Felman Production reported this week that the US-based silicomanganese producer has filed an anti-dumping petition with the US Department of Commerce and US International Trade Commission (USITC). The petition alleges that dumped imports of Australian silicomanganese are causing material injury to the company's West Virginia operations, as well as harm to the greater US silicomanganese industry.

A press release by Felman indicated that its filing was in direct response to increased volumes of "low-priced imports" of silicomanganese from Tasmanian Electro Metallurgical Company (TEMCO). Felman indicated in its statement that the imports have been dumped at a rate of 61.1% given that Australia is considered a "low price leader."

The US Department of Commerce has 20 days from the date of filing to determine if it will initiate an investigation. Meanwhile, the USITC has 45 days to reach a preliminary determination. The whole investigation, without appeal, is expected to take 12 months, but Felman reports that preliminary antidumping duties can be assessed on Australian imports within six months.

Mordechai Korf, CEO of Felman Production, commented, "Dumped silicomanganese from Australia has had a devastating impact on US market conditions in recent years, but we are not giving up. Felman successfully restarted two of its furnaces last year, and we are now taking this important action to ensure that US manufacturers and workers have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field."

Sources within the US silicomanganese industry were abuzz this past week following the announcement. With very little spot activity taking place in the middle of Q1, few sources felt that SiMn prices would change in the near term. While there were previous claims that prices in the US could fall in the approaching months, many felt that the investigation instead would provide some price support in the months ahead. In 2014, the US imported 70,774 mt of Australian silicomanganese. In 2013, imports were 75,337 mt, and in 2012, imports from Australia were 26,384 mt.

• [Editor:Sophie]