July 19, 2012
News Release 12-081
Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1202-1203 (P)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of xanthan gum from Austria and China that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value.
Chairman Irving A. Williamson and Commissioners Daniel R. Pearson, Shara L. Aranoff, Dean A. Pinkert, and David S. Johanson voted in the affirmative. Commissioner Deanna Tanner Okun did not participate in these investigations.
As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its investigations on imports of these products, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about November 12, 2012.
The Commission's public report Xanthan Gum from Austria and China (Investigation Nos. 731- TA-1202-1203 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 4342, July 2012) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
Copies of the report are expected to be available after August 17, 2012, 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.
Xanthan Gum from Austria and China
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1202-03 (Preliminary)
Product Description: This investigation covers xanthan gum, which is a hydrocolloid used as a thickener and stabilizer in water-based solutions. Xanthan gum has unique chemical properties, which are desirable for many end-use applications. The product is used in three major sectors: food and beverage products, consumer goods and pharmaceutical products, and oilfield and industrial uses. Xanthan gum is classified under HTS subheading 3913.90.20, which is a residual category covering products in addition to the subject product.
Status of Proceedings: 1. Types of investigations: Preliminary antidumping. 2. Petitioner: CP Kelco U.S., Atlanta, GA. 3. Petition filed with USITC: June 5, 2012. 4. USITC staff conference: June 26, 2012. 5. USITC vote: July 19, 2012. 6. USITC determinations due to the U.S. Department of Commerce: July 20, 2012. U.S. Industry: 1. Number of U.S. firms involved in production of CSOBAs in 2011: Two. 2. Location of producers' plants: California, Oklahoma, and Illinois. 3. Employment of production and related workers in 2011: 4. U.S. producers' shipments in 2011: 1/ 5. U.S. apparent consumption in 2011: 1/ 6. Ratio of quantity of total imports to U.S. production in 2011: 1/ U.S. Imports: 1. Total imports in 2011: 1/ 2. Total subject imports from Austria and China in 2011: 1/ 3. Total non-subject imports in 2011: 1/_______________________________
1/ Withheld to avoid disclosure of business propeirtary information.
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