A Hunter-based, family owned, processor of engineering bar products has welcomed the Preliminary Affirmative Determination (PAD) issued by the Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) as part of its investigation into alleged dumping of Romanian and Italian hard chrome plated steel bar into the Australian market.
Milltech Pty Ltd made an application for an ADC investigation in November 2015 alleging the goods have been exported to Australia at prices less than their normal value. Milltech Managing Director Fred Reis said the dumping has caused material injury to Milltech and the Australian industry, threatening local jobs.
The ADC has imposed preliminary dumping securities ranging between 22.4% and 78.2% on imports of Hard Chrome Plated Bar from Romania. While no dumping of Italian imports has been determined at this stage, the ADC is continuing its investigations.
Fred said this was the first time Milltech had called for an ADC investigation. He said Milltech was able to compete with any other manufacturer in the world if there is a level playing field.
“We are not after subsidies or protection, we just want fair competition,” Fred said.
Chrome plated bar products are used in applications such as hydraulics and pneumatics while the company’s other products are used in a diverse range of manufacturing and engineering applications.
Milltech was established in Newcastle in 1992 and employs around 55 people in its Newcastle and Melbourne factories.
The PAD sets anti-dumping securities that may become payable on the goods.
The next step in the investigation process is the release of a Statement of Essential Facts (SEF) by the ADC. Submissions are due to the ADC 20 days after the SEF is published. Then a final recommendation is made to the Parliamentary Secretary who makes a determination within 30 days of receiving the ADC recommendation.
Another Hunter-based company, MolyCop – a division of Arrium, last year also persuaded the ADC to investigate dumping of metal grinding balls by Chinese companies.
Image | Fred Reis, Managing Director, Milltech Pty Ltd
