Petitions Filed Requesting the Imposition of Antidumping and Countervailing Duties on Imports of Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam - Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP
On June 4, 2025, Byer Steel Corporation, Commercial Metals Company, Gerdau Ameristeel US Inc., Nucor Corporation, Optimus Steel LLC; Radius Recycling, d/b/a Cascade Steel Rolling Mills, Inc., and Steel Dynamics, Inc. filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on the imports of Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The petition alleges dumping margins of 145.16-166.38% (Algeria), 27.57% (Bulgaria), 110.99-129.89% (Egypt), and 115.44% (Vietnam). The petition identifies certain foreign producers/exporters and U.S. importers of the investigated product.
The merchandise subject to these orders is steel concrete reinforcing bar imported in either straight length or coil form (rebar) regardless of metallurgy, length, diameter, or grade or lack thereof. Please see the petition for a more detailed description of the covered merchandise and exclusions.
The projected date of the International Trade Commission’s Preliminary Conference is June 24, 2025. The earliest theoretical date for retroactive suspension of liquidation for AD is August 13, 2025; CVD is June 24, 2025.
Please feel free to contact one of our attorneys for further information, including a complete scope description, complete projected schedule for the AD and CVD investigations; the volume and value of imports; and list of identified foreign exporters and U.S. importers.
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ITA Announces the Official Launch of International Privacy Certifications - International Trade Administration
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The International Trade Administration (ITA) today announced the official launch of the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) and Global Privacy Recognition for Processors (PRP) Systems—international privacy certifications which provide a simple and transparent means for organizations to ensure the protection of personal information when moving across jurisdictions.
Certified companies are eligible to display the below certification marks to indicate that they are certified under the Global CBPR and/or Global PRP Systems, thereby demonstrating they have met internationally-recognized data protection and privacy standards.
Organizations seeking certification must undergo assessments by approved Accountability Agents (AAs). U.S. companies interested in obtaining the Global CBPR and Global PRP Systems certifications can contact any of the following Accountability Agents:
BBB National Programs
NCC Group
Schellman
TRUSTe
The Global CBPR and PRP Systems launch with approximately 100 certified companies covering over 2,000 entities (subsidiaries included within the parent company’s certification), which can be found on the Global CBPR Forum’s website.
The Global CBPR Forum administers the global privacy certifications to support the free flow of data and effective data protection and privacy globally. In 2022, the Forum was established by Australia, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), and the United States as jurisdictions participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CBPR System at the time. In addition to these nine Members, the Forum has since welcomed the United Kingdom, Bermuda, Dubai International Financial Center, and Mauritius as Associates.
Ms. Shannon Coe, Director of Global Data Policy at ITA and Chair of the Global CBPR Forum, emphasized the importance of these certifications in supporting today’s digital economy. “The launch of the Global CBPR and Global PRP Systems empowers companies worldwide to uphold the highest standards of data privacy, fosters trust, enables trade and drives innovation in a connected future,” said Ms. Coe. “We encourage companies operating in the global market to consider becoming certified and jurisdictions to join the Forum to make this tool available to companies in their jurisdictions.”
The launch of the Global CBPR and Global PRP privacy certifications represents a major step forward in the United States’ efforts to support trusted global data flows critically important to the modern economy, economic growth, and innovation. These certifications will benefit U.S. companies of every sector by ensuring that data privacy compliance and regulatory differences don not hinder the ability to deliver products and services worldwide.
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Federal Register Notices:
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Initiation of Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Advance Notification of Sunset Review
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Sol Gel Alumina-Based Ceramic Abrasive Grains From China; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Calcium Hypochlorite From China; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Lattice-Boom Crawler Cranes (LBCCs) From Japan
• Certain Collated Steel Staples From China; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide From China; Institution of a Five-Year Review
• Lightweight Thermal Paper From China; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
• Certain Hydrodermabrasion Systems and Components Thereof III; Notice of a Commission Determination To Issue a Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders; Termination of Investigation
• Certain Electronic Computing Devices, and Components and Modules Thereof Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting a Joint Motion To Terminate the Investigation in Its Entirety Based Upon Settlement
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity To Request Administrative Review and Join Annual Inquiry Service List
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Nanolaminate Alloy Coated Metal Parts and Products Containing the Same; Notice of a Commission Decision Not To Review an Initial Determination Amending the Complaint and Notice of Investigation
• Certain Mobile Phones, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same; Notice of a Commission Decision Not To Review an Initial Determination Terminating the Investigation in Its Entirety Based on Settlement; Termination of Investigation
• L-lysine From China; Institution of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations; Scheduling of Preliminary Phase Investigations
• Certain Cellular Base Station Communication Equipment, Components Thereof, and Products Containing Same; Notice of Commission Decision Not To Review an Initial Determination Terminating the Investigation Based on Settlement; Termination of Investigation
• Vanillin From China; Cancellation of Hearing for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations
• Certain Composite Intermediate Bulk Containers; Notice of Commission Decision Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting a Motion To Amend the Complaint and Notice of Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Stainless Steel Plate in Coils From Belgium: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Certain Monomers and Oligomers From Taiwan: Postponement of Preliminary Determination in the Countervailing Duty Investigation
• Sodium Nitrite From India: Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2024
• Refined Brown Aluminum Oxide From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited Fourth Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Paper File Folders From Cambodia and Sri Lanka; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
• Certain Selective Thyroid Hormone Receptor-Beta Agonists, Processes for Manufacturing or Relating to Same, and Products Containing Same; Notice of Commission Final Determination Finding a Violation of Section 337; Issuance of a Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders; Termination of the Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Stainless Steel Flanges From India: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Glow Fish Tape Systems, Safety Helmet Systems, and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting Complainant's Motion for Leave To Amend the Complaint and Notice of Investigation
• Certain Exercise Equipment and Subassemblies Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting-in-Part Complainant's Motion for Summary Determination of Violation; Request for Written Submissions on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Vanillin From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination
• Certain Corrosion Inhibitors From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 2023-2024
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Treasury Releases Request for Information related to the Executive Order 14247 “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account” - Department of Treasury
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) released a request for information related to the Executive Order (EO) 14247 “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account,” which transitions federal disbursements to electronic payments. Beginning September 30, 2025, all federal payments that are currently made by paper check—including Social Security benefits, tax refunds, and vendor payments—will be made electronically.
Paper checks are increasingly the front door for fraud. Treasury is committed to raising awareness of the growing fraud risks associated with paper checks and providing Americans with the knowledge and tools to fight financial fraud and make informed financial decisions.
The request for information (RFI) released today offers the opportunity for interested individuals and organizations to provide feedback on Treasury’s implementation of the Executive Order and make recommendations to increase public awareness to help consumers, including unbanked and underbanked populations, transition to digital payments.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments within 30 days. Comments responding to this request for information will be publicly viewable at www.regulations.gov.
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FTC Sends Warning Letters to Prescribers Regarding Possible Violations of the Contact Lens Rule - Federal Trade Commission
According to CPSC’s most recent report, Senior Injuries and Deaths Associated with Consumer Products: 2024 R
Staff of the Federal Trade Commission sent 37 letters to contact lens prescribers warning them of potential violations of the agency’s Contact Lens Rule. Staff also sent a letter to Spectrum Vision Partners, LLC, stating that the FTC is closing its investigation of the company’s potential violations of the Eyeglass Rule and Contact Lens Rule, but warning Spectrum to remain in compliance with the Rules.
The Contact Lens Rule requires prescribers to give patients a copy of their prescription at the end of a fitting. The Eyeglass Rule requires prescribers to give patients a copy of their prescription after completing any refractive eye examination. Under both rules, prescribers are prohibited from charging additional fees or requiring a signed waiver for releasing prescriptions. The Rules also prohibit prescribers from requiring a patient to buy contact lenses or eyeglasses from them and prohibit refusing to perform an eye exam unless the patient buys contact lenses or eyeglasses from them.
The 37 letters were based on consumer complaints and are not formal determinations that the recipients have violated the Contact Lens Rule or the Eyeglass Rule. The letters informed prescribers of their obligations under the Rules and warned them that violations of either Rule may result in legal action, including the issuance of administrative subpoenas and civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation.
The letter to Spectrum follows an investigation sparked by consumer complaints that vision centers managed by Spectrum were charging patients an additional fee for releasing prescriptions. The fee was not charged if patients had a refractive exam but did not want a copy of their prescription.
Prescribers may charge fees for refractive eye exams. However, if they are performing refractive eye exams and charging fees only to patients who want their prescriptions, that amounts to charging for prescriptions and is a violation of the Eyeglass Rule.
The FTC has staff guidance to assist prescribers in complying with the Rules. See: The Contact Lens Rule: A Guide for Prescribers and Sellers and Complying with the Eyeglass Rule. In addition, the FTC has information to help consumers understand their rights under federal law. See: Buying Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses, Your Rights.
The lead staff attorney on this matter is Alysa Bernstein in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.
The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer.ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.
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CPSC Highlights the Safety of Older Americans During National Safety Month - Consumer Product Safety Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Consumer products present significant injury risks to older Americans, sending more than three million seniors to the hospital each year. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is hard at work addressing these hazards and helping them to live safer, more independent lives.
According to CPSC’s most recent report, Senior Injuries and Deaths Associated with Consumer Products: 2024 Report, consumer products are associated with 41,000 senior deaths each year. CPSC is emphasizing the importance of keeping older adults safe during June—National Safety Month.
This report comes as the CPSC sets yet another recall record for products violating the Safety Standard for Adult Portable Bed Rails. Last week CPSC announced the results of a recent enforcement sweep targeting these products, which can pose deadly entrapment and strangulation hazards when they do not comply with federal safety standards. In doing so, CPSC secured remedies for consumers in multiple recalls, totaling more than 95,000 units.
“CPSC continues to carry out its vital mission and is outpacing key safety and performance metrics from recent years, including with respect to senior safety," said Acting Chairman Peter Feldman. “I want to recognize the leadership of my colleague Commissioner Dziak, who has done more than others to advance this cause.”
“My family has seen firsthand how a senior injury can change lives forever,” said Commissioner Douglas Dziak. “Several years ago, my mother-in-law suffered a serious head injury after an in-home fall. She has never fully recovered and requires significant ongoing treatment and care. Unfortunately, as the Commission’s report describes, our story is not unique, and I will continue to prioritize senior safety by seeking to reduce consumer hazards for seniors and increase awareness regarding senior injury risk.”
Older adults and their caregivers can work to prevent these tragic injuries and deaths by following these safety steps:
• Check if the portable adult bed rails in your home have been recalled. If they have, do not use them. If purchasing new ones, look for bed rails that meet the ASTM voluntary standard ASTM F3186 – 17, Standard Specification for Adult Portable Bed Rails and Related Products.
• Install handrails on both sides of any stairs in your home and grab bars in bathrooms. Keep stairs well-lit and free of clutter.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom. Install carbon monoxide alarms on each floor outside sleeping areas.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking on the stove. The clothing can catch fire. Keep an eye on food cooking on the stovetop and in the oven. Stand by your pan.
• Do not swim alone. Take swimming lessons. Use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation device if you are unsure of your swimming ability.
• Never operate a portable generator inside the home. Generators should be used outside at least 20 feet away from the house, and never near windows or vents.
• Watch for traffic and wear the appropriate gear when riding four-wheelers, bicycles and e-scooters, including bicycle helmets.
For more tips go to Older Adult Safety | CPSC.gov.