet, Strip, and Plate
    16. Pig Iron
    
        Each category of steel would have a separate export limit. In 
    addition to the issuance of export licenses by the Ministry of Trade of 
    the Russian Federation, and consistent with the requests of the Russian 
    officials, the United States would establish a border enforcement 
    mechanism to ensure compliance with the export limits. The border 
    mechanism will be in the form of denial of entry for any shipment of 
    steel, covered by the categories listed above, which exceeds the limits 
    or lacks the required documents.
        On February 23, 1999, the Department published in the Federal 
    Register (64 FR 9049) a Notice of Public Hearing pursuant to section 
    125(f) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2135 (f)). The purpose of 
    that hearing will be to provide interested parties with an opportunity 
    to present their views on the United States' proposed imposition of 
    import restrictions, consistent with its rights under the 1992 
    Agreement and with the mechanisms contemplated in the initialed 
    Agreement.
        The Department is hereby publishing as Annex I to this notice the 
    Proposed Agreement Concerning Trade in Certain Steel Products From the 
    Russian Federation. For convenience, the Department has also posted 
    this initialed Agreement on its Import Administration website (http://
    www.ita.doc.gov/import____admin/records).
    
        Dated: February 24, 1999.
    Holly A. Kuga,
    Acting Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.
    
    Agreement Concerning Trade in Certain Steel Products From the Russian 
    Federation
    
        Initialed: February 22, 1999.
        For the purpose of encouraging free and fair trade in Certain 
    Steel Products (as defined in this Agreement) to establish more 
    normal market relations, and to allow continued market access;
        Considering the principles and provisions of the Agreement on 
    Trade Relations Between the United States of America and the Russian 
    Federation (``Russia''), which was signed on June 1, 1990, (the 
    ``1990 Agreement'');
        Desiring to provide for the application of Article XI of the 
    1990 Agreement to exports from Russia to the United States of 
    Certain Steel Products in a mutually agreed manner;
        In pursuance of the Parties' rights and obligations contained in 
    the 1992 Agreement;
        The United States, by the U.S. Department of Commerce (``DOC''), 
    and the Russian Federation, by the Ministry of Trade of the Russian 
    Federation (``MOT'') agree as follows:
    
    I. Definitions
    
        For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions apply.
        A. ``Apparent U.S. Domestic Consumption'' means apparent U.S. 
    domestic consumption determined using statistics of the U.S. Census 
    Bureau regarding imports and exports, and data from the American 
    Iron & Steel Institute regarding domestic shipments, based on the 
    methodology described in Appendix D of this Agreement.
        B. ``Certain Steel Products'' means the following products, 
    described in detail in Appendix A and not subject to antidumping 
    suspension agreements.
    
    Cold-Rolled Steel Products
    Semifinished Steel Products
    Galvanized Sheet Products
    Other Metallic Coated Flat-Rolled Products
    Certain Tin Mill Products
    Electrical Sheet Products
    Heavy Structural Shapes
    Rails
    Hot-Rolled Bars
    Cold-Finished Bars
    Pipe and Tube Products
    Wire Rod Products
    Tool Steel
    Hot-Rolled Steel Stainless and Alloy Products
    Drawn Wire Products
    Pig Iron
    
        C. ``Date of Export'' of entries of Certain Steel Products to 
    the United States shall be the date on which MOT issued the Export 
    License.
        D. ``Date of Sale'' means the date on which price and quantity 
    become firm, e.g., the date the contract is signed or the 
    specification date if the price and quantity become firm on that 
    date, as reflected in Russian producers' records kept in the 
    ordinary course of business.
        E. ``Effective Date'' of this Agreement means Signature Date.
        F. ``Export License'' is the document issued by MOT which serves 
    as both an export limit certificate and a certificate of origin. 
    Temporary documents issued by MOT during the first 120 days after 
    the Effective Date in the form of mill certificates with official 
    MOT stamps and signatures shall constitute Export Licenses for the 
    purposes of this Agreement.
        G. ``Export Limit Period'' means one of the following periods:
        First Export Limit Period--The First Export Limit Period begins 
    on February 22, 1999 and ends on December 31, 1999, and the Export 
    Limit for the first period will be pro-rated
    
    [[Page 9893]]
    
    from the annual limits provided for each product category in II.B.1.
        Subsequent Export Limit Periods--Each subsequent year, the first 
    of which will begin on January 1, 2000 and end on December 31, 2000
        H. ``Indirect Exports'' means exports of Certain Steel Products 
    from Russia to the United States through one or more third 
    countries, including Certain Steel Products that are subject to 
    minor processing in such third countries.
        I. ``Minor processing'' means processing that does not result in 
    a substantial transformation or a change in the country of origin of 
    the product that is processed. What constitutes minor processing may 
    vary by product. An illustrative list follows:
        Flat-Rolled Products: painting; slitting; beveling/edge 
    finishing; pickling and oiling; annealing/heat treating; surface 
    finishing; temper rolling/temper leveling.
        Pipe and Tube Products: end finish: drawing: galvanizing.
        Semifinished Products: milling; scarfing; grinding.
        Rails: cutting; heat treating; controlled cooling.
        Structural Products: cutting to length; end milling; drilling; 
    punching.
        Wire Rod: chemical cleaning; mechanical descaling.
        Hot-Rolled Bars: pickling; oiling; phosphating.
        Pipes: end finishing (i.e., threading and coupling); 
    galvanizing; painting; cold working.
        Tool Steel: since based on chemistry and covers products in a 
    variety of forms (e.g., flat-rolled sheet, bars, rods, etc.), no 
    processing other than making the product into a specific article 
    classified outside of Chapter 72 of the HTS would result in non-
    inclusion.
        Drawn Wire: coating (e.g., aluminum); cladding (e.g., copper); 
    annealing.
        Cold-Finished Bars: annealing; grinding.
        J. ``United States'' means the customs territory of the United 
    States of America (the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and 
    Puerto Rico) and foreign trade zones located within the territory of 
    the United States.
        K. ``U.S. purchaser'' means the first purchaser in the United 
    States that is not affiliated with the Russian exporter, and all 
    subsequent purchasers, from trading companies to consumers.
    
    II. Market Disruption
    
        A. Actual and prospective imports of Certain Steel Products from 
    Russia are threatening to cause or significantly contribute to 
    market disruption in the United States, so as to be a significant 
    cause of threat of material injury to the United States domestic 
    industry within the meaning of Article XI of the 1990 Agreement.
        B. In order to remedy this threat of market disruption, MOT 
    shall ensure that direct and indirect exports of Certain Steel 
    Products from Russia to the United States do not exceed the 
    following export limits.
        1. The export limits for the first Export Limit Period are as 
    follows:
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Quantity  (in
                             Product                           metric tons)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Cold-Rolled Steel Products..............................         520,000
    Semifinished Steel Products.............................         385,000
    Galvanized Sheet Products (of which, 60,000 hot-dipped            65,000
     5,000 electrogalvanized)...............................
    Other Metallic Coated Flat-Rolled Products..............           1,552
    Certain Tin Mill Products...............................           5,000
    Electrical Sheet Products...............................          14,337
    Heavy Structural Shapes.................................          65,000
    Rails...................................................           2,350
    Hot-Rolled Bars (hot-rolled bars, reinforcing bars,               20,000
     light shapes)..........................................
    Cold-Finished Bars......................................          11,349
    Pipe and Tube Products..................................           3,000
    Wire Rod Products.......................................          15,000
    Tool Steel..............................................             800
    Hot-Rolled Steel Stainless and Alloy Products...........           1,000
    Drawn Wire Products.....................................             250
    Pig Iron................................................         575,000
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        These annual export limits shall be pro-rated for that 
    proportion of 1999 remaining on the Date of initialing, February 22, 
    1999.
        2. The export limit for each Subsequent Export Limit Period 
    shall be determined by making the following adjustments:
        (a) first, the export limit for the previous Export Limit 
    Period, shall be increased by three per cent of that export limit;
        (b) second, the number obtained under paragraph (a) shall be 
    increased or decreased by the result of multiplying the export limit 
    for the previous Export Limit Period by the percent change (up to 
    three percent) in Apparent U.S. Domestic Consumption of Certain 
    Steel Products during the most recent 12 months for which data is 
    available at the time the Department of Commerce (``DOC'') makes 
    this calculation, compared to the previous 12 months (as described 
    in Appendix D).
        3. DOC shall determine export limits for each Subsequent Export 
    Limit Period no later than 60 days prior to the beginning of that 
    Export limit Period. DOC will provide MOT with the worksheets 
    supporting its Export Limit calculation.
        C. When Certain Steel Products are imported into the United 
    States and are subsequently re-exported, or re-packaged and re-
    exported, or further processed and re-exported (provided that they 
    remain within the scope of the same product category covered by this 
    Agreement), the amount re-exported shall be deducted from the amount 
    of exports that have been counted against the export limit for the 
    Export Limit Period in which the re-export takes place. The 
    deduction will be applied only after DOC has received, and has had 
    the opportunity to verify, evidence demonstrating the original 
    importation, any repackaging or further processing, and subsequent 
    exportation.
        D. MOT will not issue Export Licenses authorizing the 
    exportation to the United States of Certain Steel Products covered 
    by this Agreement in any half of any Export Limit Period that exceed 
    60 percent of the export limit for that Export Limit Period.
        E. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, up to 
    15 per cent of the export limit for any Certain Steel Product in any 
    Export Limit Period may be ``carried over'' to the Subsequent Export 
    Limit Period and up to 15 per cent of the export limit for any 
    Certain Steel Product for any Export Limit Period may be ``carried 
    back'' to the last 60 days of the previous Export Limit Period.
    
    III. Implementation
    
        A. In order to remedy the threat of market disruption described 
    in Section II.A, and acting in pursuance of it rights under the 1990 
    Agreement, MOT shall issue an original stamped Export License 
    1 for each entry into the United States of Certain Steel 
    Products covered by this Agreement. Export Licenses shall contain, 
    for each grade of Certain Steel Products covered by the license, the 
    quantity in metric tons, dimensions (gauge, width, and length (for 
    products bound in coils, length where appropriate)) unit price, and 
    F.O.B. sales value. If necessary, additional information may be 
    included on the Export License or a separate page attached to the 
    Export License.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        \1\ The validity of an Export License will not be affected by a 
    subsequent change of HTS number.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        B. The U.S. Customs Service will be directed to deny entry to 
    any imports of Certain Steel Products from Russia in excess of the 
    export limits in this Agreement, or which otherwise fail to comply 
    with the requirements of this Agreement (e.g., imports of Certain 
    Steel Products unaccompanied by an Export License). The Customs 
    Service shall require the presentation of an original stamped Export 
    License as a condition for entry into the United States of Certain 
    Steel Products covered by this Agreement, except where there are 
    multiple shipments under a single license. For multiple shipments at 
    multiple ports, the original license shall be presented at each port 
    and deductions made upon that original license for individual 
    entries at each Port. For multiple entries at one port, the original 
    license will be presented and deductions made for the first entry 
    drawn from that license. Subsequent entries at that port can be made 
    from copies of the original license which reflect all of the 
    deductions made from the original license.
        C. DOC will monitor the levels of imports of Certain Steel 
    Products from Russia and deduct the quantity listed on each Export 
    License from the export limit for the Export Limit Period in which 
    the Date of Export falls, except as provided in Paragraph II.E.
        D. MOT will ensure compliance with all of the provisions of this 
    Agreement. In order to ensure such compliance, MOT will take at 
    least the following measures:
        1. Ensure that no Certain Steel Products subject to this 
    Agreement are exported directly or indirectly from Russia to the 
    United States during any Export Limit Period that exceed the export 
    limit for that Export Limit Period.
        2. Establish an export limit licensing and enforcement program 
    for all direct and Indirect Exports of Certain Steel Products from 
    Russia to the United States no later than 120 days after the 
    Effective Date.
    
    [[Page 9894]]
    
        3. Require that applications for Export Licenses be accompanied 
    by a report specifying the identity of the original exporter and 
    importer, the U.S. purchaser, if known, the original date of export 
    and entry into the United States, if known, the quantity expressed 
    in metric tons, and a complete description of the Certain Steel 
    Products.
        4. Refuse to issue an Export License to any applicant that does 
    not permit full verification and reporting under this Agreement of 
    all of the information in the application.
        5. Issue Export Licenses sequentially, endorsed against the 
    export limit for the relevant Export Limit Period, and reference any 
    notice of export limit allocation results for the relevant Export 
    Limit Period. Export Licenses shall remain valid for six months, 
    unless DOC and MOT agree to an extension of their validity in 
    extraordinary circumstances.
        6. Issue Export Licenses in the English language and, at the 
    discretion of MOT, also in the Russian language.
        7. Issue Export Licenses no earlier than 90 days before the day 
    on which the Certain Steel Products are accepted by a transportation 
    company, as indicated in the bill of lading or a comparable 
    transportation document, for export.
        8. Require all Russian producers and exporters of Certain Steel 
    Products to furnish to MOT, as a condition of obtaining Export 
    Licenses under this Agreement, the information in Appendix C and a 
    letter in the form set forth in Appendix E.
        9. Ensure compliance with all procedures established in order to 
    effectuate this Agreement by any official Russian institution, 
    chamber, or other authorized Russian entity, and any Russian 
    producer, exporter, broker, and trader of the Certain Steel 
    Products, their affiliated parties, and any trading company or 
    reseller utilized by a Russian producer to make sales to the United 
    States.
        10. Impose strict measures, such as prohibition from obtaining 
    Export Licenses under this Agreement, in the event that any Russian 
    entity does not comply in full with the requirements established by 
    MOT pursuant to this Agreement.
        11. Permit DOC to verify, on an annual basis, that the export 
    limits in this Agreement have not been exceeded, that MOT is 
    collecting all of the information it is required to collect under 
    Paragraph IV.A of this Agreement, and that MOT is ensuring the 
    collection of all information that it is required to ensure is 
    collected under this Agreement.
    
    IV. Monitoring and Notifications
    
        A. MOT will collect, maintain, and provide to DOC such 
    information as is necessary and appropriate to ensure that exports 
    of Certain Steel Products from Russia to the United States do not 
    exceed the export limits in this Agreement, including the following:
        1. The information in Appendix B.
        2. Notice of any non-implementation of any provisions of this 
    Agreement that come to its attention and of the measures taken with 
    respect to such non-implementation.
        3. Such additional information as DOC and MOT agree, after 
    consultations, is required.
        B. MOT shall ensure that each Russian producer and exporter of 
    Certain Steel Products shall collect and maintain, for each Certain 
    Steel Product exported to the United States, the basic company-
    specific information on factors of production and U.S. sales prices 
    described in Appendix C. In the event that Russia is determined to 
    be a market economy for purposes of the U.S. antidumping law, these 
    reporting requirements shall be adjusted to reflect this change. MOT 
    shall provide this information to DOC upon request.
        C. DOC shall provide MOT with the following information relating 
    to the implementation and enforcement of this Agreement.
        1. Semi-annual reports, within 120 days after the end of each 
    semi-annual period, indicating the volume of U.S. imports of Certain 
    Steel Products subject to this Agreement, together with such 
    additional information as is necessary and appropriate to monitor 
    compliance with the export limit levels.
        2. Notice of any non-implementation of any term of this 
    Agreement.
    
    V. Consultations
    
        A. MOT and DOC shall hold consultations each year on the 
    anniversary date of this Agreement concerning the implementation, 
    operation, and enforcement of the licensing program established by 
    MOT, and the export limits established by this Agreement.
        B. Additional consultations may be held at any other time upon 
    the request of either MOT or DOC.
        C. If DOC receives information indicating that any provision of 
    this Agreement is not being implemented, DOC shall promptly request 
    emergency consultations with MOT. Such consultations shall begin no 
    later than 21 days after the day of DOC's request, and must be 
    completed within 40 days after commencement. After completion of the 
    consultations, DOC will provide MOT 20 days within which to provide 
    comments.
    
    VI. Implementation Issues
    
        A. DOC will investigate any information that is brought to its 
    attention indicating that this Agreement is not being fully 
    implemented, both by asking MOT to investigate such allegations and 
    by itself gathering relevant information. If DOC informs MOT of such 
    information and requests MOT to supply information relevant to the 
    potential non-implementation, MOT will supply DOC with the requested 
    information within 30 days. After receiving the information from 
    MOT, DOC will consider whether the Agreement is being fully 
    implemented. If DOC preliminarily determines that the Agreement is 
    not being fully implemented, it will notify MOT of its determination 
    and provide MOT with an opportunity to engage in consultations 
    within 15 days after MOT receives the notification of DOC's 
    preliminary determination. DOC will make a final determination as to 
    whether the Agreement is being fully implemented within 30 days 
    after these consultations have been completed.
        B. If DOC finally determines that this Agreement is not being 
    fully implemented, DOC may take any appropriate action authorized 
    under U.S. law, which may include either or both of the following:
        1. DOC may require MOT to furnish to DOC, within 14 days, the 
    complete information described in Appendix C of this Agreement.
        2. DOC may self-initiate an antidumping investigation of any 
    Certain Steel Product from Russia for which imports into the United 
    States have exceeded the export limits in this Agreement on an 
    accelerated basis. If DOC self-initiates such an accelerated 
    investigation, the information maintained pursuant to Appendix C and 
    furnished to DOC shall constitute the complete questionnaire 
    responses of the Russian producers and exporters in that 
    investigation. To the extent that this information is an 
    insufficient basis for determining dumping margins, DOC may base its 
    determination upon the facts available, which may be adverse to the 
    interests of the Russian producers and exporters.
    
    VII. Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Petitions
    
        If DOC initiates an antidumping or countervailing duty 
    investigation of any Certain Steel Products from Russia pursuant to 
    a petition filed by the U.S. domestic industry (as opposed to a 
    self-initiated investigation), this Agreement shall remain in force 
    with respect to those products. In that case, however, DOC will, 
    using the information maintained pursuant to Appendix C and supplied 
    to DOC by MOT, as the Russian producers' questionnaire responses, 
    conduct the investigation on an accelerated basis, including the 
    preliminary determination and, where appropriate under U.S. law, any 
    suspension agreement negotiations. Any measure imposed on a Certain 
    Steel Product pursuant to the U.S. antidumping or countervailing 
    duty law shall substitute for the measure applied to that product 
    under this Agreement.
    
    VIII. Duration
    
        A. This Agreement will enter into force on the date of signature 
    and remain in force for five years.
        B. DOC or MOT may terminate this Agreement at any time upon 
    written notice to the other party. Termination shall be effective 60 
    days after such notice is given.
    
    IX. Other Provisions
    
        A. The consultations and negotiations that led to the conclusion 
    of this Agreement shall constitute the consultations provided for in 
    Articles XI.1 and XI.2 of the 1990 Agreement. These consultations 
    and negotiations have provided Russia with the transparency and 
    opportunity to submit its views provided for in Article XI.7 of the 
    1990 Agreement.
        B. The English and Russian language versions of this Agreement 
    shall be authentic, with the English version being controlling.
        C. For all purposes hereunder, the signatory Parties shall be 
    represented by, and all communications and notices shall be given 
    and addressed to:
        DOC: Assistant Secretary for Import Administration, 
    International Trade
    
    [[Page 9895]]
    
    Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230, 
    U.S.A.
        MOT: Department for State Regulation, of External Economic 
    Activities, Ministry of Trade of the Russian Federation, 18/1 
    Ovchinnikovskaya naberezhnaya, Moscow 113324, Russia.
        Signed on this ____th day of ________, 1999.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Robert S. LaRussa,
    Assistant Secretary for Import Administration, U.S. Department of 
    Commerce.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Roald Piskoppel,
    Deputy Minister, Ministry of Trade of the Russian Federation.
    
    Appendix A
    
        For purposes of this Agreement, Certain Steel Products are 
    defined as the following 16 products:
        For purposes of this agreement, Hot-Rolled Steel Stainless and 
    Alloy Products are defined as the following:
        Certain stainless and other alloy hot-rolled flat-rolled steel 
    products of a rectangular shape, neither clad, plated, nor coated 
    with metal and whether or not painted, varnished, or coated with 
    plastics or other non-metallic substances and in the following 
    forms: in coils (whether or not in successively superimposed layers) 
    with a width of 0.5 inch or greater, regardless of thickness; in 
    straight lengths with a thickness less than 4.75 mm and of a width 
    measuring at least 10 times the thickness; and in straight lengths, 
    4.75 mm or more in thickness and of a width which exceeds 150 mm and 
    measures at least twice the thickness.
        Specifically excluded from this scope are all products which are 
    included in the scope definitions of the Agreement Suspending the 
    Antidumping Duty Investigation on Certain Hot-Rolled Flat-Rolled 
    Carbon-Quality Steel Products from the Russian Federation and the 
    Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Duty Investigation on Certain 
    Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate from the Russian Federation. 
    Specifically excluded are vacuum degassed, fully stabilized 
    (commonly referred to as interstitial-free (``IF'')) steels, high 
    strength low alloy (``HSLA'') steels, and the substrate for motor 
    lamination steels. IF steels are recognized as low carbon steels 
    with micro-alloying levels of elements such as titanium and/or 
    niobium added to stabilize carbon and nitrogen elements. HSLA steels 
    are recognized as steels with micro-alloying levels of elements such 
    as chromium, copper, niobium, titanium, vanadium, and molybdenum. 
    The substrate for motor lamination steels contains micro-alloying 
    levels of elements such as silicon and aluminum.
        Steel products to be excluded in the scope of this 
    investigation, regardless of HTSUS definitions, are products in 
    which: (1) iron predominates, by weight, over each of the other 
    contained elements, (2) the carbon content is 2 percent or less, by 
    weight, and (3) none of the elements listed below exceed the 
    quantity, by weight, respectively indicated:
    
    1.80 percent of manganese, or
    1.50 percent of silicon, or
    1.00 percent of copper, or
    0.50 percent of aluminum, or
    1.25 percent of chromium, or
    0.30 percent of cobalt, or
    0.40 percent of lead, or
    1.25 percent of nickel, or
    0.30 percent of tungsten, or
    0.012 percent of boron, or
    0.10 percent of molybdenum, or
    0.10 percent of niobium, or
    0.41 percent of titanium, or
    0.15 percent of vanadium, or
    0.15 percent of zirconium.
    
        All products that meet the written physical description, and in 
    which the chemistry quantities do not exceed any one of the levels 
    listed above, are outside the scope of this agreement unless 
    otherwise included. The following products, by way of example, are 
    included in the scope of this agreement:
    
    II. Alloy hot-rolled steel products in which at least one of the 
    chemical elements exceeds those listed above (including e.g., ASTM 
    specifications A543, A387, A514, A517, and A506).
    III. SAE/AISI grades of series 2300 and higher.
    IV. Ball bearing steels, as defined in the HTSUS.
    V. Tool steels, as defined in the HTSUS.
    VI. Silico-manganese (as defined in the HTSUS) or silicon electrical 
    steel with a silicon level exceeding 1.50 percent.
    VII. ASTM specifications A710 and A736.
    VIII. USS abrasion-resistant steels (USS AR 400, USS AR 500).
    IX. Hot-rolled steel coil which meets the following chemical, 
    physical and mechanical specifications:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   C                    Mn           P           S          Si          Cr          Cu         Ni
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    0.10-0.14%....................  0.90% Max   0.025% Max  0.005% Max  0.30-0.50%  0.50-0.70%  0.20-0.40  0.20% Max
                                                                                                 %
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Width = 44.80 inches maximum; Thickness = 0.063-0.198 inches; 
    Yield Strength = 50,000 ksi minimum; Tensile Strength = 70,000-
    88,000 psi.
    X. Hot-rolled steel coil which meets the following chemical, 
    physical and mechanical specifications:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   C                    Mn           P           S          Si          Cr          Cu         Ni
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    0.10-0.16%....................  0.70-0.90%  0.025% Max  0.006% Max  0.30-0.50%  0.50-0.70%  0.25% Max  0.20% Max
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Mo
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    0.21% Max
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Width = 44.80 inches maximum; Thickness = 0.350 inches maximum; 
    Yield Strength = 80,000 ksi minimum; Tensile Strength = 105,000 psi 
    Aim.
    XI. Hot-rolled steel coil which meets the following chemical, 
    physical and mechanical specifications:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   C                    Mn           P           S          Si          Cr          Cu         Ni
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     0.10-0.14%...................  1.30-1.80%  0.025%,     0.005%,     0.30-0.5%   0.50-0.70%  0.20-0.40  0.20%,
                                                 Max         Max                                 %          Max
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                V(wt.)                  Cb
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    0.10, Max.....................  0.08% Max   ..........  ..........  ..........  ..........  .........  .........
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    [[Page 9896]]
    
        Width = 44.80 inches maximum; Thickness = 0.350 inches maximum; 
    Yield Strength = 80,000 ksi minimum; Tensile Strength = 105,000 psi 
    Aim.
    
    XII. Hot-rolled steel coil which meets the following chemical, 
    physical and mechanical specifications:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   C                    Mn           P           S          Si          Cr          Cu         Ni
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    0.15%, Max....................  1.40%, Max  0.025%,     0.010%,     0.50%, Max  1.00%, Max  0.50%,     0.20%,
                                                 Max         Max                                 Max        Max
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Nb                    Ca          Al
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    0.005%, Min...................  Treated     0.01-0.07%  ..........  ..........  ..........  .........  .........
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Width = 39.37 inches; Thickness = 0.181 inches maximum; Yield 
    Strength = 70,000 psi minimum for thicknesses  0.148 
    inches and 65,000 psi minimum for thicknesses >0.148 inches; Tensile 
    Strength = 80,000 psi minimum.
    
    XIII. Hot-rolled dual phase steel, phase-hardened, primarily with a 
    ferritic-martensitic microstructure, contains 0.9 percent up to and 
    including 1.5 percent silicon by weight, further characterized by 
    either (i) tensile strength between 540 N/mm2 and 640 N/
    mm2 and an elongation percentage 26 percent 
    for thicknesses of 2 mm and above, or (ii) a tensile strength 
    between 590 N/mm2 and 690 N/mm2 and an 
    elongation percentage 25 percent for thicknesses of 2mm 
    and above.
    
        Hot-rolled bearing quality steel, SAE grade 1050, in coils, with 
    an inclusion rating of 1.0 maximum per ASTM E 45, Method A, with 
    excellent surface quality and chemistry restrictions as follows: 
    0.012 percent maximum phosphorus, 0.015 percent maximum sulfur, and 
    0.20 percent maximum residuals including 0.15 percent maximum 
    chromium.
        The merchandise subject to these investigations is classified in 
    the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7219.11.0030, 7219.11.0060, 7219.12.0005, 7219.12.0020, 
    7219.12.0025, 7219.12.0050, 7219.12.0055, 7219.12.0065, 
    7219.12.0070, 7219.12.0080, 7219.13.0030, 7219.13.0050, 
    7219.13.0070, 7219.13.0080, 7219.14.0030, 7219.14.0065, 
    7219.14.0090, 7219.21.0005, 7219.21.0020, 7219.21.0040, 
    7219.21.0060, 7219.22.0005, 7219.22.0015, 7219.22.0020, 
    7219.22.0025, 7219.22.0035, 7219.22.0040, 7219.22.0045, 
    7219.22.0070, 7219.22.0075, 7219.22.0080, 7219.23.0030, 
    7219.23.0060, 7219.24.0030, 7219.24.0060, 7220.11.0000, 
    7220.12.1000, 7220.12.5000, 7220.20.1010, 7220.20.1015, 
    7220.20.1060, 7220.20.1080, 7220.20.6005, 7220.20.6010, 
    7220.20.6015, 7220.20.6060, 7220.20.6080, 7220.20.7005, 
    7220.20.7010, 7220.20.7015, 7220.20.7060, 7220.20.7080, 
    7220.20.8000, 7220.20.9030, 7220.20.9060, 7220.90.0010, 
    7220.90.0015, 7220.90.0060, 7220.90.0080, 7225.11.0000, 
    7225.19.0000, 7225.20.0000, 7225.30.1000, 7225.30.3005, 
    7225.30.3050, 7225.30.5030, 7225.30.5060, 7225.30.7000, 
    7225.40.1015, 7225.40.1090, 7225.40.3005, 7225.40.3050, 
    7225.40.5030, 7225.40.5060, 7225.40.7000, 7225.99.0010, 
    7225.99.0090, 7226.11.1000, 7226.11.9030, 7226.11.9060, 
    7226.19.1000, 7226.19.9000, 7226.20.0000, 7226.91.0500, 
    7226.91.1530, 7226.91.1560, 7226.91.2530, 7226.91.2560, 
    7226.91.5000, 7226.91.7000, 7226.91.8000, and 7226.99.0000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    investigation is dispositive.
        Hot-rolled steel is equivalent to AISI categories 31 (hot-rolled 
    sheet), 36 (hot-rolled strip), 6A (cut-to-length plate), and 6B 
    (plate in coils)
        For purposes of this agreement, Cold-Rolled Steel Products are 
    defined as the following:
        The products covered are certain carbon, stainless and other 
    alloy cold-rolled (cold-reduced) steel flat-rolled products, of 
    rectangular shape, neither clad, plated nor coated with metal, 
    whether or not painted, varnished or coated with plastics or other 
    nonmetallic substances, in coils (whether or not in successively 
    superimposed layers) and of a width of 0.5 inch or greater, or in 
    straight lengths which, if of a thickness less than 4.75 
    millimeters, are of a width of 0.5 inch or greater and which 
    measures at least 10 times the thickness or if of a thickness of 
    4.75 millimeters or more are of a width which exceeds 150 
    millimeters and measures at least twice the thickness. Included in 
    this scope are flat-rolled products of nonrectangular cross-section 
    where such cross-section is achieved subsequent to the rolling 
    process (i.e., products which have been ``worked after rolling'')--
    for example, products which have been beveled or rounded at the 
    edges.
        Included in this scope is certain shadow mask steel, i.e., 
    aluminum-killed, cold-rolled steel coil that is open-coil annealed, 
    has a carbon content of less than 0.002 percent, is of 0.003 to 
    0.012 inch in thickness, 15 to 30 inches in width, and has an ultra 
    flat, isotropic surface.
        The merchandise is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule 
    of the United States (``HTSUS'') at subheadings: 7208.18.2510, 
    7209.15.000, 7209.16.0030, 7209.16.0060, 7209.16.0090, 7209.17.0030, 
    7209.17.0060, 7209.17.0090, 7209.18.1530, 7209.18.1560, 
    7209.18.2510, 7209.18.2550, 7209.18.6000, 7209.25.0000, 
    7209.26.0000, 7209.27.0000, 7209.28.0000, 7209.90.0000, 
    7210.70.3000, 7210.90.9000, 7211.23.1500, 7211.23.2000, 
    7211.23.3000, 7211.23.4500, 7211.23.6030, 7211.23.6060, 
    7211.23.6075, 7211.23.6085, 7211.29.2030, 7211.29.2090, 
    7211.29.4500, 7211.29.6030, 7211.29.6080, 7211.90.0000, 
    7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 7212.50.0000, 7217.10.1000, 
    7217.10.2000, 7217.10.3000, 7217.10.7000, 7217.90.1000, 
    7217.90.5030, 7217.90.5060, 7217.90.5090, 7219.31.0010, 
    7219.31.0050, 7219.32.0005, 7219.32.0020, 7219.32.0025, 
    7219.32.0035, 7219.32.0036, 7219.32.0038, 7219.32.0042, 
    7219.32.0044, 7219.32.0045, 7219.32.0060, 7219.33.0005, 
    7219.33.0020, 7219.33.0025, 7219.33.0035, 7219.33.0036, 
    7219.33.0038, 7219.33.0042, 7219.33.0044, 7219.33.0045, 
    7219.33.0070, 7219.33.0080, 7219.34.0005, 7219.34.0020, 
    7219.34.0025, 7219.34.0030, 7219.34.0035, 7219.34.0050, 
    7219.35.0005, 7219.35.0015, 7219.35.0030, 7219.35.0035, 
    7219.35.0050, 7219.90.0010, 7219.90.0020, 7219.90.0025, 
    7219.90.0060, 7219.90.0080, 7220.20.1010, 7220.20.1015, 
    7220.20.1060, 7220.20.1080, 7220.20.6005, 7220.20.6010, 
    7220.20.6015, 7220.20.6060, 7220.20.6080, 7220.20.7005, 
    7220.20.7010, 7220.20.7015, 7220.20.7060, 7220.20.7080, 
    7220.20.8000, 7220.20.9030, 7220.20.9060, 7220.90.0010, 
    7220.90.0015, 7220.90.0060, 7220.90.0080, 7225.11.0000, 
    7225.19.0000, 7225.50.6000, 7225.50.7000, 7225.50.8010, 
    7225.50.8015, 7225.50.8085, 7225.99.0010, 7225.99.0090, 
    7226.11.1000, 7226.11.9030, 7226.11.9060, 7226.19.1000, 
    7226.19.9000, 7226.20.0000, 7226.92.1030, 7226.92.1060, 
    7226.92.3030, 7226.92.3060, 7226.92.5000, 7226.92.7005, 
    7226.92.7050, 7226.92.8005, 7226.92.8050, 7226.99.0000.
        Cold-rolled steel is equivalent to AISI categories 32 (cold-
    rolled sheet), 37 (cold-rolled strip), and 28 (black plate).
        For purposes of this agreement, Semifinished Steel Products are 
    defined as the following:
        The products covered are iron and steel products (whether or not 
    stainless, other alloy, or non-alloy) in the following forms: ingots 
    and other primary forms; semifinished products (whether or not of 
    rectangular cross-section, and whether or not with a width measuring 
    at least twice the thickness).
        The merchandise is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule 
    of the United States (``HTSUS'') at subheadings: 72.12.00.10, 
    7207.12.00.50, 7207.20.00.25, 7207.20.00.45, 7224.90.00.45, 
    7224.90.00.55, 7206.10.0000, 7224.10.0075, 7206.80.0000, 
    7207.11.0000, 7207.19.0030, 7224.90.0065, 7207.19.0090, 
    7224.90.0075, 7207.20.0075, 7207.20.0090, 7218.10.0000, 
    7218.91.0015, 7218.91.0030, 7218.91.0060, 7218.99.0015, 
    7218.99.0030, 7218.99.0045, 7218.99.0060, 7218.99.0090, 
    7224.10.0005, 7224.10.0045, 7224.90.0005, 7224.90.0015, 
    7224.90.0025, and 7224.90.0035.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise is 
    dispositive.
    
    [[Page 9897]]
    
        Semifinished steel is equivalent to AISI categories 1A (ingots 
    and steel for castings) and 1B (blooms, billets, and slabs).
        For purposes of this agreement, Galvanized Sheet Products are 
    defined as the following:
        Hot-rolled or cold-rolled flat-rolled products, either in coils 
    (regardless of dimension) or in straight flat-rolled lengths (if of 
    a thickness less than 4.75 mm are of a width measuring at least 10 
    times the thickness or if of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more are of a 
    width which exceeds 150 mm and measures at least twice the 
    thickness), with a metallic coating of zinc, regardless of any 
    additional coatings (e.g., paint, varnish, or plastics).
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7210.30.0030, 7210.30.0060, 7210.41.0000, 7210.49.0030, 
    7210.49.0090, 7210.70.6030, 7210.70.6060, 7212.20.0000, 
    7212.30.1030, 7212.30.1090, 7212.30.3000, 7212.30.5000, 
    7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 7225.91.0000, 7225.92.0000, 
    7226.93.0000, and 7226.94.0000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Galvanized Sheet Products reflect AISI categories 33A (hot-
    dipped galvanized sheet/strip) and 33B (electrolytic galvanized 
    sheet/strip).
        For purposes of this agreement, Other Metallic Coated Flat 
    Rolled Products are defined as the following:
        Hot-rolled or cold-rolled flat-rolled products, either in coils 
    (regardless of dimension) or in straight lengths (if of a thickness 
    less than 4.75 mm are of a width measuring at least 10 times the 
    thickness or if of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more are of a width 
    which exceeds 150 mm and measures at least twice the thickness), 
    with a metallic coating (other than zinc, tin, chromium oxides, or 
    chromium and chromium oxides), or clad, with metals such as 
    aluminum, lead, aluminum-zinc alloys, and nickel, regardless of any 
    additional coatings (e.g., paint, varnish, or plastics).
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7210.20.0000, 7210.61.0000, 7210.69.0000, 7210.70.6090, 
    7210.90.6000, 7210.90.9000, 7212.40.1000, 7212.40.5000, 
    7212.50.0000, 7212.60.0000, 7225.99.0090, 7226.91.5000, 
    7226.91.7000, 7226.91.8000, and 7226.99.0000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Other Metallic Coated Flat-Rolled Products reflect AISI category 
    34 (metallic sheet and strip).
        For purposes of this agreement, Certain Tin Mill Products are 
    defined as the following:
        Hot-rolled or cold-rolled flat-rolled products, either in coils 
    (regardless of dimension) or in straight lengths (if of a thickness 
    less than 4.75 mm are of a width measuring at least 10 times the 
    thickness or if of a thickness of 4.75 mm or more are of a width 
    which exceeds 150 mm and measures at least twice the thickness), 
    with a metallic plating of tin, chromium oxides, or chromium and 
    chromium oxides, regardless of any additional coatings (e.g., paint, 
    varnish, or plastics).
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7210.11.0000, 7210.12.0000, 7210.50.0000, and 
    7212.10.0000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Certain Tin Mill Products reflect AISI categories 29 (tin plate) 
    and 29A (tin-free sheet).
        For purposes of this agreement, Electrical Sheet Products are 
    defined as the following:
        Cold-rolled flat-rolled alloy steels, or that contain by weight 
    at least 0.6 percent of silicon but not more than 6 percent of 
    silicon and not more than 0.08 percent of carbon. They may also 
    contain by weight not more than 1 percent of aluminum but no other 
    element in a proportion that would give the steel the 
    characteristics of another alloy steel.
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7225.11.0000, 7225.19.0000, 7226.11.1000, 7226.11.9030, 
    7226.11.9060, 7226.19.1000, and 7226.19.9000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Electrical Sheet Products reflect AISI category 35 (electrical 
    sheet).
        For purposes of this agreement, Heavy Structural Shapes are 
    defined as the following:
        Angles, shapes, and sections having a uniform cross section 
    across their length, of alloy (other than tool steel as defined by 
    the HTS) or non-alloy steel, whether hot-rolled or cold-rolled, with 
    a height of at least 80 mm. Included are shapes such as U, I, H, and 
    T.
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7216.31.0000, 7216.32.0000, 7216.33.0030, 7216.33.0060, 
    7216.33.0090, 7216.40.0010, 7216.40.0050, 7216.50.0000, 
    7216.99.0000, 7222.40.3020, 7222.40.3040, 7228.70.3020, 
    7228.70.3040, and 7301.10.0000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Heavy Structural Shapes reflect AISI categories 4 (structural 
    heavy shapes) and 5 (steel piling).
        For purposes of this agreement, Rails are defined as the 
    following:
        Rails for railway and tramway construction and replacement. This 
    includes load-bearing rails such as standard T, light, crane, and 
    girder rails, and conductor or electrical rails.
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7302.10.1010, 7302.10.1015, 7302.10.1025, 7302.10.1035, 
    7302.10.1045, 7302.10.1055, and 7302.10.5020.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Rails reflect AISI categories 7 (standard rails) and 8 (other 
    rails).
        For purposes of this agreement, Hot-Rolled Bars are defined as 
    the following:
        Hot-rolled products, not in coils, whether of alloy (other than 
    tool steel as defined by the HTSUS) or non-alloy steel, with a 
    uniform solid cross section along their whole length, that do not 
    meet the definition for flat-rolled products outlined in the HTSUS, 
    in the following shapes:
        (1) circles, segments of circles, ovals, rectangles (including 
    squares), triangles, or other convex polygons, regardless of whether 
    they include indentations, ribs, grooves or other deformations 
    produced during the rolling process (rebar);
        (2) angles, shapes, and sections such as U, I, H, L, and T with 
    a height of less than 80 mm.
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7213.10.0000, 7213.20.0000, 7213.99.0060, 7214.10.0000, 
    7214.20.0000, 7214.30.0000, 7214.91.0015, 7214.91.0060, 
    7214.91.0090, 7214.99.0015, 7214.99.0030, 7214.99.0045, 
    7214.99.0060, 7214.99.0075, 7214.99.0090, 7215.90.1000, 
    7216.10.0010, 7216.10.0050, 7216.21.0000, 7216.22.0000, 
    7221.00.0005, 7221.00.0045, 7221.00.0075, 7222.11.0005, 
    7222.11.0050, 7222.19.0005, 7222.19.0050, 7222.40.3060, 
    7222.40.3080, 7227.20.0000, 7227.90.6005, 7227.90.6050, 
    7228.20.1000, 7228.30.8005, 7228.30.8050, 7228.40.0000, 
    7228.60.6000, 7228.70.3060, 7228.70.3080, and 7228.80.0000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Hot-Rolled Bars reflect AISI categories 14 (hot-rolled bars), 
    14A (light shapes), and 15 (reinforcing bars).
        For purposes of this agreement, Cold Finished Bars are defined 
    as the following:
        Cold-finished (e.g. cold-rolled, cold-drawn, turned) products, 
    not in coils, whether of alloy (other than tool steel as defined by 
    the HTS) or non-alloy steel, with a uniform solid cross section 
    along their whole length, that do not meet the definition for flat-
    rolled products outlined in the HTS, in the shape of circles, 
    segments of circles, ovals, rectangles (including squares), 
    triangles, or other convex polygons, regardless of whether they 
    include indentations, ribs, grooves or other deformations produced 
    during the rolling process (rebar).
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7215.10.0000, 7215.50.0015, 7215.50.0060, 7215.50.0090, 
    7215.90.3000,
    
    [[Page 9898]]
    
    7215.90.5000, 7222.20.0005, 7222.20.0045, 7222.20.0075, 
    7222.30.0000, 7228.20.5000, 7228.50.5005, 7228.50.5050, and 
    7228.60.8000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Cold-Finished Bars reflect AISI category 16 (cold-finished 
    bars).
        For purposes of this agreement, Pipe and Tube Products are 
    defined as the following:
        Hollow steel products of either circular or non-circular cross 
    section, of alloy (e.g. stainless) or non-alloy steel, whether 
    seamless or not seamless (e.g. welded, open seam), whether plain end 
    or finished (e.g. upset, threaded, coupled), regardless of size.
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7304, 7305, and 7306.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Pipe and Tube Products reflect AISI categories 18 (standard), 19 
    (oil country tubular goods), 20 (line pipe), 21A (mechanical 
    tubing), 21B (pressure tubing), 21C&D (stainless pipe and tubing), 
    21E (pipe and tube, not classified), 22A (structural pipe and 
    tubing), and 22B (structural pipe and tubing for piling).
        For purposes of this agreement, Wire Rod Products are defined as 
    the following:
        Hot-rolled bars and rods, whether of alloy (other than tool 
    steel as defined by the HTSUS) or non-alloy steel, in irregularly 
    wound coils, which have a solid cross section, generally round in 
    cross-sectional shape.
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7213.91.3000, 7213.91.4500, 7213.91.6000, 7213.99.0030, 
    7213.99.0090, 7221.00.0015, and 7221.00.0030.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Wire Rod Products reflect AISI category 3 (wire rod).
        For purposes of this agreement, Tool Steel is defined as the 
    following:
        Steel products, in the form of semifinished steel, flat-rolled 
    products, bars and rods, and wire, meeting the following 
    chemistries:
        (1) more than 1.2 percent of carbon and more than 10.5 percent 
    chromium; or
        (2) not less than 0.3 percent carbon and 1.25 percent or more 
    but less than 10.5 percent chromium; or
        (3) not less than 0.85 percent carbon and 1 percent to 1.8 
    percent, inclusive, manganese; or
        (4) 0.9 percent to 1.2 percent, inclusive, chromium and 0.9 
    percent to 1.4 percent, inclusive, molybdenum; or
        (5) not less than 0.5 percent carbon and not less than 3.5 
    percent molybdenum; or
        (6) not less than 0.5 percent carbon and not less than 5.5 
    percent tungsten.
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7224.10.0045, 7224.90.0015, 7224.90.0025, 7224.90.0035, 
    7225.20.0000, 7225.30.1000, 7225.30.5030, 7225.30.5060, 
    7225.40.1015, 7225.40.1090, 7225.40.5030, 7225.40.5060, 
    7225.50.1030, 7225.50.1060, 7226.20.0000, 7226.91.0500, 
    7226.91.1530, 7226.91.1560, 7226.91.2530, 7226.91.2560, 
    7226.92.1030, 7226.92.1060, 7226.92.3030, 7226.92.3060, 
    7227.10.0000, 7227.90.1030, 7227.90.1060, 7227.90.2030, 
    7227.90.2060, 7228.10.0010, 7228.10.0030, 7228.10.0060, 
    7228.30.2000, 7228.30.4000, 7228.30.6000, 7228.50.1010, 
    7228.50.1020, 7228.50.1040, 7228.50.1060, 7228.50.1080, 
    7228.60.1030, 7228.60.1060, and 7229.10.0000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Tool Steel is equivalent to AISI category 17 (tool steel).
        For purposes of this agreement, Drawn Wire Products are defined 
    as the following:
        Cold-drawn products in coil form, of any uniform solid cross 
    section along their whole length, whether of alloy (other than tool 
    steel as defined by the HTSUS) or non-alloy steel.
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7217.10.1000, 7217.10.2000, 7217.10.3000, 7217.10.4030, 
    7217.10.4090, 7217.10.5030, 7217.10.5090, 7217.10.6000, 
    7217.10.7000, 7217.10.8010, 7217.10.8020, 7217.10.8025, 
    7217.10.8030, 7217.10.8045, 7217.10.8060, 7217.10.8075, 
    7217.10.8090, 7217.10.9000, 7217.20.1500, 7217.20.3000, 
    7217.20.4510, 7217.20.4520, 7217.20.4530, 7217.20.4540, 
    7217.20.4550, 7217.20.4560, 7217.20.4570, 7217.20.4580, 
    7217.20.6000, 7217.20.7500, 7217.30.1530, 7217.30.1560, 
    7217.30.3000, 7217.30.4510, 7217.30.4520, 7217.30.4530, 
    7217.30.4540, 7217.30.4550, 7217.30.4560, 7217.30.4590, 
    7217.30.6000, 7217.30.7500, 7217.90.5030, 7217.90.5060, 
    7217.90.5090, 7223.00.1015, 7223.00.1030, 7223.00.1045, 
    7223.00.1060, 7223.00.1075, 7223.00.5000, 7223.00.9000, 
    7229.20.0000, 7229.90.1000, 7229.90.5015, 7229.90.5030, 
    7229.90.5050, and 7229.90.9000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Drawn Wire Products reflect AISI categories 23 (wire drawn).
        For purposes of this agreement, Pig Iron is defined as the 
    following:
        Iron-carbon alloys that are not usefully malleable, containing 
    more than 2% by weight of carbon.
        The merchandise subject to this agreement is classified in the 
    Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (``HTSUS'') at 
    subheadings: 7201.10.0000, 7201.20.0000, 7201.50.3000, and 
    7201.50.6000.
        Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and 
    Customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise under 
    this agreement is dispositive.
        Pig Iron is equivalent to AISI categories 65 (pig iron).
    
    Appendix B
    
        In accordance with the established format, MOT shall collect and 
    provide to DOC all information necessary to ensure compliance with 
    this Agreement. This information will be provided to DOC on a semi-
    annual basis.
        MOT will collect and maintain data on exports to the United 
    States on a continuous basis.
        MOT will provide a narrative explanation to substantiate all 
    data collected in accordance with the following formats.
        MOT will provide all Export Licenses issued to Russian entities, 
    which shall contain the following information with the exception 
    that information requested in item #9, date of entry, item #10, 
    importer of record, item #16, final destination, and item #17, 
    other, may be omitted if unknown to MOT and the licensee.
        1. Export License/Temporary Document: Indicate the number(s) 
    relating to each sale and or entry.
        2. Complete Description of Merchandise: Include the 10 digit HTS 
    category, the ASTM or equivalent grade, and the width and thickness 
    of merchandise.
        3. Quantity: Indicate in metric tons.
        4 F.O.B. Sales Value: Indicate value and currency used.
        5. Unit Price: Indicate unit price per metric ton and currency 
    used.
        6. Date of Sale: The date all essential terms of the order (i.e, 
    price and quantity) become fixed.
        7. Sales Order Number(s): Indicate the number(s) relating to 
    each sale and/or entry.
        8. Date of Export: Date the Export License/Temporary Document is 
    Issued.
        9. Date of Entry: Date the merchandise entered the United States 
    or the date book transfer took place.
        10. Importer of Record: Name and address.
        11. Trading Company: Name and address of trading company 
    involved in sale.
        12. Customer: Name and address of the first unaffiliated party 
    purchasing from the Russian exporter.
        13. Customer Relationship: Indicate whether the customer is 
    affiliated or unaffiliated to the Russian exporter.
        14. Allocation to Exporter: Indicate the total amount of quota 
    allocated to the individual exporter during the Relevant Period.
        15. Allocation Remaining: Indicate the remaining export limit 
    allocation available to the individual exporter during the export 
    limit period.
        16. Final Destination: The complete name and address of the U.S. 
    purchaser.
        17. Other: The identity of any party(ies) in the transaction 
    chain between the customer and the final destination/U.S. purchaser.
    
    Appendix C
    
    Russian Self-Monitoring Data
    
        MOT and relevant Russian entities will compile and maintain data 
    on a semi-annual basis to achieve the goals of this Agreement. The 
    data will be used for self-monitoring and possible reporting to DOC 
    in connection with
    
    [[Page 9899]]
    
    the consultation provisions of this Agreement, a self-initiated 
    antidumping investigation or both. MOT will ensure that data is 
    maintained by the producers of each covered product for both normal 
    values and U.S. sales in a form suitable for analysis consistent 
    with the standards of U.S. antidumping law and regulations. 
    Department officials will coordinate closely with MOT and relevant 
    Russian entities to ensure ongoing data collection and maintenance 
    consistent with these standards.
        Categories of Self-Monitoring Data:
    
    I. Normal Value Data
        A. Factors of Production
        B. Product Codes and Characteristics
        C. Market-Economy Inputs
    II. U.S. Sales Data
        A. Product Codes and Characteristics
        B. Individual Sales Data
        C. Sales Type and Process
    
    Appendix D
    
        For purposes of this Agreement, U.S. Apparent Consumption will 
    be calculated using data provided by the American Iron and Steel 
    Institute and the U.S. Bureau of the Census. For each of the sixteen 
    product categories covered by this Agreement, we will calculate 
    apparent consumption based on the AISI categories specified in the 
    relevant section of Appendix III of this Agreement. The calculation 
    will be made in the following manner:
    
    Apparent Consumption =
        Domestic Shipments
        + Imports
        - Exports
    
    Appendix E
    
    To: Ministry of Trade, Russian Federation
    
        1. We understand that the data being provided to the Ministry of 
    Trade of the Russian Federation may be provided to the U.S. 
    Department of Commerce for use in a self-initiated antidumping duty 
    investigation, pursuant to the Agreement between the Ministry of 
    Trade and the Department of Commerce dated ________, 1999. We 
    further understand that, if such an antidumping duty investigation 
    is self-initiated, it may be conducted on an expedited basis with, a 
    preliminary determination being issued as early as 60 days following 
    initiation.
        2. We acknowledge and accept that the data being provided to the 
    Ministry of Trade will be considered to be our complete 
    questionnaire response in such an antidumping investigation. We 
    agree that the Ministry of Trade's requirements for periodic 
    reporting may be considered as requests for information for purposes 
    of any such antidumping duty investigation.
        3. Consistent with these understandings, we hereby waive any 
    right provided by U.S. statutes or regulations to any minimum time 
    period for responding to a questionnaire in such an antidumping duty 
    investigation. We understand and accept that the U.S. Department of 
    Commerce may possibly provide us with one opportunity to supplement 
    this data. In light of our understanding that the investigation will 
    be very accelerated, however, we recognize and accept that any time 
    provided for supplementing the data will be very limited.
        4. For all data submissions to the Russian government, we agree 
    that we will identify data which we regard as business proprietary 
    information. We will include with each data submission a statement 
    that the business proprietary information contained therein may be 
    released under an appropriately draw administrative protective order 
    in any antidumping duty investigation in which the data is utilized 
    consistent with our understandings in paragraph 1.
        5. We understand that, to the extent the data concerning our 
    factors of production and U.S. sales obtained by the U.S. Department 
    of Commerce pursuant to its Agreement with the Ministry of Trade 
    dated ________, 1999 is an insufficient basis on which to determine 
    any actual margin of dumping, the Department of Commerce will base 
    its determination in the accelerated investigation on the facts 
    available, which may be adverse to our interests.
    
    Appendix F
    
    Section 125 of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. 2135
    
    SEC. 125. TERMINATION AND WITHDRAWAL AUTHORITY
    
        (a) Every trade agreement entered into under this Act shall be 
    subject to termination, in whole or in part, or withdrawal, upon due 
    notice, at the end of a period specified in the agreement. Such 
    period shall be not more than 3 years from the date on which the 
    agreement becomes effective. If the agreement is not terminated or 
    withdrawn from at the end of the period so specified, it shall be 
    subject to termination or withdrawal thereafter upon not more than 6 
    month's notice.
        (b) The President may at any time terminate, in whole or in 
    part, any proclamation made under this Act.
        (c) Whenever the United States, acting in pursuance of any of 
    its rights or obligations under any trade agreement entered into 
    pursuant to this Act, section 201 of the Trade Expansion Act of 
    1962, or section 350 of the Tariff Act of 1930, withdraws, suspends, 
    or modifies any obligation with respect to the trade of any foreign 
    country or instrumentality thereof, the President is authorized to 
    proclaim increased duties or other import restrictions, to the 
    extent, at such times, and for such periods as he deems necessary or 
    appropriate, in order to exercise the rights or fulfill the 
    obligations of the United States. No proclamation shall be made 
    under this subsection increasing any existing duty to a rate more 
    than 50 percent above the rate set forth in rate column numbered 2 
    of the Tariff Schedules of the United States, as in effect on 
    January 1, 1975, or 20 percent ad valorem above the rate existing on 
    January 1, 1975, whichever is higher.
        (d) Whenever any foreign country or instrumentality withdraws, 
    suspends, or modifies the application of trade agreement obligations 
    of benefit to the United States without granting adequate 
    compensation therefor, the President, in pursuance of rights granted 
    to the United States under any trade agreement and to the extent 
    necessary to protect United States economic interests (including 
    United States balance of payments), may--
        (1) withdraw, suspend, or modify the application of 
    substantially equivalent trade agreement obligations of benefit to 
    such foreign country or instrumentality; and
        (2) proclaim under subsection (c) such increased duties or other 
    import restrictions as are appropriate to effect adequate 
    compensation from such foreign country or instrumentality.
        (e) Duties or other import restrictions required or appropriate 
    to carry out any trade agreement entered into pursuant to this Act, 
    section 201 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, or section 350 of 
    the Tariff Act of 1930 shall not be affected by any termination, in 
    whole or in part, of such agreement or by the withdrawal of the 
    United States from such agreement and shall remain in effect after 
    the date of such termination or withdrawal for 1 year, unless the 
    President by proclamation provides that such rates shall be restored 
    to the level at which they would be but for the agreement. Within 60 
    days after the date of any such termination or withdrawal, the 
    President shall transmit to the Congress his recommendations as to 
    the appropriate rates of duty for all articles which were affected 
    by the termination or withdrawal or would have been so affected but 
    for the preceding sentence.
        (f) Before taking any action pursuant to subsection (b), (c), or 
    (d), the President shall provide for a public hearing during the 
    course of which interested persons shall be given a reasonable 
    opportunity to be present, to produce evidence, and to be heard, 
    unless he determines that such prior hearings will be contrary to 
    the national interest because of the need for expeditious action, in 
    which case he shall provide for a public hearing promptly after such 
    action.
    
    [FR Doc. 99-4975 Filed 2-25-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
02/26/1999
Department:
International Trade Administration
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice of proposed agreement.
Document Number:
99-4975
Pages:
9892-9899 (8 pages)
PDF File:
99-4975.pdf