Aug 23 2007
Tronox Incorporated filed an antidumping duty petition with the International Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce against imports of electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) from Australia and China. The petition, filed Aug. 22, 2007, states that the EMD industry in the United States has been materially injured by imports that are being traded at less than fair value.
"U.S. EMD manufacturers have lost significant market share as a result of unfair EMD import competition," said Tom Adams, Tronox chairman and chief executive officer. "The low-priced imports have suppressed prices at a time when input costs are increasing, resulting in reduced margins. While Tronox produces superior quality products compared to imports and has aggressively pursued new product introductions, it has been very difficult to maintain the desired level of profitability in the current business environment. I am confident Tronox's EMD products can successfully compete in an equitable marketplace, and part of our strategic business plan is to work with appropriate agencies to ensure the EMD industry competes on a fair and equitable basis."
Tronox produces EMD, which is used in the manufacture of dry-cell alkaline batteries, at its Henderson, Nev., plant. The company's EMD production accounts for approximately 42% of the total U.S. EMD production. The EMD operation is part of Tronox's electrolytic businesses that include three primary product lines: battery materials, sodium chlorate and boron. These businesses represent approximately 7% of Tronox's net sales revenue.