Global Geopolitical Series: U.S. initiates duty investigations on Magnesium from Israel

In a continuation of the toughened stance against both Allies and adversaries, the U.S.  Commerce Department initiated investigations into imports of Magnesium from Israel. Yesterday, the Commerce Department announced that it is looking into imports of Magnesium from Israel to determine whether the product is being sold at a fair value or less. In addition to that, it would also look into whether the exporters are receiving subsidies to produce Magnesium.

The investigation was initiated based on petitions filed Magnesium LLC in October. The petitioner is alleging dumping margins ranging from 92.06 to 130.61 percent. The petitioner is also alleging the existence of 12 subsidy programs including seven tax programs and five grant programs.

According to the department’s calculations, the imports of Magnesium from Israel were valued at an estimated $43.5 million in 2017. The preliminary results of the investigations are expected by January.

Under President Trump, the U.S. Commerce Department has significantly stepped up its investigations into foreign malpractices in trade and the number of investigations initiated is 242 percent more than the previous administration.