There is a “reasonable indication” that domestic fertilizer manufacturers are being hurt by the alleged dumping of imported fertilizer in the United States, the U.S. International Trade Commission declared in a unanimous vote. As a result of the ITC vote, the Commerce Department will continue its investigation of imports of urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) from Russia and from Trinidad and Tobago.
“The preliminary ITC decision is an important step towards leveling the playing field for U.S. UAN producers and their workers,” said Tony Will, chief executive of CF Industries Holdings, which filed the complaint that started the investigation.
Imports account for roughly $300 million of the $2.1 billion U.S. market for the fertilizer. Eight domestic companies make UAN.
The Commerce Department is expected to release the findings of its investigation into whether UAN is being sold at unfairly low prices and if so, at what levels, on or around Sept. 23. If anti-dumping duties are needed, the department will propose them in early December.