June 9, 2020
News Release 20-057
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1125 (Second Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of electrolytic manganese dioxide from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of this product from China will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.  

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.  See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.

The Commission’s public report Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1125 (Review), USITC Publication 5069, June 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by July 10, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.


BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information.  Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review.  If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.

The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews.  Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

The five-year (sunset) review concerning Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide from China was instituted on December 2, 2019.

On March 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for an expedited review.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct an expedited review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.

# # #
June 5, 2020
News Release 20-054
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-510 and 731-TA-1245 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Calcium Hypochlorite from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of calcium hypochlorite from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.  Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in these reviews.

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.  See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Calcium Hypochlorite from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-510 and 731-TA-1245 (Review), USITC Publication 5065, June 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by July 8, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.


BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information.  Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review.  If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.

The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews.  Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Calcium Hypochlorite from China were instituted on December 2, 2019.

On March 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.  Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in these reviews.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.

# # #
June 3, 2020
News Release 20-053
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-512 and 731-TA-1248 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of carbon and certain alloy steel wire rod from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.  

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.  See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-512 and 731-TA-1248 (Review), USITC Publication 5064, June 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by July 6, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.


BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information.  Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review.  If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.

The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews.  Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from China were instituted on December 2, 2019.

On March 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct expedited reviews. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic group response was adequate and the respondent group response was inadequate and voted for expedited reviews.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.

# # #
May 29, 2020
News Release 20-052
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-646 and 731-TA-1502-1516 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates

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 prestressed concrete steel wire strand from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of Turkey. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about July 10, 2020, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 23, 2020. 

The Commission’s public report Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-646 and 731-TA-1502-1516 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5062, June 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after June 29, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:  https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand (PC strand) from Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia,South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-646 and 731-TA-1502-1516 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  The merchandise covered by these investigations is prestressed concrete steel wire strand (PC strand), produced from wire of non-stainless, non-galvanized steel, which is suitable for use in prestressed concrete (both pre-tensioned and post-tensioned) applications. The product definition encompasses covered and uncovered strand and all types, grades, and diameters of PC strand. PC strand is normally sold in the United States in sizes ranging from 0.25 inches to 0.70 inches in diameter.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Insteel Wire Products, Mount Airy, NC; Sumiden Wire Products Corporation, Dickson, TN; and Wire Mesh Corporation, Houston, TX.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Thursday, April 16, 2020.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Thursday, May 7, 2020.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, May 29, 2020.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, June 1, 2020.

U.S. Industry in 2019:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  5.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Arkansas, California, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
3.   Production and related workers:  378.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $321.4 million.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  $450.3 million.
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  25.3 percent.

U.S. Imports in 2019:

1.   Subject imports:  $114.1 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  $14.8 million.
3.   Leading import sources:  Malaysia, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, and Italy.

# # #
May 28, 2020
News Release 20-051
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-625 and 731-TA-1450-1451 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Quartz Surface Products from India and Turkey Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of quartz surface products from India and Turkey that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from India and Turkey.

The Commission also made negative findings concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from India and Turkey.  As a result, imports of quartz surface products from India and Turkey will not be subject to retroactive countervailing duties.

The Commission’s public report Quartz Surface Products from India and Turkey (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-624-625 and 731-TA-1450-1451 (Final), USITC Publication 5061, June 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by July 1, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Quartz Surface Products from India and Turkey
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-624-625 and 731-TA-1450-1451 (Final)

Product Description:  Quartz surface products consist of slabs and other surfaces created from a mixture of materials that includes predominately silica (e.g., quartz, quartz powder, cristobalite), resin binder (e.g., an unsaturated polyester), and other materials, including, but not limited to, pigments, cement, or other additives. In addition to slabs, the scope of these investigations includes, but is not limited to, other surfaces such as countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops, bar tops, work tops, tabletops, flooring, wall facing, shower surrounds, fireplace surrounds, mantels, and tiles. Quartz surface products are covered by these investigations whether or not polished, cut, fabricated, cured, edged, finished, thermoformed, packaged, and regardless of the type of surface finish.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioner:  Cambria Company LLC, Le Sueur, MN.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, May 8, 2019.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Wednesday, April 29, 2020.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, May 28, 2020.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, June 15, 2020.

U.S. Industry in 2019:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  6.[1]
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Tennessee.
3.   Production and related workers: [2]
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 2
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption: 2
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 2

U.S. Imports in 2019:

1.   Subject imports: 2
2.   Nonsubject imports: 2
3.   Leading import sources:  India, Spain, Vietnam, Turkey, and Israel.

 

[1] Pertains only to quartz slab producers as this information excludes fabricators.

[2] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
May 14, 2020
News Release 20-044
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations on Mattresses from from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam

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 mattresses from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of China. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 24, 2020, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about September 8, 2020.

The Commission’s public report Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5059, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after June 12, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:  https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Mattresses from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-645 and 731-TA-1495-1501 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  "Mattress" generally means a resilient material or combination of materials generally enclosed by ticking that is intended or promoted for sleeping upon by people. Mattresses generally consist of (1) a core, (2) upholstery material, and (3) ticking. The core provides the main support system of the mattress. The core may consist of innersprings, non-innersprings (e.g., foam), other resilient filling, or a combination of these materials. "Upholstery" refers to the material between the core and the ticking. "Ticking" refers to the cover or the outermost layer of fabric or other material that encloses the core and any upholstery material.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Brooklyn Bedding, Phoenix, AZ; Corsicana Mattress Co., Dallas, TX; Elite Comfort Solutions, Newnan, GA; FXI, Inc., Media,  PA; Innocor, Inc., Media, PA; Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc., Chicago, IL; Leggett & Platt, Inc., Carthage, MO; the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Washington, DC; and United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFLCIO, Washington, DC.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, May 14, 2020.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Friday, May 15, 2020.

U.S. Industry in 2019:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  at least 63.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
3.   Production and related workers: [1]
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $4.8 billion.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1

U.S. Imports in 2019:

1.   Subject imports:  $1.1 billion.
2.   Nonsubject imports: 1
3.   Leading import sources:  China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

# # #
May 8, 2020
News Release 20-042
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-644 and 731-TA-1494 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders from China

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 non-refillable steel cylinders from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 22, 2020, and its antidumping duty determination due on or about September 3, 2020.

The Commission’s public report Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-644 and 731-TA-1494 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5057, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after June 8, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:  https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Non-Refillable Steel Cylinders from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-644 and 731-TA-1494 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  The non-refillable steel cylinders covered by these investigations are produced to meet the requirements of U.S. Department of Transportation Specification 39, TransportCanada Specification 39M, or United Nations pressure receptacle standard ISO 11118. The subject non-refillable steel cylinders are portable and range from 300-cubic inch (4.9 liter) water capacity to 1,526-cubic inch (25 liter) water capacity. The subject non-refillable steel cylinders may be imported with or without a valve and/or pressure-release device and are unfilled at the time of importation.  Specifically excluded are seamless non-refillable steel cylinders.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations:  Preliminary antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioner:  Worthington Industries, Columbus, OH.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Friday, March 27, 2020.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Friday, April 15, 2020 – Wednesday April 22, 2020 (conducted through written statements, testimony, and questions and responses).
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, May 8, 2020.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, May 11, 2020.

U.S. Industry in 2019:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  One.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Kentucky and Ohio.
3.   Production and related workers: [1]
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: 1
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  percent. 1

U.S. Imports in 2019:

1.   Subject imports: 1
2.   Nonsubject imports: 1
3.   Leading import sources:  China.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid revealing business proprietary information.

# # #
May 8, 2020
News Release 20-042
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-991 (Third Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Silicon Metal from Russia

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty order on imports of silicon metal from Russia would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing antidumping duty order on imports of this product from Russia will remain in place. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.  

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.  See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.

The Commission’s public report Silicon Metal from Russia (Inv. No. 731-TA-991 (Third Review), USITC Publication 5058, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by June 17, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.


BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.

The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information.  Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review.  If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.

The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews.  Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the review, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

The five-year (sunset) review concerning Silicon Metal from Russia was instituted on June 3, 2019.

On September 6, 2019, the Commission voted to conduct a full review. Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that both the domestic and the respondent group responses were adequate and voted for a full review.

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct a full review is available from the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.  Requests may be made by telephone by calling 202-205-1802.

# # #
May 1, 2020
News Release 20-038
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-643 and 731-TA-1493 (Preliminary)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
USITC Votes to Continue Investigations Concerning Small Vertical Shaft Engines from China

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 small vertical shaft engines from China that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value. 

Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randolph J. Stayin, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning imports of this product from China, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about June 11, 2020, and its antidumping duty determination due on or about August 25, 2020.

The Commission’s public report Small Vertical Shaft Engines from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-643 and 731-TA-1493 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5054, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available after June 1, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at:  https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Small Vertical Shaft Engines from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-643 and 731-TA-1493 (Preliminary)

Product Description:  Spark-ignited, non-road, vertical shaft engines, whether finished or unfinished, whether assembled or unassembled, whether mounted or unmounted, primarily for walk-behind lawn mowers. Engines meeting this physical description may also be for other non-hand-held outdoor power equipment, including but not limited to, pressure washers. The subject engines are spark ignition, single-cylinder, air cooled, internal combustion engines with vertical power take off shafts with a minimum displacement of 99 cubic centimeters (cc) and a maximum displacement of up to, but not including, 225cc. Typically, engines with displacements of this size generate gross power of between 1.95 kilowatts (kw) to 4.75 kw.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigation:  Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  Briggs & Stratton Corporation, Wauwatosa, WI.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
4.   USITC Conference Date:  Wednesday, April 8, 2020.
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Friday, May 1, 2020.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Monday, May 4, 2020.

U.S. Industry in 2019:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  2.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Kentucky, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
3.   Production and related workers:  [1]
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  1
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  1
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  1

U.S. Imports in 2019:

1.   Subject imports:  1
2.   Nonsubject imports:  1
3.   Leading import sources:  China.

 

[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.

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April 30, 2020
News Release 20-037
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-621 and 731-TA-1447 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
Ceramic Tile from China Injures U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of ceramic tile from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value.

Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative. Chairman David S. Johanson voted in the negative.  Commissioner Randolph J. Stayin did not participate in these investigations.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on imports of this product from China.

The Commission also made a negative finding concerning critical circumstances with regard to imports of this product from China.  As a result, imports of ceramic tile from China will not be subject to retroactive antidumping duties.

The Commission’s public report Ceramic Tile from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-621 and 731-TA-1447 (Final), USITC Publication 5053, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by June 2, 2020; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.


UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20436

FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS

Ceramic Tile from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-621 and 731-TA-1447 (Final)

Product Description:  Ceramic tile (e.g., flooring tile, wall tile, paving tile, hearth tile, porcelain tile, mosaic tile, flags, finishing tile, etc.) contains a mixture of clay and other minerals that is fired so that the raw materials are fused together into a finished product that is less than 3.2 cm (1.3 inches) thick. All ceramic tile is subject to the scope regardless of end use, surface area, and weight; whether glazed or unglazed; water absorption coefficient; extent of vitrification; and whether or not on a backing. Ceramic tile may also include decorative features that may in spots exceed 3.2 cm (1.3 inches) in thickness. Ceramic tile “slabs” or “panels” are larger than 1 square meter (11 square feet). Subject merchandise also includes ceramic tile that undergoes minor processing (e.g., beveling, cutting, trimming, staining, painting, polishing, finishing, additional firing, etc.) in a third country prior to importation into the United States, or undergoes minor processing after importation into the United States.

Status of Proceedings:

1.   Type of investigations:  Final-phase countervailing duty and antidumping investigations.
2.   Petitioners:  American Wonder Porcelain, Lebanon, TN; Crossville Inc., Crossville, TN; Dal‐Tile Corp., Dallas, TX; Del Conca USA Inc., Loudon, TN; Florida Tile Inc., Lexington, KY; Florim USA, Clarksville, TN; Landmark Ceramics, Mount Pleasant, TN; and StonePeak Ceramics, Chicago, IL.
3.   USITC Institution Date:  Wednesday, April 10, 2019.
4.   USITC Hearing Date:  Tuesday, March 30 – Thursday, April 10, 2020 (conducted through written statements, testimony, questions and responses, and oral closing arguments).
5.   USITC Vote Date:  Thursday, April 30, 2020.
6.   USITC Notification to Commerce Date:  Tuesday, May 21, 2020.

U.S. Industry in 2018:

1.   Number of U.S. producers:  13.
2.   Location of producers’ plants:  Alabama, California, Kentucky, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
3.   Production and related workers:  3,399.
4.   U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments:  $1.3 billion.
5.   Apparent U.S. consumption:  $3.5 billion.
6.   Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption:  17.6 percent.

U.S. Imports in 2018:

1.   Subject imports:  $624.4 million.
2.   Nonsubject imports:  $1.7 billion.
3.   Leading import sources:  Brazil, China, Italy, Mexico, and Spain.

 

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