US to take up Israeli magnesium trade case

The US initiated Tuesday antidumping and countervailing duty investigations against imports from Israel following a late October petition.

The US Department of Commerce decided to begin the investigation based on support from the domestic industry as well as allegations of subsidies provided to Dead Sea Magnesium by the government of Israel. The investigation will cover imports over 2017.

The International Trade Commission will provide its preliminary determination by 10 December. The subsequent phase will involve the International Trade Administration's preliminary and final decisions, which are currently in line to finish by 17 June 2019.

In its petition, US Magnesium alleged that Dead Sea Magnesium benefited from construction funds and grants from the regional development program, Law of Encouragement of Capital Investments (ECIL).

Commerce also received letters of support for the investigation by MagPro, Advanced Magnesium Alloys and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union.

The US imported 8,902t of metal from Israel in 2018, accounting for 54pc of total imports for the year. In addition, imports of alloy magnesium and scrap and powders totaled 2,548t, or 32pc, of total volumes.