China Wins Recent Pricing Battle for Coated Papers

The American coated paper producers received a disappointing message in their fight against Chinese imports. Recall the breaking news Paper.com reported last month outlining initial victory with President Bush voting in favor of a large tariff (20-30%) on imported coated papers. NewPage, a large coated paper producer stated they and other manufacturers were materially 'injured’ with low priced, subsidized imports from countries such as China, South Korea and Indonesia. The Federal Trade Commission ruled that these imports did not cause harm and voted against the tariff. Furthermore, the World Trade Organization is reviewing whether these tariffs are legal. In the meanwhile, the newly imposed tariffs are canceled. The Commerce Department is now reviewing.