Importers and Exporters Risk Tariffs Exceeding 160% If They Fail to Respond
A newly filed trade petition could lead to heavy tariffs on U.S. imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar — known as rebar — from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam.
The petition was filed with both the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), seeking antidumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD). It alleges that producers in the named countries are benefiting from government subsidies and selling rebar in the United States at unfairly low prices.
Unless importers and exporters participate in the investigation, they may be hit with the highest proposed tariffs — as high as 166.38% — by default.
Who Filed the Petition?
On June 4, 2025, Wiley Rein LLP filed the petition on behalf of the Rebar Trade Action Coalition, a group of major U.S. steel producers.
The Rebar Trade Action Coalition includes:
- Byer Steel Corporation
- Commercial Metals Company
- Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc.
- Nucor Corporation
- Optimus Steel
- Steel Dynamics, Inc.
Potential Tariff Rates
If the agencies find in favor of the petition — and companies fail to participate — the following rates could be applied:
- Algeria — up to 166.38%
- Egypt — up to 129.89%
- Vietnam — up to 115.44%
- Bulgaria — up to 27.57%
What’s Covered?
The petition covers steel concrete reinforcing bar, whether imported in straight lengths or coil form, and regardless of diameter, length, or metallurgy. It includes rebar that’s been processed in the country of origin or in third countries — such as cutting, coating, galvanizing, or painting — unless those steps would otherwise remove the item from the scope.
Excluded from the Petition:
- Plain rounds (smooth, non-deformed rebar) are specifically excluded.
Affected HTS Codes:
The rebar covered by the petition falls primarily under these HTSUS codes:
- 7213.10.0000
- 7214.20.0000
- 7228.30.8010
Other related codes may also apply. (HTS codes are included for reference, but the written scope controls.)
Key Deadlines — Antidumping Investigation
- June 4, 2025 — Petition filed
- June 24, 2025 — Investigation initiated by DOC
- July 19, 2025 — ITC preliminary determination
- Nov 11, 2025 — DOC preliminary determination
- (May be extended to Dec 31, 2025)
- Jan 27, 2026 – May 15, 2026 — DOC final determination window
- Mar 13 – Jun 30, 2026 — ITC final determination, depending on schedule
Key Deadlines — Countervailing Duty Investigation
- June 24, 2025 — Investigation initiated by DOC
- July 19, 2025 — ITC preliminary determination
- Aug 28, 2025 — DOC preliminary determination (May be extended to Nov 1, 2025)
- Nov 11, 2025 – Jan 17, 2026 — DOC final determination
- Dec 26, 2025 – Mar 3, 2026 — ITC final determination, depending on extensions
Take Action Now
The early stages of these trade cases move quickly — and the consequences of silence are steep. The ITC and DOC will soon send questionnaires to importers and exporters of rebar. If you receive one, a timely and complete response is critical to avoiding the highest possible duties.
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