OPINION

EVAN WALLACH, Judge

I Introduction

Plaintiffs SKF USA Inc., SKF France S.A., SKF Aerospace France, SKF GmbH, and SKF Industrie S.p.A. (collectively "SKF") challenge the United States Department of Commerce's ("Commerce" or "the Department") findings in Ball Bearings and Parts Thereof From France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, 70 Fed.Reg. 54,711 (September 16, 2005) ( "Final Results"). The court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1581(c).

II Background

On September 15, 2005, the Department published in the Federal Register the Final Results of its Fifteenth Review of ball bearings and parts thereof from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, covering the period of review ("POR") from May 1, 2003 through April 30, 2004. Final Results, 70 Fed. Reg. at 54,711. The review covers ball bearings (other than tapered roller bearings) and parts thereof, specifically antifriction balls, ball bearings with integral shafts, ball bearings (including radial ball bearings) and parts thereof, and housed or mounted ball bearings united and parts thereof. Id. at 54,712. In the Final Results, Commerce found a 8.41% weighted-average dumping margin for SKF France S.A., 16.06% for SKF GmbH, and 2.59% for SKF Industrie S.p.A. Id. at 54,713. SKF does not contest the antidumping margins for bearings affected by the Final Results from the United Kingdom.

Oral argument was held on January 24, 2007.

III Standard of Review

This court will sustain Commerce's determinations, findings, or conclusions unless they are "unsupported by substantial evidence on the record, or otherwise not in accordance with law." 19 U.S.C. § 1516a(b)(1)(B); Magnesium Corp. of Am. v. United States, 166 F.3d 1364, 1368 (Fed. Cir. 1999). Substantial evidence is "such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion." Universal Camera Corp. v. NLRB, 340 U.S. 474, 477, 71 S.Ct. 456, 95 L.Ed. 456 (1951) (citing Consol. Edison Co. v. NLRB, 305 U.S. 197, 229, 59 S.Ct. 206, 83 L.Ed. 126 (1938)). Courts have considered substantial evidence to be something less than the weight of the evidence; the possibility of drawing two inconsistent conclusions from the presented evidence does not necessarily prevent an administrative agency's finding from being supported by substantial evidence. Consolo v. Fed. Mar. Comm'n, 383 U.S. 607, 619-20, 86 S.Ct. 1018, 16 L.Ed.2d 131 (1966) (citing Labor Board v. Nevada Consol. Copper Corp., 316 U.S. 105, 106, 62 S.Ct. 960, 86 L.Ed. 1305 (1942); Keele Hair Scalp Specialists, Inc. v. Fed. Trade Comm'n, 275 F.2d 18, 21 (5th Cir. 1960)).

The court must use a two-step analysis when evaluating Commerce's statutory interpretation. Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Res. Def. Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837, 842-43, 104 S.Ct. 2778, 81 L.Ed.2d 694 (1984). The court examines, first, whether "Congress has directly spoken to the precise question at issue," in which case courts, "must give effect to the unambiguously expressed intent of Congress." Id.; see also Household Credit Servs. v. Pfennig, 541 U.S. 232, 239, 124 S.Ct. 1741, 158 L.Ed.2d 450 (2004). Whenever Congress has "explicitly left a gap for the agency to fill," the agency's regulation is "given controlling weight unless [it is] arbitrary, capricious, or manifestly contrary to the statute." Chevron, 467 U.S. at 843-44, 104 S.Ct. 2778.

When faced with a problem of statutory construction, this Court shows great deference to the interpretation given the statute by the officers or agency charged with its administration. `To sustain the [agency's] application of this statutory term, we need not find that its construction is the only reasonable one, or even that it is the result we would have reached had the question arisen in the first instance in judicial proceedings.'

IV Discussion A

Commerce's Decision to Revise Its Model-Matching Methodology is Supported by Substantial Evidence and is in Accordance with Law

Plaintiffs argue that Commerce's departure from its previous methodology contravenes its long-standing policy to "`maintain a stable, normal, and predictable approach' with regards to model match, and not to alter that methodology unless compelling reasons exist." Plaintiffs' Rule 56.2 Motion for Judgment Upon the Agency Record ("Plaintiffs' Motion") at 10 (citing Polyethylene Terephthalate Film, Sheet, and Strip from the Republic of Korea; Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews and Notice of Revocation in Part, 61 Fed.Reg. 35,177, 35,181 (July 5, 1996) ("Polyethylene")). Plaintiffs contend that Commerce's decision to change the model match methodology retroactively unfairly deprived Plaintiffs of outcome predictability and that Commerce's justification for changing the methodology departs from its own criteria that sets out when it is appropriate to change a model match methodology. Id.

Specifically, Plaintiffs argue that Commerce created a methodology inconsistent with the principle that model match methodologies reflect market place realities. Id. at 12. Plaintiffs claim that Commerce has not gained any additional expertise or knowledge of market demand or market realities and that recognizing differences in types of lubricant reflects a misunderstanding of market realities. Id. at 12-13. Plaintiffs also argue that Commerce violated its normal practice of refraining from altering model match criteria absent evidence that the methodology does not properly reflect the product in question, there have been industry changes to the product, or there are other compelling reasons. Id. at 11 (citing Stainless Steel, 70 Fed.Reg. at 73,731; Carbon Steel, 71 Fed.Reg. at 7,514). Plaintiffs assert that there have been no changes to the products or the industry such that the "family" match methodology previously used no longer re-flects the subject merchandise and Commerce has failed to articulate any compelling reason for the change. Id. at 14. Plaintiffs contend that Commerce's reasons for changing the methodology, technological advancements and increased accuracy, are insufficient and that Commerce has nevertheless failed to show that the new methodology results in increased accuracy. Id. at 14, 18.

Defendant concedes that during the Second Administrative Review Commerce decided to continue applying the family method, but notes that it stated it would continue to evaluate the appropriateness of the method and make alterations when compelling reasons exist. Defendant's Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Judgment Upon the Agency Record ("Defendant's Response") at 5-6. Timken U.S. Corporation urged Commerce to alter its model match methodology during the Fourteenth Administrative Review and Commerce determined at that time that compelling reasons did exist for a modification. Id. at 6 (citing Antifriction Bearings (Other Than Tapered Roller Bearings) and Parts Thereof From France; et al.; Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, 57 Fed.Reg. 28,-360, cmt.1 (June 24, 1992)). "Specifically, Commerce determined that a revised methodology: 1) more accurately reflected the intent of 19 U.S.C. § 1677(16), including the statute's preference for identifying foreign like product by selecting the single most similar product; 2) reflected the statutory preference for using price-to-price comparisons; and 3) enabled Commerce to take advantage of technological developments." Id. (citing Memorandum from Jeffrey A. May, Deputy Assistant Sec'y for Import Admin., U.S. Dep't of Commerce, to James J. Jochum, Assistant Sec'y for Import Admin., U.S. Dep't of Commerce, at 4-5 (December 3, 2003) ("Model Match Memo")). Defendant asserts that because there is sufficient evidence to support these findings, the change was reasonable and should be sustained by this court. Id. at 16.

Defendant asserts that by using the new method Commerce can identify the single most similar product because "Commerce can now capture slight differences in the physical characteristics of the home market and United States model being compared which are still similar enough to be considered for comparison." Id. at 18. Defendant also argues that Commerce is not required "to ensure that home market models are technically substitutable, purchased by the same type of customers, or applied to the same end as the U.S. model." Id. at 18 (citing Memorandum from Barbara E. Tillman, Acting Deputy Assistant Sec'y for Import Admin., U.S. Dep't of Commerce, to Ronald K. Lorentzen, Acting Assistant Sec'y for Import Admin., U.S. Dep't of Commerce, Issues and Decision Memorandum for the Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews of Ball Bearings and Parts Thereof from France, Germany etc. for the Period of Review May 1, 2003, through April 30, 2004, at 24 (September 12, 2005) ("Issues Decision Memo") (citing Koyo Seiko Co. v. United States, 66 F.3d 1204, 1210 (Fed. Cir. 1995))). Defendant explains that the new methodology allows for a greater number of price-to-price comparisons because Commerce is now able to use fewer constructed values. Id. at 20.

Plaintiffs contend that changes in technology should not be considered because "Commerce never stated it was in some way technologically limited from more accurately calculating similar merchandise" when it created the family method. Plaintiffs' Motion at 16. Defendant counters that technological advancements are merely the means by which Commerce is able to implement a more accurate revised methodology and that as such, Commerce implicitly recognized these limitations in its original methodology. Defendant's Response at 21-22. Plaintiffs also argue that it is not valid to assert that technological constraints prohibited Commerce from selecting the most similar model in prior reviews because Commerce had been making such selections in older cases and because Commerce used a most similar method in the original investigation. Plaintiffs' Motion at 15, 19.

Defendant-Intervenor argues that the new method enhances Commerce's role in model match and data collection. Response of Timken U.S. Corporation to the Rule 56.2 Motion of SKF USA Inc., et al. ("Timken's Response") at 19. Timken states that, using the new method, U.S. sales of models that differ only in size or load rating are no longer excluded if the models match on the first four "most fundamental" characteristics. Id. at 20. Additionally, when using the family method Commerce was dependent on the family code provided by respondents to match similar products, whereas when using the new method Commerce performs the matching itself using additional data reported by respondents and the program designed by the agency. Id. Commerce selects the appropriate comparison products on the basis of physical characteristics, variable costs of manufacturing, and the reported date of sale and level of trade. Id. at 9.

The parties disagree as to whether it was proper to apply the new methodology retroactively. Plaintiffs state that a fair administration of antidumping laws has required Commerce, in certain circumstances, to adhere to methodologies it sought to alter. Reply Brief in Support of SKF's Rule 56.2 Motion for Judgment Upon the Agency Record ("Plaintiffs' Reply") at 12-13, (citing Shikoku Chems. Corp. v. United States, 16 CIT 382, 388, 795 F.Supp. 417, 421 (1992)). Plaintiffs state that this court has held that "`while reliance cannot be presumed,' if a party establishes reliance on a methodology or law in effect at that time, then the retroactive application of a change in methodology or law is unlawful." Id. at 13 (citing Brother Indus., Ltd. v. United States, 15 CIT 332, 339, 771 F.Supp. 374, 382 (1991); Fujian Mach. Equip. Imp. Exp. Corp. v. United States, 25 CIT 1150, 1170, 178 F.Supp.2d 1305, 1327 (2001)). Plaintiffs assert that they relied upon Commerce's long-standing family model match methodology during the period of review and even with advance notice of the possible change they could not anticipate what that change would be and therefore could make no revisions. Id. at 13-14.

Defendant asserts that retroactivity is not a basis for challenge and that requiring Commerce to apply changes only to prospective reviews and not to prospective entries "would paralyze Commerce's ability to change its own practices." Defendant's Response at 24. Defendant contends that the antidumping scheme is constructed in such a way as to always apply Commerce's decisions retroactively. Id. at 24-25 (citing Abitibi-Consol. Inc. et al., v. United States, 437 F.Supp.2d 1352, 1361 (CIT 2006)). Defendant also asserts that Commerce met the notice requirement in 19 U.S.C. § 1677m(g) by informing the interested parties that it had determined it was appropriate to change the model match methodology, soliciting comments, and providing the parties affected by the change an opportunity to comment before the final determination. Id. at 23-24.

The standard by which this court reviews Commerce's decision is whether Commerce reasonably determined that there were compelling reasons to revise the model match methodology. Hangzhou Spring Washer Co. v. United States, 387 F.Supp.2d 1236, 1246 (CIT 2005). The agency must set forth the grounds for change when the court considers the bases of the agency's action and whether it is consistent with the agency's mandate. Luoyang Bearing Corp. v. United States, 347 F.Supp.2d 1326, 1333 (CIT 2004); see NTN Bearing Corp. v. United States, 295 F.3d 1263, 1269 (CIT 2002).

In Timken Company v. United States, 630 F.Supp. 1327, 1337 (CIT 1986), this court recognized that the intent of the applicable statute, 19 U.S.C. § 1677(16)(B), is to compare foreign like product to the single most similar United States model. The new method allows Commerce to select the most similar model by allowing the comparison of models with only slight physical differences that are still similar enough to result in a suitable comparison. Issues Decision Memo at 24. Selection of the single most similar model also allows for a greater number of reasonable price-to-price comparisons, as is the statutory preference. 19 U.S.C. § 1677b(a)(1)(A); Uruguay Round Agreements Act, Statement of Administrative Action, H.R. Doc. No. 103-316, at 820 (1994), reprinted in 1994 U.S.C.A.N.N. 4040, 4161 ("[T]he preferred method for identifying and measuring dumping is to compare home market sales of the foreign like product to export sales to the United States."). Under the family methodology Commerce was forced to use constructed value for two-thirds of all models for which there were no contemporaneous sales of the identical model, rather than in a price-to-price analysis. Memorandum from Barbara E. Tillman, Acting Deputy Assistant Sec'y for Import Admin., U.S. Dep't of Commerce, to Joseph A. Spetrini, Acting Assistant Sec'y for Import Admin., U.S. Dep't of Commerce, at 6-7 (May 6, 2005). By contrast, under the new methodology, price-to-price comparisons, rose from 30 to 70 percent, without the need for constructed value. Id. at 14.

The new methodology also enables Commerce to take advantage of technological advancements. When the family method was developed over sixteen years ago technological resources were far less powerful than they are today. See Model Match Memo at 3. Commerce used an offsite mainframe computer that was significantly slower and much more expensive than desktop computers in use today. Id. Running the program for just one of the large bearing companies often required three to four hours of processing time and in the first several reviews analysts had to use special terminals just to access the mainframe computer. Id. Few terminals were available, they were expensive to use, and the cost was a function of the amount of central processing time used. Id. Had Commerce employed a more complex model match methodology to identify the single most similar model, "it would have been prohibitively expensive and time consuming." Id. Today, much more powerful personal computers are used by Commerce to run all new margin-calculation programs. Id. at 4. All analysts can work simultaneously on their own computers without processing charges. Id. These technological advancements are the means by which Commerce is able to implement a more accurate model match methodology. Plaintiffs are incorrect in their assertion that Commerce did not consider technological constraints when the family method was created. Technological constraints were strongly implied when Commerce explained that it was creating a family methodology to "minimize the necessity for comparisons among an exceptionally large number of bearing models." Letter from Bernard T. Carreau, Div. Dir., Office of Antidumping Compliance, U.S. Dep't of Commerce (July 13, 1990). Because these constraints have been lifted, Commerce is free to develop a more accurate methodology so long as that methodology is reasonable.

Moreover, because technological constraints made it difficult for Commerce to select the most similar model in prior reviews, it is within Commerce's expertise and discretion to update its methodology for both increased accuracy and ease of use. See S. Cal. Edison Co. v. United States, 226 F.3d 1349, 1357 (Fed. Cir. 2000) ("Deference is particularly appropriate when the agency is applying its regulations to a complex or changing circumstance, thus requiring the agency to bring to bear its unique expertise and policy-making prerogatives."). The fact that the model matching task in the original investigation was assigned to the respondents, and not performed by Commerce, supports Commerce's stance that it did not have the technological resources to employ a most similar model matching method when the family method was created. Preliminary Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Antifriction Bearings (Other Than Tapered Roller Bearings) and Parts Thereof from the Federal Republic of Germany, 53 Fed.Reg. 45,353, 45,355-45,356 (November 9, 1988).

In assessing the reasonableness of its decision, the court observes that Commerce made the changes only after providing the parties with an opportunity to submit comments and after they received reasonable notice of the implementation of the revised methodology, as required by statute. Model Match Memo at 6-7. Indeed, Commerce extended the comment period and made modifications to its methodology based on the parties' comments and continued to employ the old methodology for the calculation of weighted-average margins. Letter from Laurie Parkhill, Dir., Office 3, AD/CVD Enforcement Group, Dep't of Commerce, to All Interested Parties (January 9, 2004); Issues Decision Memo at 30-31. The new model match methodology rests on the same eight characteristics used in the family averaging methodology, but instead of requiring all eight physical characteristics to match, redefines the "family" to represent those bearings with the physical characteristics of bearing design, load direction, number of rows, and precision grade. Memorandum from Mark Ross, Acting Office Dir., AD/CVD Enforcement, U.S. Dep't of Commerce, to Jeffrey May, Deputy Assistant Sec'y for Import Admin., Group 1, U.S. Dep't of Commerce, at 7 (July 7, 2004) ("Notice of Revised Methodology").

While Plaintiffs' assert that Commerce informed the parties on July 7, 2004 that precision grade would be a defining characteristic in its new methodology, in fact, Commerce had stated it would consider precision grade, if appropriate, on a case by case basis. See Plaintiffs' Motion at 6; Notice of Revised Methodology at 7.

In addition, Commerce's decision to consider lubricant type in its new methodology, based on its observation that differences in lubricants had a significant effect on cost, is within its discretion to make a modification. See S. Cal. Edison Co., 226 F.3d at 1357; Issues Decision Memo at 37. Though Plaintiffs argue that Commerce should have treated certain "standard" lubricants as equivalent, they failed to raise this issue during the open comment period prior to publication of the final determination. Issues Decision Memo at 37.

Commerce does indeed express its preference for maintaining a stable methodology across reviews unless compelling reasons exist. Polyethylene, 61 Fed.Reg. at 35,181. It is also Commerce's policy to make changes where compelling reasons exist and this court will review Commerce's decision for reasonableness. Hangzhou Spring Washer, 387 F.Supp.2d at 1246. Here, Commerce has provided a reasonable basis for its changes. This court has previously noted that "the absence of certainty regarding the dumping margins and final assessment of antidumping duties is a characteristic of the retrospective system of administrative reviews designed by Congress," and to require all changes be applied only prospectively would hamper Commerce's ability to change its own practices. Abitibi-Consol., 437 F.Supp.2d at 1361.

Plaintiffs cite Shikoku Chems. as requiring Commerce to adhere to a methodology on the basis of fairness. In Shikoku Chems., the court determined that Commerce had "abused its discretion in adopting a slightly improved allocation methodology in the face of years of acceptance of the prior approach." Shikoku Chems., 795 F.Supp. at 420-21. In explaining its decision, the court noted that "Commerce does not argue that key facts changed. Such changes could warrant a new approach. Nor was there a breakthrough in methodology which would reveal significant and heretofore undiscovered dumping." Id. Shikoku Chems. is distinguishable from the case sub judice precisely because Commerce's position is that technological advancements have allowed for a more accurate methodology, which in this case do "warrant a new approach." Id. at 421.

In sum, Commerce acted within its own discretion and in accordance with law. Substantial evidence exists to support a finding that Commerce acted reasonably. Accordingly, Commerce's determination is sustained.

B

Commerce's Use of its Zeroing Methodology is Supported by Substantial Evidence and in Accordance with Law

Defendant counters that Commerce's treatment of nondumped sales has been repeatedly sustained by this court and the Federal Circuit. Defendant's Response at 26.

Plaintiff notes that "stare decisis is not `an inexorable command; rather it is a principle of policy and not a mechanical formula of adherence to the latest decision.'" Plaintiffs' Motion at 22-23 (quoting Payne v. Tennessee, 501 U.S. 808, 828, 111 S.Ct. 2597, 115 L.Ed.2d 720 (1991)). However, Plaintiff's interpretation of the doctrine of stare decisis as applied to this case is wholly incorrect. Following Federal Circuit precedent here is not merely blind adherence or an automatic application by this court, as SKF asserts. Neither can the Federal Circuit's discussion of zeroing be described as "merely lurk[ing] in the record, neither brought to the attention of the court nor ruled upon." Id. at 21 (quoting Webster v. Fall, 266 U.S. 507, 511, 45 S.Ct. 148, 69 L.Ed. 411 (1925)). To the contrary, the practice of zeroing was squarely addressed by Timken and Corus Staal. Timken, 354 F.3d 1334; Corus Staal, 395 F.3d 1343. The fact that the underlying calculations in Corus Staal involved a different subsection of the statute than the statute at issue in the case sub judice does not render stare decisis inapplicable. Stafford, 444 U.S. at 535, 100 S.Ct. 774 (interpreting a statutory clause, a court considers the entire provision and purpose). As Timken aptly points out, "SKF's assertions constitute new argument only, and new argument does not avoid the precedent." Timken's Response at 27. Further, a lower court may not ordinarily disregard its reviewing court's precedent. Strickland v. United States, 423 F.3d 1335, 1338 n. 3 (Fed. Cir. 2005).

Although the Federal Circuit in Corus Staal did not hold that the statute "unambiguously requires providing for zeroing negative margin transactions," as Plaintiff argues, such a directive is not necessary for Commerce's interpretation to be upheld. See Plaintiffs' Motion at 25 (quoting Timken, 354 F.3d at 1341; Corus Staal, 395 F.3d 1343). Pursuant to this court's firmly established review standard, this court need only find that Commerce's interpretation was a reasonable one. Udall v. Tallman, 380 U.S. at 16, 85 S.Ct. 792; Consolo, 383 U.S. at 619-20, 86 S.Ct. 1018.

Plaintiff also proposes that the Federal Circuit cases which upheld the practice of zeroing should have curtailed their analysis at step one of the Chevron inquiry because the plain language of the statute is clear and because "Congress has spoken directly to the question at issue and its intent that Commece use both negative and positive values is clear. . . ." Plaintiffs' Motion at 25, 27. SKF also argues that because the Government states its zeroing methodology is "not mandated by statute or regulation," any deference is unwarranted. Id. at 26. Absent any new information which shows circumstances have changed, or some reason for a different Chevron analysis, there is no need to re-examine zeroing at this time. See Paul Muller Industrie GmbH v. United States, 435 F.Supp.2d 1241, 1245 (CIT 2006) (sustaining zeroing in the 14th review); NSK Ltd. v. United States, 416 F.Supp.2d 1334, 1338 (CIT 2006) (sustaining zeroing in the 13th review).

Because zeroing has been affirmed and settled by the Federal Circuit in Corus Staal and Timken, there is no reason to overturn Commerce's zeroing practice based upon a ruling by the WTO "unless and until such ruling has been adopted pursuant to the specified statutory scheme." Paul Muller, 435 F.Supp.2d at 1245; See Gilda Industries, Inc. v. United States, 446 F.3d 1271, 1284 (Fed. Cir. 2006) (stating that no person other than the United States "may challenge, in any action brought under any provision of law, any action or inaction by any department, agency, or other instrumentality of the United States . . . on the ground that such action or inaction is inconsistent with [the Uruguay Round Agreements].") (quoting 19 U.S.C. § 3512(c)(1)(B)); Corus Staal, 395 F.3d at 1348. Because no such ruling has been adopted in this case, there is no reason to re-examine the issue of zeroing at this juncture.

V Conclusion

For the above stated reasons, Commerce's determination in Ball Bearings and Parts Thereof From France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, 70 Fed. Reg. 54,711 (September 16, 2005) is sustained.

ORDER AND JUDGMENT

This case having come before the court upon the Rule 56.2 Motion for Judgment Upon the Agency Record filed by SKF USA Inc., SKF France S.A., SKF Aerospace France, SKF GmbH and SKF Industrie S.p.A.; the court having reviewed all pleadings and papers on file herein, having heard oral argument, and after due deliberation, having reached a decision herein; now, in conformity with said decision, it is hereby

ORDERED ADJUDGED AND DECREED that Plaintiffs Motion is DENIED; and it is further

ORDERED ADJUDGED AND DECREED that the decision of the U.S. Department of Commerce ("Commerce") in Ball Bearings and Parts Thereof From France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Reviews, 70 Fed.Reg. 54,711 (September 16, 2005) is hereby SUSTAINED; and it is further

ORDERED that all parties shall review the court's Opinion in this matter and notify the court in writing on or before Friday, June 8, 2007, whether any information contained in the Opinion is confidential, identify any such information, and request its deletion from the public version of the Opinion to be issued thereafter. The parties shall suggest alternative language for any portions they wish deleted. If a party determines that no information needs to be deleted, that party shall so notify the court in writing on or before June 8, 2007.