The investigation was initiated following a countervailing duty petition filed on April 6, 2026, by Charter Steel, Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Steel USA, Nucor Corporation, and Optimus Steel LLC. Following the petition, the US Department of Commerce officially launched the investigation on May 1, 2026.
The period of investigation covers January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.
73.33% rate determined for AQS
The Department preliminarily determined a countervailable subsidy rate of 73.33% for SPA Algerian Qatari Steel (AQS), the mandatory respondent in the investigation. The same rate will also apply to all other Algerian producers and exporters covered by the investigation.
The US Department of Commerce stated that its determination was based on the facts available and adverse inferences because AQS and the Government of Algeria failed to provide the requested information. Therefore, no verification will be conducted as part of the investigation.
HTSUS codes covered by the investigation announced
The products under investigation are classified under HTSUS codes 7213913011, 7213913015, 7213913020, 7213913093, 7213914500, 7213916000, 7213990030, 7227200030, 7227200080, 7227906010, 7227906020, 7227906030, and 7227906035.
In addition, products entered under HTSUS codes 7213900090 and 7227906090 may also be subject to the investigation if they meet the written physical description of the merchandise covered.
The Department stated that the HTSUS codes are provided for customs convenience only and that the written description of the merchandise is dispositive in determining the scope of the investigation.
Cash deposits to be required on imports
Under the preliminary determination, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be instructed to suspend liquidation of entries of subject wire rod from Algeria upon publication of the determination in the Federal Register.
In addition, cash deposits equal to the applicable company-specific rate, or the 73.33% rate applicable to all other producers and exporters, will be required for such imports.
The US Department of Commerce invited interested parties to submit comments on the preliminary determination and stated that the final determination will be announced upon completion of the investigation process.
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