U.S. ITC sunset review of Russian Ammonium Nitratee

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is currently conducting a full five-year review concerning the suspended investigation on ammonium nitrate from Russia. The ITC will be determining whether termination of any existing tariffs and import restrictions on Russian ammonium nitrate would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to U.S. domestic fertilizer manufacturers. On May 19, 2000, the U.S. Department of Commerce entered into a suspension agreement with Russia regarding this product after they determined that it was being sold in the United States at less than fair market value. Since the initial investigation of this case in July 1999, much has changed in the U.S. marketplace. Over the past year many domestic manufacturers and distributors have publicly announced they will no longer be producing or selling ammonium nitrate due to security and liability concerns. There are now only two domestic manufacturers making this fertilizer product. The ITC is seeking general information from the industry in the form of questionnaires for purchasers and importers of ammonium nitrate. ARA encourages any members that may have an interest in this trade case to complete the questionnaire(s) and submit them to the ITC by November 15, 2005.

Please call me if you have any questions concerning this request. Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

Richard Gupton
Director of Legislative Policy & Counsel
Agricultural Retailers Association
1156 15th Street, NW
Suite 302
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel. # (202) 457-0825
Fax # (202) 457-0864
www.aradc.org