Following a declaration by the US International Trade Commission (USITC) saying, increased imports of fine denier Polyester staple fiber pose a substantial threat to the domestic industry, President Joe Biden has imposed a Section 201 safeguard measure to restrict these imports. This will help protect US producers of similar products from potential injury caused by surging foreign imports.
The measure will introduce a strict import quota on fine denier PSF from Nov 23, 2024. It will set the quota for the first year at zero to ban imports under certin conditions. The quota will gradually increase by £1 million annually in each of the subsequent three years. This regulation specifically targets fine denier PSF imported temporarily under bond, falling under tariff codes HTSUS 5503.20.00, 5503.20.0025, and 9813.00.0520.
Fine denier PSF is a versatile material used in producing yarn, clothing, sanitary items, non-woven fabrics (like wipes, suit interlinings, and mattresses), carpets, upholstery, and other goods. The restriction applies to fine denier PSF that is not carded or combed, with a diameter of less than 3.3 decitex (three denier), whether coated or uncoated.
Certain countries, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, Panama, Peru, Singapore, and the CAFTA-DR countries, along with those benefiting from the Generalised System of Preferences and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, are exempt from this quota if they meet specific conditions.
President Biden chose not to implement a broader tariff-rate quota, aiming to balance the needs of domestic PSF producers with the interests of US manufacturers who depend on fine denier PSF for textiles, defense-related products, and consumer goods. This decision reflects a careful approach to safeguarding American industries without overly burdening downstream producers who rely on this essential material.
