I. Type of Action: Antidumping Duty (“AD”): South Korea
II. Product:
SAP is a fine white substance that is typically produced in granular, powder form. It is the product of a polymerization of acrylic monomer molecules with crosslinkers to form crosslinked polymer networks, with a high capacity to absorb and retain water and aqueous liquids. SAP is insoluble in water but can absorb and retain from 100 to 1000 times its own weight in water or from 20 to 60 times its own weight in body fluids (such as urine). Upon contact with aqueous liquid, the sodium ions in the material become dissociated, generating an osmotic pressure which drives more liquid into the SAP and binding it tightly within. The liquid is not only absorbed but also retained inside the particles, even under external pressure. The absorption process causes a phase change of the polymer from a dry powder to a soft gel that is still capable of absorbing further liquid.
SAP is mainly used for hygiene applications, such as baby diapers, adult diapers, and feminine hygiene products. SAP can also be used in food-related areas, such as refrigerant or freshness-keeping agents, and in household products, such as disposable heating packs or environment fragrance. Finally, SAP can be used for water retention in agriculture or civil engineering projects.
III. HTS Classifications:
SAP is imported duty-free into the United States under HTSUS 3906.90.5000. Additional, non-SAP products are also imported into the United States under this HTSUS subheading.
IV. Date of Filing: November 2, 2021
V. Petitioners: Ad Hoc Coalition of American SAP Producers
VI. Foreign Producers/Exporters:
Please contact our office for a list filed with the petition.
VII. US Importers named:
Please contact our office for a list filed with the petition.
VIII. Alleged Dumping Margins:
Korea: 28.6-49.4%
IX. Comments:
A. Projected date of ITC Preliminary Conference: November 23, 2021.
B. The earliest theoretical date for retroactive suspension of liquidation for the AD is January 11, 2022.
Please contact our office for a complete projected schedule for the AD investigation.
C. Volume and Value of Imports:
Please contact our office for a summary of the data filed with the petition.
If you have questions regarding how this investigation may impact future imports of scope merchandise or whether a particular product is within the scope of the investigation, please contact one of our attorneys.