The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of certain polyester staple fiber from China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.

All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping investigation of imports of certain polyester staple fiber from China, with its preliminary determination due on or about November 30, 2006.

The Commission's public report Certain Polyester Staple Fiber from China (Investigation No. 731-TA-1104 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 3878, August 2006) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after September 6, 2006, 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: For purposes of this investigation, the product covered is certain polyester staple fiber (PSF). PSF is a man-made fiber that is similar in appearance to cotton or wool fiber when baled. Certain PSF is known in the industry as "fiber for fill," as it is generally used as stuffing in sleeping bags, mattresses, ski jackets, comforters, cushions, pillows, and furniture. Certain PSF has physical characteristics that distinguish it from other polyester staple fibers (such as carpet fiber and fiber for spinning), including the denier of the fiber, the length of the fiber, and in some cases the finish and "crimp" of the fiber. The merchandise subject to this investigation is provided for in subheading 5503.20.00 (statistical reporting numbers 5503.20.0045 and 5503.20.0065) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Status of Proceedings:
1.  Type of investigation:  Preliminary antidumping.
2.  Petitioners:  DAK Americas LLC, Charlotte, NC; Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, America,
        Lake City, SC; and Wellman, Inc., Shrewsbury, NJ.
3.  Investigation instituted by USITC:  June 23, 2006.
4.  Conference:  July 14, 2006.
5.  USITC vote:  August 7, 2006.
6.  USITC notification of Department of Commerce:  August 7, 2006.

U.S. Industry:
1.  Number of U.S. firms in 2005:  Eight.
2.  Production in 2005:  606,822,000 pounds.
3.  Employment of production and related workers:  1,043
4.  U.S. producers' U.S. shipments in 2005:  552,441,000 pounds.
5.  U.S. apparent consumption in 2005:  1,102,125,000 pounds.
6.  Ratio of quantity of total imports to U.S. apparent consumption 
        in 2005 (percent):  49.9  

U.S. Imports:
1.  Quantity of subject imports in 2005:  194,872,000 pounds.
2.  Value of subject imports in 2005:  $111,617,000


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