November 6, 2009
News Release 09-093
Inv. Nos. 701-TA-473 and 731-TA-1173 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) today announced its determinations in its preliminary phase antidumping and countervailing duty cases concerning imports of certain sodium and potassium phosphate salts from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

The Commission found four domestic like products in these investigations. With respect to sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), the Commission made negative determinations. All six Commissioners voted in the negative.

With respect to dipotassium phosphate (DKP), the Commission made affirmative determinations on the basis of threat. All six Commissioners made affirmative threat determinations.

With respect to tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP), the Commission made affirmative determinations on the basis of threat. Chairman Shara L. Aranoff, Vice Chairman Daniel R. Pearson, and Commissioners Deanna Tanner Okun, Irving A. Williamson, and Dean A. Pinkert made affirmative threat determinations; Commissioner Charlotte R. Lane made an affirmative determination on the basis of present injury.

With respect to monopotassium phosphate (MKP), the Commission made affirmative determinations. Commissioners Lane, Williamson, and Pinkert made affirmative present injury determinations; Chairman Aranoff, Vice Chairman Pearson, and Commissioner Okun made affirmative threat determinations.

As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations regarding DKP, TKPP, and MKP, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of these products from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about December 18, 2009 and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about March 3, 2010.

As a result of the Commission's negative determinations regarding STPP, the investigations concerning imports of that product will end.

The Commission's public report Certain Sodium and Potassium Phosphate Salts from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-473 and 731-TA-1173 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4110, November 2009) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

Copies of the report are expected to be available after December 8, 2009, by emailing pubrequest@usitc.gov, calling 202-205-2000, or writing to the Office of the Secretary, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Requests may also be faxed to 202-205-2104.

Product Description: The products covered by these investigations are salts of phosphoric acid, H3PO4, and as such these chemical products are labeled phosphates. These include sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP); monopotassium phosphate (MKP); and dipotassium phosphate (DKP). The phosphate salts at issue in this proceeding are sold primarily as either a technical or a food grade. STPP is used in industrial and institutional cleaning products where it functions as a builder enhancing the cleansing ability of the product. TKPP is used in liquid cleaning products and in potable and industrial water treatment where it acts to prevent scaling. MKP is used as a fertilizer and as a stabilizer. DKP is also used as a fertilizer and as a food additive.

Status of Proceedings:

1. Type of investigation: Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty.
2. Petitioners: ICL Performance Products LP, St. Louis, MO; and Prayon, Inc., Augusta, GA. 
3. Investigations instituted by the USITC: September 24, 2009.
4. Conference: October 15, 2009.
5. USITC vote: November 6, 2009.
6. USITC notification of Department of Commerce: November 9, 2009.

U.S. Industry:

1. Number of producers in 2008: Three.
2. Location of producers' plants: Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, and Ohio.
3. Employment of production and related workers in 2008: (1)
4. Apparent U.S. consumption in 2008: (1) 
5. Ratio of the quantity of total U.S. imports to total U.S. production in 2008: (1)

U.S. Imports:

1. Quantity of subject imports in 2008: (1)
2. Value of subject imports in 2008: (1)

(1) Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.