The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that U.S. industries are materially injured by reason of imports of certain folding metal tables and chairs from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners found two like products in this investigation -- certain folding metal tables and certain folding metal chairs -- and voted in the affirmative with respect to each.

As a result of the Commission's unanimous affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping investigation of imports of certain folding metal tables and chairs from China, with its preliminary determinations due on or about October 4, 2001.

The Commission's public report Certain Folding Metal Tables and Chairs from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-932 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3431, June 2001) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after July 9, 2001, by calling 202-205-1809 or from the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.

Product Description: The imported products subject to this investigation are assembled and unassembled folding tables and folding chairs made primarily or exclusively from steel or other metal. Folding metal tables include square, round, rectangular, and any other shapes with legs affixed with rivets, welds, or any other type of fastener, and which are made most commonly, but not exclusively, with a hardboard top covered with vinyl or fabric. Folding metal tables have legs that mechanically fold independently of one another, and not as a set. Specifically excluded from the scope of folding metal tables are lawn furniture; trays commonly referred to as "TV trays;" side tables; child-sized tables; portable counter sets consisting of rectangular tables 36" high and matching stools; and banquet tables. Folding metal chairs include chairs with one or more cross-braces, regardless of shape or size, affixed to the front and/or rear legs with rivets, welds, or any other type of fastener. Folding metal chairs include those that are made solely of steel or other metal; those that have a back pad, a seat pad, or both a back pad and a seat pad; and those that have seats or backs made of plastic or other materials. Specifically excluded from the scope of folding metal chairs are folding metal chairs with a wooden back or seat, or both; lawn furniture; stools; chairs with arms; and child-sized chairs. Folding metal tables and chairs are provided for in HTS subheadings 9401.71.00, 9401.79.00, and 9403.20.00.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping.
2. Petitioner: MECO Corp., Greenville, TN.
3. Investigation instituted by the USITC: April 27, 2001.
4. Preliminary conference: May 18, 2000.
5. Commission briefing and vote: June 11, 2001.
6. Commission's notification of the U.S. Department of Commerce: June 11, 2001.

U.S. Industries:

1. Number of producers: One producer of subject tables; 6 producers of subject chairs.
2. Location of producers' plants: Subject table production is in Tennessee; subject chair
     production is primarily in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Iowa, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2000: (1)
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2000: (1)
5. Ratio of quantity of total imports to U.S. consumption in 2000: (1)

U.S. imports in 2000:

1. From the subject country (China) during 2000: (1)
2. From other countries during 2000: (1)