Last week, the International Trade Commission (ITC) launched an investigation into dumping allegations regarding brake drums imported from Turkey and China. Provisional duties could be imposed as early as later this summer.
Webb Wheel filed a petition in June asking the federal government to impose antidumping and countervailing duties on these components. The petition alleges imports from Turkey and China are being sold at unfairly low prices in the U.S., undermining domestic manufacturers, such as Webb.
According to the National Trailer Dealers Association and MacKay and Co., the U.S. aftermarket for brake drums for trailers is valued at $180 million annually. NTDA says in a news release that if half the brake drums imported from the two countries are subjected to a hypothetical 300% tariff, it would "significantly" increase the cost of imported brake drums, affecting dealers' pricing structures and potentially leading to higher trailer prices.
The NTDA says it's worried about increased costs, potential supply chain disruptions and competitive disadvantages for businesses that rely on imports. The association encouraged concerned members to contact the ITC, Department of Commerce (DOC) or legislators.
