BOJ Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Japan Signals Shift Toward Monetary Normalization 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Yen Near Lows as Markets Await Bank of Japan Rate Decision, Euro Slips After ECB Signals Caution 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Last week, the U.S. Commerce Department announced that it has concluded its investigation into imports of cast iron soil pipe fittings from China and the department has found that exporters from China received countervailable subsidies ranging from 7.37 percent to 133.94 percent. In addition to that, the department has also found that Chinese exporters are dumping the above product at 22.11 to 360.39 percent less than fair value. The Commerce Department has asked the U.S. customs and border protection agency (CBP) to collect cash deposits from importers based on the above rates.
The investigation was initiated based on a petition filed by Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute of Illinois. According to the department’s calculation, the imports of cast iron soil pipe from China were valued at $7.8 million in 2017.
The Commerce Department has significantly stepped up AD & CVD (Countervailing duties) investigations and actions under the Trump administration. The number of investigations initiated and settled is 30 percent more than the previous administration.
