China Demands Anti-dumping, Countervailing Deposits on Japanese Carmaker

China's customs watchdog said on Oct.19, 2012 it will demand that Nissan North America, Inc. pay cash deposits for possible anti-dumping and countervailing duties on certain types of cars exported into the country.

The General Administration of Customs (GAC) statement came after the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Oct. 18 announced a decision to initiate a new exporter review on anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Nissan products made in the United States.

China started imposing two-year anti-dumping duties at rates ranging from 2 percent to 21.5 percent, as well as countervailing duties at rates from 6.2 percent to 12.9 percent, on sedans and sport utility vehicles with engines of 2.5 liters or greater displacement imported from the United States in December 2011.

Last month, Nissan applied for separate anti-dumping and countervailing duty rates on its exports, saying it did not sell cars that were subject to the duties to China during the MOC's previous anti-dumping probes.

The GAC said Nissan should set aside anti-dumping and countervailing deposits with Chinese customs at rates of 21.5 percent and 12.9 percent, respectively, over its exports beginning from Oct. 19, 2012.

No anti-dumping and countervailing duties will be levied on the company before the MOC completes its review, which will conclude on July 18, 2013 at the latest, said the GAC.