Wind turbine tower imports hurt U.S. makers, ITC says

   The U.S. International Trade Commission has determined there is a “reasonable indication” that domestic manufacturers of utility-scale wind turbine towers are injured by imports allegedly subsidized by China and from both China and Vietnam sold in the United States at less than fair value.
   The commission made its determination in a 5-0 vote on Friday.
   As a result, the Commerce Department will continue its investigations on imports of these products, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination regarding China due on March 23, and its preliminary antidumping duty determinations regarding China and Vietnam due by June 6.
   The ITC started its investigation on Dec. 29 after receiving a petition from Broadwind Towers, Manitowoc, Wis.; DMI Industries, Fargo, N.D.; Katana Summit, Columbus, Neb.; and Trinity Structural Towers, Dallas. . The companies’ plants are located in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
   According to the ITC, total U.S. imports of these towers from China and Vietnam are estimated to be $158.7 million out of total imports of $223.2 million. The biggest sources of utility-scale wind tower imports in terms of value are Canada, China, Mexico, Vietnam, Korea, and Indonesia, the agency said.