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News Release 20-034
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1446 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of sodium sulfate anhydrous from Canada that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are 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 negative.
As a result of the Commission’s negative determination, no antidumping duty order will be issued.
The Commission’s public report Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous from Canada (Inv. No. 731-TA-1446 (Final), USITC Publication 5050, May 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available by May 27, 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
Sodium Sulfate Anhydrous from Canada
Investigation No. 731-TA-1446 (Final)
Product Description: Sodium sulfate anhydrous (SSA) is a white, granular, crystallized powder with the chemical formula Na2SO4. This salt is primarily used in powder detergent formulations, glassmaking, pulp and paper, and textile dying. The subject merchandise includes SSA whose percentage of particles between 20 mesh and 100 mesh ranges from 10-95 percent and the percentage of particles finer than 100 mesh ranges from 5-90 percent, based on U.S. mesh series screens. The SSA may be of any purity, grade, color, and form of packaging, so long as there is no water of crystallization present. The product may be made either naturally, as a derivative of brines, or synthetically, as part of another chemical process.
Status of Proceeding:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigation.
2. Petitioners: Cooper Natural Resources, Inc., Fort Worth, TX; Elementis Global LLC, East Windsor, NJ; and Searles Valley Minerals, Inc., Overland Park, KS.
3. USITC Initiation Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019.
4. USITC Commission’s Hearing Date: Thursday, March 19, 2020 (virtual hearing, conducted via written submissions).
5. USITC Commission’s Vote Date: Thursday, April 23, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Thursday, May 14, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 7.
2. Location of producers’ plants: California, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 132.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $27.6 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $35.1 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 10.6 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: $5.8 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $1.7 million.
3. Leading import sources: Canada, China, India, Japan.
News Release 20-033
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-639-642 and 731-TA-1475-1492 (Preliminary)
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 common alloy aluminum sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of Bahrain, Brazil, India, and 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 Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey, with its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about June 3, 2020, and its antidumping duty determinations due on or about August 17, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-639-642 and 731-TA-1475-1492 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5049, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after May 21, 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
Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from
Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy,
Korea, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-639-642 and 731-TA-1475-1492 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Common alloy aluminum sheet (CAAS) is a thin flat-rolled aluminum product. It has a thickness of 6.3 mm or less, but greater than 0.2 mm, in coils or cut-to-length, regardless of width. CAAS within the scope of these investigations include both not clad and multi-alloy clad aluminum sheet. Not clad aluminum can be produced from a 1XXX, 3XXX, or 5XXX series alloy, while multi-alloy clad CAAS is produced using a 3XXX series alloy core, to which cladding layers are applied to either one or both sides of the core. CAAS in this instance specifically excludes can stock used in the manufacturing of aluminum beverage cans, lids, and tabs for such cans. CAAS is used in applications such as building and construction, electrical, infrastructure, marine, and transportation, among others.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: Aleris Rolled Products, Inc.; Arconic, Inc.; Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC; JW Aluminum Company; Novelis Corporation; and Texarkana Aluminum, Inc.
3. USITC Institution Date: March 9, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: March 27 – April 2, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: April 22, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: April 23, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 9 confirmed producers.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
3. Production and related workers: 4,731.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $4.1 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $7.4 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 30.6 percent by value.
U.S. Imports in 2019:
1. Subject imports: $2.3 billion.
2. Nonsubject imports: $1.1 billion.
3. Leading import sources: Canada, Germany, Bahrain, Oman.
News Release 20-032
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1474 (Preliminary)
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 ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene from Korea that are allegedly 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 determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping duty investigation concerning imports of this product from Korea, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about August 11, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene from Korea (Inv. No. 731-TA-1474 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5048, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after May 18, 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
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene from Korea
Investigation No. 731-TA-1474 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is an extremely high viscosity, substantially linear polyethylene, typically in the form of a granule or powder. It is defined by its melt mass-flow rate of <0.1 g/10 min, measured at 190°C and 21.6 kg load, and includes blends but excludes medical-grade UHMWPE. UHMWPE has the highest impact strength of the polyethylenes and is used to create fibers that are used in demanding, high strength applications such as ballistic and slash-proof armor, as well as snowboards, skis, cut-resistant gloves, bow strings, climbing equipment, fishing line, spear lines for spear-guns, high performance sails, suspension lines on sport parachutes and paragliders, rigging in yachting, tow lines for boating, kites, and kite lines for kite sports. UHMWPE can be used in a variety of industries, including construction, agriculture, material handling, transportation, textile, pulp and paper, wastewater treatment, food and beverage, mining, marine applications, porous plastics, oil and gas, high performance fibers, and battery separators.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioner: Celanese Corporation, TX.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, April 17, 2020.
6. USITC Views to Commerce: Monday, April 27, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 2.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Texas.
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: Brazil, Germany, Japan, Korea, and the Netherlands.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 20-029
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-513 and 731-TA-1249 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that terminating the suspended investigations on imports of sugar from Mexico 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 suspended investigations on imports of this product from Mexico will remain in effect.
Chairman David S. Johanson and Commissioners Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Jason E. Kearns, Randoph 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 Sugar from Mexico (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-513 and 731-TA-1249 (Review), USITC Publication 5045, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by May 12, 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 Sugar from Mexico were instituted on November 29, 2019.
On March 3, 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.
News Release 20-028
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-501 (Review)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing countervailing duty order on imports of chlorinated isocyanurates 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 countervailing duty order 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 this review.
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 Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China (Inv. No. 701-TA-501 (Review), USITC Publication 5044, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.
The report will be available by May 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) review concerning Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China was instituted on October 1, 2019.
On January 6, 2020, the Commission voted to conduct an expedited review. 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 an expedited review. Commissioner Jason E. Kearns did not participate in this 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.
News Release 20-026-COR
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-620 and 731-TA-1445 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of wooden cabinets and vanities 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.
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 these products from China.
The Commission’s public report Wooden Cabinets and Vanities from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-620 and 731-TA-1445 (Final), USITC Publication 5042, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by April 27, 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
Wooden Cabinets and Vanities from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-620 and 731-TA-1445 (Final)
Product Description: Wooden cabinets and vanities ("WCVs") are wood‐constructed products used for permanently installed cabinetry that are usually found in the kitchen (in the case of cabinets) or the bathroom (in the case of vanities). WCVs have physical characteristics applicable to the intended use for storage and easy access of various household items. WCVs may be sold in a fully assembled form, where the product is ready for installation, or in a "flat pack" or "ready to assemble" ("RTA") form, which contains most or all of the items required to assemble a cabinet or vanity into its completed form. WCVs are manufactured wholly or in part from wood products, including natural wood and engineered wood products. In addition to the wood components, these products may contain certain quantities of non‐wood material such as glass, vinyl, plastics, and metal.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioners: American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance, Reston, VA.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2019.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Monday, April 13, 2020. [CORRECTED]
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 49.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
3. Production and related workers: 35,459.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $7.2 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: 1
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 1
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: [1]
2. Nonsubject imports: 1
3. Leading import sources: China.
[1] Withheld to avoid disclosure of business proprietary information.
News Release 20-024
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-618-619 and 731-TA-1441-1442 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of carbon and alloy steel threaded rod from China and India 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 carbon and alloy steel threaded rod from China and India.
The Commission’s public report Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-618-619 and 731-TA-1441-1442 (Final), USITC Publication 5040, April 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by April 24, 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
Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod from China and India
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-618-619 and 731-TA-1441-1442 (Final)
Product Description: Threaded rod is generally threaded along its entire length and is produced from low carbon, medium carbon, or alloy steel wire rod or bar. It is used primarily in commercial (non-residential) construction to suspend electrical conduits; pipes for plumbing; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) ductwork; and sprinkler systems for fire protection, among other applications. Threaded rod can also be used as a headless screw in general fastener applications or for bolting together pipe joints.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Final phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Vulcan Threaded Products, Inc., Pelham, AL.
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, February 21, 2019.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Friday, March 19, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: Friday, April 3, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 10.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, California, Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
3. Production and related workers: 330.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $122.6 million.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $443.9 million.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent U.S. consumption: 48.8 percent.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. Subject imports: $216.5 million.
2. Nonsubject imports: $104.7 million.
3. Leading import sources: China, India, Taiwan, and Thailand.
News Release 20-023
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-638 and 731-TA-1473 (Preliminary)
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 corrosion inhibitors 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 April 30, 2020, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about July 14, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Corrosion Inhibitors from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-638 and 731-TA-1473 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5039, March 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available after April 20, 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, 20436
FACTUAL HIGHLIGHTS
Corrosion Inhibitors from China
Investigation Nos. 701-TA-638 and 731‐TA‐1473 (Preliminary)
Product Description: Corrosion inhibitors covered in these investigations are used to protect elements and metal alloys, including copper, copper alloys, zinc, cobalt, silver, aluminum, and steel from corrosion, a natural process that converts a refined metal into a more chemically stable form (e.g., an oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide). Specifically, the scope includes tolyltriazole and benzotriazole of all grades and forms, including the sodium salt forms. Included are mixtures of tolyltriazole, benzotriazole, and their salt forms amongst themselves or with other products, provided that the tolyltriazole and benzotriazole comprise at least 5 percent of the mixture on a dry weight basis. The products are typically used for corrosion protection in a variety of applications, such as industrial water treatment, automotive fluids, metalworking fluids, aircraft and runway de-icers, lubricants, direct treatment, cleaners, circuit boards, inks, and coatings.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations.
2. Petitioner: Wincom, Inc., Ohio.
3. USITC Institution Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, March 19, 2020.
6. USITC Views to Commerce: Monday, March 30, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 3.
2. Location of producers’ plants: South Carolina, Texas 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: 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.
News Release 20-022
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1435-1436 and 1439 (Final)
Contact: Peg O'Laughlin, 202-205-1819
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of acetone from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are 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 duty orders on imports of this product from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa.
The Commission’s public report Acetone from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa (Inv. Nos. 731-TA-1435-1436 and 1439 (Final), USITC Publication 5038, March 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.
The report will be available by April 20, 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
Acetone from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa
Investigation Nos. 731-TA-1435-1436, 1439 (Final)
Product Description: Acetone, also known as dimethyl ketone, propan-2-one, or 2-propanone, among other names, is an organic chemical with the formula (CH3)2CO. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number for acetone is 67–64–1. Commercial production of acetone uses traditional chemical synthesis. Available in various grades, acetone is used both as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals (e.g., plastics and pharmaceuticals) and as a solvent. Acetone is a clear colorless liquid with a sweet odor.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigations: Final phase antidumping duty.
2. Petitioners: AdvanSix Inc., Parsippany, NJ; Altivia Petrochemicals, LLC, Haverhill, OH; and Olin Corporation, Clayton, MO.
3. USITC Institution Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2019.
4. USITC Hearing Date: Monday, October 21, 2019.
5. USITC Vote Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
6. USITC Notification to Commerce Date: March 30, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2018:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 8.
2. Location of producers’ plants: Alabama, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.
3. Production and related workers: 608.
4. U.S. producers’ U.S. shipments: $1.0 billion.
5. Apparent U.S. consumption: $1.2 billion.
6. Ratio of subject imports to apparent consumption from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa (percent): 12.4.
U.S. Imports in 2018:
1. U.S. imports from Belgium, Korea, and South Africa: $148.7 million.
2. U.S. imports from Singapore and Spain: $28.2 million.
3. U.S. imports from all other sources: $11.1 million.
4. Leading import sources: Belgium, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, and Spain.
News Release 20-018
Inv. No(s). 731-TA-1472 (Preliminary)
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 difluoromethane (R-32) from China that are allegedly 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 determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue with its antidumping duty investigation concerning imports of this product from China, with its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about July 2, 2020.
The Commission’s public report Difluoromethane (R-32) from China (Inv. No. 731-TA-1472 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5036, March 2020) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigation.
The report will be available after April 6, 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
Difluoromethane from China
Investigation No. 731‐TA‐1472 (Preliminary)
Product Description: R-32 is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), a colorless, odorless, gaseous chemical that is primarily used as a component in HFC blends. Once blended, these gases are used for various residential and commercial refrigerant and cooling applications. Apart from ‘R-32’, difluoromethane has other names, including HFC-32, FC-32, Freon-32, methylene difluoride, methylene fluoride, carbon fluoride hydride, halocarbon R32, fluorocarbon R32, and UN 3252. Compared to other HFC components, R-32 has a low global warming potential, no ozone depletion potential, and is a low-to-medium temperature refrigerant.
Status of Proceedings:
1. Type of investigation: Preliminary phase antidumping duty investigation.
2. Petitioner: Arkema, Inc., PA.
3. USITC Institution Date: Thursday, January 23, 2020.
4. USITC Conference Date: Thursday, February 13, 2020.
5. USITC Vote Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020.
6. USITC Views to Commerce: Monday, March 16, 2020.
U.S. Industry in 2019:
1. Number of U.S. producers: 1.
2. Location of producer’s plants: Kentucky.
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.